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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Lauren Harte

Bangor businesses urged to check drainage connections after latest Ward Park pollution

Several businesses in Bangor have been urged to check their drainage connections and ensure compliance with oil storage regulations.

It comes after oil was found in the water in the Ward Park park area of the Co Down city.

The water pollution was discovered earlier this month when oil was found on the surface of the water in the upstream of Ward Park and traced back as far as the open waterway at Balloo Industrial Estate.

Read more: Queen’s Parade: Council approves plans for Bangor's long awaited £50million revamp

Due to the extensive culverting of the waterways in the area, it has not been possible to identify the exact source of the pollution.

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) said it requires all those using and storing oil products to be compliant with the Oil Storage Regulations as it applies to them and be mindful of isolating stormwater drainage connections should a spillage occur.

Ards and North Down DUP Councillor Alistair Cathcart said this is not an isolated incident.

"Contamination of the water has unfortunately occurred on a number of different occasions over the past number of years.

"The water pollution incident on 8 th July, where oil was found on the surface of the water was once again traced back to the Balloo Industrial Estate. This was especially disappointing, after the NIEA had visited businesses in the area to advise them of this issue.

"Due to the extensive culverting of the waterways in the area it has not been possible to identify the exact source of the pollution."

The water pollution incident impacting Ward Park, Bangor (Submitted)

The Bangor Central councillor added: "I call on all businesses to check drainage connections and to ensure compliance with oil storage regulations.

"The pollution harms our environment and threatens wildlife, especially at the wonderful Ward Park which is downstream.

"I would also urge the public to report all pollution incidents in real time through the 24hr emergency hotline 0800807060 or email emergency-pollution@daera-ni.gov.uk to ensure that these are investigated."

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