A video showing ‘rescue’ geese swimming in oil reportedly from an ‘abandoned boat’ moored in Ancoats has prompted dismay from residents.
The video, posted in a Facebook group for the area by Luke Phizacklea yesterday evening (May 25), shows two birds paddling in a stretch of the Rochdale Canal. The water is discoloured, owing to an apparent oil spill.
“Has there been an oil spill from a boat or something? Absolutely thick as hell on Redhill Street, you can even smell it near the lock,” he posted.
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Speaking to the Manchester Evening News on Friday, Luke said he believed the source of the oil was an ‘abandoned boat parked on Redhill Street’. He also confirmed he’d reported the problem to the Canal and Rivers Trust.
“Those two geese are long term locals as well, they've lived on that stretch at least five years,” he continued. “One is a rescue, with a tag, so it’s s****y see them drink from it.”
Luke added that he saw some 'oil' down-water from where he took the video on Friday morning, by Lock 88, which is next to Great Ancoats Street.
The Canal and Rivers Trust ask anyone who witnesses pollution to report it as soon as they can. The charity’s website says: “All of our waterways are vulnerable to pollution, from small accidental spills that quickly disperse to major problems causing significant damage to the environment.
“If you see pollution on one of our canals or rivers, please report it.”
You can report pollution to the Canal and Rivers Trust by calling 0303 040 4040
During office hours, or 0800 47 999 47 out-of-hours. If it's a major pollution incident, you should contact the Environment Agency for England on 0800 80 70 60 or Natural Resources Wales on 0300 065 3000.
The Canal and Rivers Trust has been contacted for comment on the Redhill Street pollution incident.
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