The Agency confirmed that it’s investigating the incident next to Whorlton Beck, Whorlton, near Barnard Castle, which involves heating oil.
Officers from the government department said it was looking for more information on the oil spill and was aiming to clear the incident “as soon as possible”.
Whorlton Beck (Image: Stuart Boulton)
An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “We responded quickly to reports of a pollution spill on land near Whorlton Beck, inspecting the site and opening an investigation into the incident, which was caused by a loss of heating oil.
“Our officers are liaising with the landowner to clean up the contamination and protect the environment.
“We urge anyone with further information to contact our incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.”
Whorlton Beck (Image: Stuart Boulton)
It is understood that the oil did not enter the beck itself, though the Environment Agency said investigations were ongoing to fully establish the circumstances surrounding the spill and to ensure there is no further risk to the watercourse.
Whorlton Beck feeds into the River Tees and supports a variety of wildlife.
Whorlton Beck (Image: Stuart Boulton)
On the Environmental Agency website, it says that “heating oil can pose a significant threat to aquatic life and soil quality” if not managed quickly, potentially leading to “long-term environmental damage”.
The Environment Agency said it would continue to monitor the site while clean-up operations are carried out and assess whether any enforcement action is required once its investigation concludes.
Anyone who spots signs of pollution, including unusual smells, discoloured water or distressed wildlife, is encouraged to report it to the Agency immediately.
Further updates are expected once the clean-up is complete and the cause of the spill has been fully established, according to the Agency.