Pollution outspill at Lyneham - pipe problems polluted stream
28th February 2005
It has been reported this morning on BBC Radio Wiltshire that the Environment Agency has uncovered a series of problems at RAF Lyneham which led to the pollution of a stream. Residents last month reported seeing a grey mould in the Strings water course before smelling raw sewage that runs close to a childrens playground.

The Strings stream rises on the RAF airfield and runs under the main A3102 Lyneham to Calne road, down between Eider Avenue and Slessor Road. There are two anti-pollution absorbant booms across the stream at the moment to try to arrest the sludge pollution that could come from the RAF Station.

The Environment Agency have said the grey mould was identified as anti-freeze and de-icer from the runway. New contractors had apparently not been fully informed about the usual process for disposing of the run-off.

Local resident Mr Sam Wright, who regularly walks his two dogs along the footpath adjacent to the stream, is concerned that the spillage might be harmful for children who play near the streams adjacent to the Slessor Road playground. He has highlighted this spillage to the Environment Agency and RAF Lyneham and it appeared nothing had been done.

Sam Wright, former RAF Hercules pilot, said, "My reason for posting this situation, is to warn parents and pet owners to ensure their children and pets stay out of the stream until it is clear again."

There is a forum thread on the Lyneham Village Online website, that has highlighted this possible pollution hazard source of the grey sewage smelling sludge as aircraft de-icing fluid. Sam Wright spoke to BBC Radio Wiltshire this morning and has requested an investigation is carried out to find the pollution source. He has said "that the foul smelling substance could be aircraft de-icing fluid or possible fat overspill from the Sergeants' Mess kitchens on the base."

Investigations found a number of troubles, including cracked and blocked pipes and incorrect plumbing. Further tests, using cameras and dyes, found cracks in foul water pipes and that plumbing in the mess shower block had been installed incorrectly, spilling waste water into the stream. One pipe was found to be blocked by fat from the kitchens, forcing raw sewage into the water course. Paul Scotford, an environment officer with the Environment Agency, said the blockage has been cleared and the pipes repaired.