Dog covered in oil sparks investigation into possible spillage

Photo: Chris Nevard

Floyd - Border Collie

An investigation has been launched after a dog walker discovered a possible oil spillage in a stream in Norden.

Andy Cooper was out with Floyd, his Border Collie, when Floyd jumped into a stream off Clay Lane, close to the large substation in the Naden Valley area, for a swim.

When Floyd emerged he was covered in a foul-smelling substance which was extremely difficult to remove.

Concerned, Mr Cooper contacted the Environment Agency, which has launched an investigation into the cause.

Mr Cooper told Rochdale Online: “I was taking him for his usual walk up Clay Lane and, as dogs do, he went for a splash in the stream. Especially when the weather is hot, dogs jump into water – only it wasn’t water.

“When he came back there was a really weird smell and it wasn’t running off him like water should, and that’s when I realised he was covered in oil.”

He added: “It’s not a strong or dark oil, it’s more like a lubrication, but the smell is terrible and what a nightmare it was to get it off him.

“I got onto the Environment Agency hotline and they were really helpful, there are all sorts of people over there now dealing with the problem. If there was an oil spillage it should really have been reported to them straight away.”

A spokesperson from the Environment Agency confirmed that an investigation is underway, and that National Grid had sent contractors to deal with the immediate effects of the problem.

UPDATE: An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “A member of the public reported an oil spillage in Nordon Brook, Rochdale. The Environment Agency investigated and subsequently we have spoken to the owner who has employed a contractor to repair and clean up the area. There has been no impact on aquatic life.”