The results of pollution samples taken from a brook in Exmouth where the water turned bright blue are being examined by government officials in charge of public health amid a criminal investigation.
Last week discoloured water sparked a probe by the Environment Agency (EA) to identify a mystery pollutant in the Littleham Brook, which it confirmed was not sewage.
East Devon News understands a criminal investigation is underway and the Environment Agency has now shared the water sampling results with its partners at UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
It is expected the government scientific agency, whose role incudes protecting public health, will assess if the pollution poses a risk to Exmouth.
The Environment Agency will use the information to review the current no-swim warning to stay out of the water at Exmouth beach and Littleham Brook.
The EA said detailed laboratory analysis of sample results ‘takes time’.
The lab results were returned on Tuesday (September 22) more than a week after the pollution was first discovered.
The lab results are being reviewed by the UK Health Security Agency, supporting the EA in assessing if there is a continued risk to public health.
In addition, sandbags have been piled up in the brook in a bid to confine the pollutant while the EA draws up a plan to reverse the damage left by the blue substance.
Swimmers, beach-goers and dogwalkers are urged to keep out of the water at Exmouth until further notice.
An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “We appreciate that people are concerned about the recent pollution incident in Littleham Brook, Exmouth.
“Our officers have installed sandbags to help contain the polluted area whilst we plan remediation of the stream.
“For now, we continue to advise the public and pets to avoid all contact with Littleham Brook, and not to enter the water at Exmouth beach and any nearby swimming spots.”
Environment Agency officers have banked up sandbags in Littleham Brook, Exmouth, in a bid to contain pollution which turned the water bright blue. Photo: The Environment Agency.
Early investigations into the Littleham Brook mystery pollution pointed to an ‘industrial source’, sparking warnings to stay out of the water as the bright blue substance continued to move downstream.
The discharge was later found to have stopped, but no-swim warnings were issued for Exmouth beach and the public was urged to stay away from the brook.
The pollution at Littehem Brook, Exmouth, has prompted warnings to stay away from the water and out of the sea.
Photos: The Environment Agency.
As the probe continued Environment Agency officers met with East Devon District Council, the UK Health Security Agency and the Animal and Plant Health Agency.
The Environment Agency believes the water pollution could be the result of dye, but said investigations are continuing.
Photos: The Environment Agency.
The pollution was graded as a Category One, confirmed as the ‘most serious’ to reflect ‘the severe environmental impact’ and time it would take the brook to recover.
