Published: March 31, 2008
Environment Agency investigates new oil spill scare near Burnham

The Environment Agency was called to investigate a second oil spill in Mark, near Burnham-On-Sea, on Monday morning (March 31st).

A resident spotted what was thought to be more oil in a rhyne and alerted the Agency on Monday morning.

Animal rescue centre Secret World was also contacted and its team checked whether any birds or wildlife were affected.

Secret World's Simon Kidner told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "We received a call from a resident who had reported this latest spill to the Environment Agency early this morning. We sent a team to the area to see if any wildlife needed treatment."

However, staff from the Environment Agency found no traces of oil after a thorough search of a wide area (pictured above).

Mike Dunning of the Environment Agency told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "We have checked several stretches of water and spent time talking to parish councillors in Mark but there were no signs of oil contamination."

This is the second investigation of an oil spill in Mark within a month. Five oil-coated birds were rescued by Secret World and BARB in February.

The birds - including the local goose Erroll the mascot of Mark - were due to be released on Monday morning by volunteers from Secret World but this had to be postponed.

Our photographs show the Environment Agency carrying out tests (top) and local residents and Secret World volunteers watching

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Oil spill sparks wildlife rescue operation near Burnham