PEOPLE are being urged to stay away from a stretch of riverside and to follow "precautionary public health advice" two weeks after a spillage of red diesel at a council depot.

Work is continuing to monitor, contain and clean-up the spill from a tank at Sunderland City Council's South Hylton depot, which happened overnight on Monday, November 8 and Tuesday, November 9.

Fuel ran into a beck at the back of the depot which leads into a culvert exiting at Pottery Lane, South Hylton.

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The council said it is working with partner agencies on the response which includes containment, clean-up and monitoring.

No significant impacts on the River Wear have been identified and investigations of ground conditions are ongoing but, at this stage, the risk to public health is said to be low.

As a precautionary measure, people should avoid the affected beck and culvert area, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after coming into contact with any diesel or affected river water - not relying on hand santiser, make sure water sports equipment is thoroughly cleaned after use in the area, take extra care when going home and removing outer garments such as shoes after being in the area and those with existing health conditions such as asthmas should have medications handy and call 111 if symptoms occur.

To report visible or odour evidence of diesel call the council on 0191-5205550.

 

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