Petrol smells spark pollution probe

Friday 27 December 2019

An investigation has been launched into a possible “pollution incident” at Georgetown after reports of a petrol-like smell in the area, it has emerged.

The government’s Growth, Housing and Environment (GHE) department is leading the probe, which began in October and is centred around the area of Victoria Road.

Samples from the area have been taken and are currently being analysed.

News of the probe’s launch came in response to a request made under the Freedom of Information Law by a member of the public, who reported smelling “what can only be described as petrol (some type of fuel)” during their evening runs through the area.

Pictured: A "pollution incident" is suspected to have taken place around Victoria Road.

Asked for confirmation of any fuel leak or spillage at or near Victoria Road, government officials replied that GHE was “actively investigating a pollution incident in this area”.

However, they declined to reveal any further information about the suspected pollution, reasoning that doing so could “prejudice” their inquiry. 

Contacted by Express for comment, a GHE spokesperson said: "The incident is still under investigation and hence there is little that we are able to say at the moment.

"The incident was reported to Environmental Protection on 15 October 2019 and some samples have bene collected and sent for analysis."