People and businesses are being urged not to dispose of paints or chemicals into surface water drains following a pollution incident in Sulby.
DEFA has been investigating contamination at the Millrace stream (upstream of Sulby River), which resulted in water turning red.
This follows a separate incident earlier this year when oil entered a duck pond in Governors Hill, highlighting ongoing concerns about improper disposal of hazardous materials.
DEFA’s Environmental Protection Unit has traced the source of the latest pollution, which was caused by the accidental spillage of paint during the recent storm, near a surface drain that feeds into the stream.
The paint was confirmed to be non-toxic on this occasion.
A statement said: “The department urges the public not to pour paint, chemicals, or oil into surface drains or road gullies and asks commercial businesses to ensure safe storage of such materials away from all drains.
“Old paint tins and oils can be safely disposed of at civic amenity sites, while small amounts of used cleaning products should be sealed in a container before being placed in the dustbin.
“Commercial waste can be collected through arrangement with local commissioners. Alternatively, large volumes of liquids or oils can be disposed of through the Energy from Waste Plant.”
Vegetable oils can be collected free of charge by the Animal Waste Rendering Plant—contact DEFA on 687595 for details.
For further information or to report an issue, contact Environmental Protection on 685885 or email environmentalprotection@gov.im.
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