Fuel Leak in Bramley village centre

Councillor Jane Austin is working with Waverley Borough Council's Environment team, the Environment Agency, Thames Water, UK Health Security Agency, Petroleum Enforcement Authority (Buckinghamshire & Surrey Trading Standards), and Highways (Surrey County Council) to support ASDA’s Environmental Consultants’ EPS to investigate and remediate petrol contamination. Jeremy Hunt MP is also liaising closely with the EA and Asda and meeting them on-site soon.

EPS provided a summary of ongoing investigations and actions, including the installation of boreholes in the village, with more likely in due course.

Contaminated water is going south towards the stream. Notably, it is following the line of ducting that has been laid for utilities where shallow groundwater is also having an impact. Following heavy rainfall more contaminated water is likely to reach the stream. Most utility assets follow the High Street towards the stream.

People have complained about odours in the area. Monitoring by the Petroleum Officer in response to complaints has shown the levels of petroleum products in the air have been significantly below any explosive levels. However, there have been occasions when the fire service has been asked, as a precautionary measure only, to assess the situation. If anyone is ever concerned about petroleum type odours inside a property, they should open the windows and doors and contact the Petroleum Enforcement Authority so they can investigate, telephone number 0300 123 2329.

Thames Water have been supporting investigations and testing water supplies. Results show there has been little impact on drinking water apart from two properties (sharing the same supply pipe), however, they will continue to monitor water supplies in the area. Any complaints about the quality of drinking water should be referred to Thames Water, telephone number 0800 316 9800.

Works started last week to try and resolve the water supply to the affected property. Works stopped as it was clear remediation of contaminated water in the ground was required first.

Investigations and remediation will inevitably continue for some time. A further update will be provided by EPS in December.