A fishing lake was narrowly saved from severe pollution when more than 600 litres of diesel was spilled into the waterways.
The spillage happened when snow and ice led to deteriorating driving conditions and caused a multi-vehicle accident on the M20, including a lorry which was carrying the oil.
The fuel made its way through the motorway draining system, down the Lilk Stream and into the top of Majors Lakes fishery at Bearsted.
Environment Agency officers were called and acted swiftly to reduce the harmful effects of the diesel.
Oil boom were also sent to contain the spill and minimise damage.
Jan Leslie, spokesperson for the Environment Agency, said: “We respond quickly to eliminate the threat posed by this serious pollution.
"Due to our prompt efforts the impact of the pollution of the environmentally sensitive waterways has been greatly reduced, and was prevented from spreading across the fishing lakes.
"If this oil had got into the water there'd have been a big ecological disaster.
"Surveys of the affected stretch of river will take place to assess the impact of any ecological impact over coming weeks.”
The incident happened on Thursday of last week , when Maidstone experienced heavy snowfall.
POSTED: 12/01/2010 14:24:16
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