Seven months on, oil still seeps from wreckage of huge Stafford blaze
Oil is still seeping from the site of a massive blaze in Stafford seven months on.
The Environment Agency (EA) has declared it has nearly completed its initial investigation into the fire at Global Hygiene in March, which sent cannisters shooting into the sky above the Astonfields Industrial Estate.
But they have still kept devices in place on the surrounding brooks to prevent any more oil reaching the River Sow.
MORE: Hundreds evacuated as massive fire brought under control
MORE: Global Hygiene blaze - in VIDEO and PICTURES
The blaze involved 40,000 litres of oil and it has since been confirmed that the firm did not have a permit to store the substance there.
Although the EA has not yet concluded whether any laws have been broken, stating they will consider 'further action' once their first investigation is completed.
Meanwhile, the true extent of ground contamination is still unknown and tests need to be carried out when waste from the site can finally be cleared.
In the latest statement from the EA, environment manager Adam Lines said: "There are still booms and pads out on the local waterway, protecting the River Sow by collecting oil that has been seeping through the ground.
"Our hazardous waste specialists have been working with Global Hygiene's contractors to agree a safe way of sorting the waste so it can be disposed of appropriately and safely. We hope to reach an agreement soon and see waste leaving the site.
"There will also need to be an independent ground contamination survey and we are currently working with Global Hygiene to see when that can be conducted. This survey will give an accurate picture of how far oil has seeped into the ground.
"We are hoping this survey can start soon. Our initial investigation is nearly complete; we will then consider what further action is necessary."
The EA has requested anyone who notices oil in the River Sow or damaged booms and pads to contact their incident hotline on 0800 807060.
The fire saw huge explosions, plumes of black smoke and prompted closures to schools and businesses in the immediate vicinity.
Global Hygiene previously stated it was co-operating fully with the investigation but the firm did not wish to comment on the latest developments.
