Peak Forest Clear-up Under Way

The Lower Peak Forest Canal remains closed this week as efforts to clear up oil pullution continue.

A thin film of oil is visible next to one of the booms near Globe Lane , Dukinfield.

Teams from British Waterways and the Environment Agency were called to the canal last Friday when a large area of oil pollution was spotted north of Manchester Road Bridge (6) in Hyde. The spillage was close to where a factory is being demolished. It is reported that an underground tank storing heavy lubricating oil may have ruptured, although this has not been confirmed.

When the incident was confirmed, BW initially closed the section of canal between bridges 4 and 6 so that boats would not spread the pollution. However, the flow on the canal from the locks at Marple caused oil to move downstream towards Ashton.

BW then closed Marple locks to reduce water movement along the Lower Peak Forest Canal and placed a number of booms across the canal at bridge holes to help contain the pollution.

Some of the oil has dispersed downstream and there is still a thin film of oil visible in places, particularly near the booms across the canal.

British Waterways is advising that the clear-up could take a substantial period of time. A further update will be issued once there a clear indication when the navigation can be re-opened.

Booms across the canal at Stanley Lift Bridge, Dukinfield.


Barrier across the entrance to the Peak Forest Canal on Dukinfield Aqueduct at Portland Basin.