The Environment Agency (EA) is investigating contractors who dumped contaminated material on an ancient lane in Sharow near Ripon.
Approximately 100 cubic metres of soil and debris soaked with domestic heating oil, remains in Back Lane at its junction with New Road.
David and Lynda Lees, who are in their seventies, were the victims of botched clearance work after a 25-year-old plastic storage tank developed a leak that saturated their back garden.
David Lees
Mr Lees, who worked for many years in the construction industry before his retirement, told the Stray Ferret:
“The contractors were appointed by our insurance company, after we put in a claim.
“Following the work in our back garden I realised what had been done with the soil and other material that had been cleared.
“I did everything I could to get the mess sorted out, making phone calls and sending numerous emails, but felt I was getting nowhere.”
Mr and Mrs Lees have received powerful support from fellow villagers, including James Thornborough, an international expert in oil spills on land and water and Simon Warwick, director of the Lower Ure Conservation Trust, who has advised some of the world’s leading oil companies.
Between them, the two men with their specialist knowledge, contacted all relevant bodies, from the EA to Sharow Parish Council and their intervention brought action.
Mr Thornborough said:
“Because of its pervasive nature, all oil spillages need to be taken seriously and handled carefully, particularly in a situation like this, when a large quantity of heating oil has seeped over time into soil.
“The subsequent dumping of this contaminated material on a public thoroughfare that has been in use since medieval times, is unforgiveable.”
“Back Lane is open to the public who, by simply walking along it, can unwittingly spread the contamination to other parts of the village, their own homes and anywhere else they go.”
Mr Warwick, who received an MBE for his outstanding work as a conservationist, added:
“The consequences of this dumping and piling up against a heritage hedgerow are serious for birds, mammals and other land-based creatures, as well as aquatic animals.
“I have seen that oil has been washed into water courses via the rainwater drains and this will ultimately affect aquatic animals and the food chain.”
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A spokesman for the Environment Agency said it had responded swiftly:
“The soils should not have been left in the lane and we are investigating to determine if any environmental offences have been committed.
“We are also seeking assurances from the company responsible that the soils will be removed as soon as possible and any subsequent remediation work that may be required is carried out quickly.”