Beware of fuel thieves, farmers told
10 November 2000
Beware of fuel thieves, farmers told
By FWi staff
AROUND 1500 litres of red diesel has polluted a stream in Kent after thieves tried to steal the fuel from a farm.
The Environment Agency is asking farmers who store fuel to be extra vigilant following the raid on a farm near Sittingbourne on Wednesday (08 November).
Motorists have been stocking up with fuel in anticipation of fuel shortages caused by a new wave of fuel-tax protests.
The diesel leaked into Tongemill stream after thieves broke the sight glass on the storage tank and left it to drain, the agency says.
Agency staff worked throughout Wednesday and Thursday to clear the oil and minimise pollution of the stream.
“Although there was no lasting environmental damage this time, it could have been a lot more serious,” North Kent agency team leader Paul Bennett said.
- Poor turnout for fuel-tax convoy, FWi, 10 November, 2000
- Slurry spill threat to salmon river, FWi, 31 August, 2000