by Dan Bloom

dbloom@thekmgroup.co.uk

Wildllife experts have been working through the night after what they describe as a "major" sewage spill.

The public have been warned to steer clear of Newmill Channel in Rolvenden, near Tenterden, which feeds the River Rother and lies near Southern Water's Tenterden Waste Water Sewage Treatment Works.

Environment Agency and Southern Water staff began a clean-up operation after sewage leaked from the water firm's facility, yards from the A28, at around 10am on Friday.

The sewage has depleted oxygen levels in the water, killing some marine wildlife, said an Environment Agency spokesman.

The extent of the damage is not yet known, but officers worked through Friday night and last night to restore oxygen levels using specialist machinery.

Warning signs have been put up to deter the public. Officers were still at the site today and warned it would be "some weeks before the damage is rectified."

An investigation is now under way, and if at fault Southern Water could face enforcement action.

Environment Agency spokesman Dave Ferguson explained: "Sewage sludge can harm fish and wildlife, either through direct contact or by removing oxygen from the water. Sewage in water can also pose a risk to people and animals, such as dog walkers, who come into contact with it."

"The situation is improving.

"We think we have avoided the worst case scenario, which would be hundreds of dead fish, by getting in there early.

"We have an investigation to carry out now to find out why it happened with a view to enforcement action."

The cause or exact size of the leak is not yet known, Mr Ferguson added, but said no people or their pets had been harmed.

Environment Agency environment manager Michael Turner added: "Our officers have been working tirelessly around the clock, alongside Southern Water, to control the pollution and we are starting to see signs that the situation is improving."

Anyone who sees pollution in a watercourse should contact the Environment Agency’s Incident Hotline on 0800 80 70 60.