SOMERSET NEWS: Black sludge not thought to be hazardous

THERE were problems on the main A39 for motorists this afternoon (Sunday, March 16, 2014) between Bridgwater and Street.

The Fire Service received a call at just before 3pm to reports of a lorry having shed its load of containers on the road near Ashcott.

A Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “The containers had split and black sludge was leaking onto the road.”

Firefighters from Street and Glastonbury were mobilised along with a hazardous materials officer.

They found four 1,000 litre containers which had split on impact and all of them had spiller their contents onto the road.

The Fire Service spokesman added: “A lamp post was also struck and damaged. We blocked nearby drains to prevent sludge entering water courses.”

A further four containers were reported in Ashcott itself and two of these were found to be leaking.

Crews made this area safe as well, while police and highways officers were also called to the scene.

The spokesman added: “The substance is thought to be a waste product and not hazardous to health.”

Tags:
News.