Diesel spill threatens water quality in East Lothian

Wildlife experts have admitted that bird casualties are expected after the water quality of the Aberlady Bay Nature Reserve in Scotland was damaged by a diesel leak.

About 1,000 litres of red diesel spilled from a tank owned by food producer Monaghan Mushrooms last week, polluting a four-mile stretch of water between the nature reserve and the Peffer Burn, the East Lothian Courier reports.

According to the company, the leak was caused by thieves who broke into the premises on December 12th and attempted to steal the contents of the tank.

The incident was described as "potentially a serious threat to the environment" by a representative of East Lothian Council, who said it is too early to know how many birds have been affected.

"This is not like a crude oil spill, but what red diesel can do is affect the food chain within the nature reserve," the spokesperson added.

Covering an area of 582 hectares, Aberlady Bay is managed by the council and was the first designated local nature reserve in the UK.

Posted by Joseph Hutton