Environmental specialists were alerted after petroleum residue was identified in a scenic pond located in a coastal village.
The Brighton and Hove Wildlife Advice and Rescue Service responded to notifications regarding waterfowl affected by contamination at Rottingdean Pond.
On the morning of August 23, the organisation received notification that a duck had been observed in the vicinity of the pond with petroleum residue on its feathers.
According to Lisa Barrow, who established the rescue service, a member of the public had already transported the duck to Coastway Vets before volunteers could reach the scene.
Barrow travelled to collect the bird and carried out cleaning procedures.
A second duck was subsequently spotted in the water, prompting another WARS volunteer to attempt entry into the pond.
The volunteer encountered difficulty and began sinking into the soft sediment.
Barrow explained that disturbing the pond bed had the effect of releasing additional petroleum residue that had settled on the bottom.
The bird departed the area while still coated in the contaminant.
The rescue team worked to extract pollution from the water using absorbent materials typically used for pet accidents, employing 350 of these pads during the five-hour operation.
Barrow voiced concern regarding the wellbeing of avian species, noting that waterfowl consume liquid directly from the pond as they skim the surface.
Observers reported seeing gulls submerging themselves, with their undersides now discoloured.
Three affected ducks remained in the vicinity, though Barrow expressed doubt about the organisation’s ability to intervene, as the birds retained the ability to fly away.
She appealed to visitors to remain vigilant and prevent dogs from consuming the contaminated water.
Rottingdean Parish Council issued a communication confirming awareness of the incident, which initial assessments suggested involved engine oil.
The council stated that the Environment Agency had been notified and that local wildlife volunteers had commenced efforts to mitigate immediate harm.
The response, coordinated by WARS with assistance from local residents, focused on removing the bulk of the contamination using absorbent materials.
Council representatives thanked all individuals who contributed to the effort, particularly Dave Bull from a local Royal British Legion branch.
Elected members acknowledged the duck receiving veterinary attention and confirmed awareness of additional birds that remained contaminated but were capable of flight.
The council further noted that Peter the Pond, their designated maintenance contractor, had conducted a remote assessment of the site.
Advice received indicated that aquatic vegetation should regenerate naturally and that fish populations would likely be capable of evading contamination.
The contractor was scheduled to visit the following day, with residents instructed to adhere to guidance displayed around the pond and refrain from disrupting the waterbody.
Brighton and Hove City Council confirmed that appropriate steps had been implemented to reduce the environmental impact of the incident.
While the precise source remained unconfirmed, information suggested the pollution may have entered through drainage overflow following substantial rainfall rather than originating from an intentional discharge.
The authority clarified it held no primary responsibility for managing the situation but acknowledged and valued the contributions of all parties assisting the affected wildlife.
Southern Water reported that the incident was formally logged on August 24, prompting an investigative team to examine Rottingdean Pond.
Inspectors discovered petroleum residue adhered to reeds growing in the water.
No evidence of contamination was found within the private surface water infrastructure or at the outfall location, which was observed to be clear with no vegetation displaying marks.
The company confirmed that its own equipment in the surrounding area had not malfunctioned.
Reports indicate the pond receives water from a council-operated surface water drain originating from gullies along Bazehill Road, Falmer Road and The Green, which Southern Water indicated could represent the source of the reported pollution, though deliberate dumping into the pond could not be ruled out.