Small-scale environmental disaster' as 'stinking' Yorkshire river 'jet black'

A contamination incident in North Yorkshire has been described as a “small-scale environmental disaster” after residents reported jet-black water and a strong ammonia odor in a tributary linked to the Rivers Ure and Ouse. The Environment Agency (EA) launched an investigation after locals noticed discolored water and the smell last week near Marton-cum-Grafton, close to Boroughbridge. EA officers traced the pollution source to Bawter Carr Drain but declined to provide further details. Residents suspect the discharge entered the waterway after activity at a former slurry lagoon to the west of the village, noting investigators at the site in recent days. A local resident reported the odor on Thursday and said willow trees along the stream showed signs of dying, alongside withering vegetation. EA specialists installed barriers and oversaw recovery efforts, reporting a marked improvement in water quality and declining ammonia levels. Yorkshire Water also halted pumping at Marton Moor, reduced water pressure, and arranged bottled water deliveries to vulnerable customers around Easingwold and Tollerton, until pressure returned to normal by June 24.