River foam incident on the River Skerne showed no measurable environmental impact, says Environment Agency

River Skerne foam incident

Water quality tests showed that a large area of white, snow-like foam seen on the River Skerne in Darlington caused no measurable harm to the environment. The Environment Agency (EA) reported that water readings taken after the incident stayed within the river’s normal parameters, despite traces of detergents being detected.

Details of the investigation

EA officers carried out tests on the river in September using multimeters and other equipment shortly after the foam was reported. Specialists from the EA’s National Chemicals Team considered whether the substance could be related to fire-fighting foam, but confirmed that no such material had been used in the area during the 48 hours before the incident.

EA position and public guidance

The agency concluded that the event did not lead to an environmental incident, as key water quality indicators remained within expected ranges. An EA spokesperson stressed that “foam incidents are very time‑sensitive” and urged people to report similar sightings immediately via the incident hotline so samples can be taken while the pollution is still present.

Reactions from residents and charities

Local resident Chris Davison, who first noticed the foam while cycling home on 24 September, said he was relieved there would be no lasting damage but remained troubled by the scale of the pollution. He described any pollution in rivers as a “tragedy” and expressed frustration that investigators were unable to identify who was responsible, warning that the same behaviour could be repeated.

Ben Lamb, chief executive of the Tees Rivers Trust, called the outcome “good news” because the Skerne ultimately avoided a confirmed pollution event. At the same time, he argued that it was worrying the source of the foam remained unknown and said the EA needed more resources to fulfil its duties and to address society’s “lack of respect” for rivers and water environments.

“Any type of pollution in our rivers is a tragedy.” – Chris Davison “Events like this highlight the peculiar lack of regard we, as a society, have for our water.” – Ben Lamb

Ongoing concerns

Although the tests showed no environmental impact from this specific incident, the unidentified source leaves open the possibility of similar events happening again. Environmental groups argue that better funding, enforcement and public awareness are needed to reduce the risk of future discharges of detergents or other substances into local waterways.

Author’s summary: Officials found detergent-based foam on the River Skerne caused no measurable damage, yet the unknown polluter and calls for stronger river protection keep local environmental concerns alive.

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BBC on MSN BBC on MSN — 2025-11-30

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