Published Wednesday 24 March 2021 at 18:41
Engineers say they are close to locating the source of a substance that got into sewers in the centre of Blackburn and led to smell complaints.
United Utilities is liaising closely with staff from Blackburn with Darwen Council’s environmental protection team to try to identify the substance and find out where it is entering the wastewater network.
The smell, which has been described as petrol or solvent-like, quickly disappears when properties are ventilated and people who notice it are being advised to open their windows and report it to United Utilities on 0345 6723 723.
Cllr Jim Smith, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Executive Member for Environment, with responsibility for public protection, said: “We are aware that there appears to have been spillage into the drainage system that has resulted in a solvent type of odour in a number of homes / businesses in the central area of Blackburn.
“The area that is affected is limited and work is underway to investigate the source of the spillage. We are in contact with those who have been affected by this and are assisting partners with their investigations working closely with United Utilities and Lancashire Fire and Rescue.
“We understand that the smell will be unpleasant for those affected but we do not believe that there is any risk to health. Our advice to anybody affected by the smell is to ventilate their property to get rid of any odour.
“If you notice a solvent smell please contact United Utilities so we can understand the extent of the problem and offer further advice.”
Joanna Nolan from United Utilities trade effluent team, which is leading the hunt for the source, said engineers were conducting an investigation.
She added: “We are conducting tests on the substance to find out exactly what it is and believe we are close to determining the source and stopping the smell in the sewer.”