Residents living along the River Avon in Bristol report that an oil-like substance has been bubbling up from the riverbed for years, causing significant harm to local wildlife. Despite numerous reports to the Environment Agency (EA), locals describe the process of securing an investigation as resembling “pulling teeth.”
Nicola Irvine, a resident of Crews Hole, stated she first noticed the issue in early 2025 when she observed a rainbow-colored film on the water’s surface accompanied by a strong, acrid odor. She formally reported her suspicions to the EA in July 2025, believing the contamination was emanating from beneath the river rather than from boat traffic.
Initially, the agency dismissed the substance as surface runoff. However, after Irvine persisted and provided photographic evidence of dead wildlife, the EA reopened its investigation in May of this year.
“This stretch of the Avon used to regularly have 30 to 40 ducks, but now it’s unusual to see more than a handful,” Irvine said. “I have personally found dead fish, ducks and ducklings. I know we can’t prove it, but there has to be a link with the pollution.”
Her partner, Toby White, highlighted the severity of the odors, noting, “It’s hard to describe how bad the smell is – at times it’s like you’re living on a petrol station and you start getting headaches.” He added that conditions worsened during recent heatwaves, with the smell becoming so intense it surrounded their home, leading Irvine to require medication for migraines.
The EA has classified the event as a category three pollution incident, stating that impacts are limited to the immediate area where contamination enters the watercourse. A spokesperson confirmed the agency had visited the site and was working with landowners and local authorities, though they maintained that no wider environmental effects had been found downstream.
Irvine expressed frustration at the classification, particularly given health concerns for residents and the presence of otters in the river. She also referenced a 2022 leaked internal EA report that instructed staff to deprioritize lower-impact category three and four pollution reports due to funding constraints.
Current investigations suggest the contamination may be linked to a former tar works that operated in the area from the mid-19th century until the 1980s, though further work is required to confirm the source.
Other residents share similar concerns. Dominic Linnell, who walks his dog along the river daily, reported noticing the issue over two years ago. He described seeing an awful chemical smell and large oil slicks bubbling up two or three times a week, along with dead fish and ducks.
Meanwhile, Wessex Water stated that its investigation found no issues with its assets, and the substance was not traced through its sewerage network. Bristol City Council said it is supporting the EA by providing relevant information and records.
The pollution in the River Avon comes at a time when there is renewed local focus on protecting the waterway. Nearby Conham River Park, a popular swimming spot, has seen years of campaigning, most recently culminating in a charter of rights for the river.
The EA is also investigating a separate incident at the nearby Brislington Brook, where volunteers have reported dead fish, eels, foam on the water, and an intense chemical smell.
A 19th-century tar works sounds like the culprit. It’s shameful that legacy pollution is killing wildlife while officials classify it as minor.
This is absolutely outrageous. Residents are getting migraines from the fumes and the Agency is dragging their feet? Do better.