Around 8,000 litres of red diesel has been spilled into a County Londonderry lake, prompting fears of an environmental disaster. A specialist clean-up company is currently working to stem the flow of the oil into Lough Beg, near Bellaghy. The area is a nature reserve and has been designated by the Government as of special scientific interest. The lake is well known for its wildlife and is commonly used by migrating birds in Spring and Autumn to rest and feed.
The Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) is investigating the spill into a tributary of the lough, which was spotted by a police helicopter as it was flying overhead. Government officers have confirmed that they have identified the source and are trying to prevent more oil from reaching the lough. The area in question is a large expanse of wet grassland that is flooded each winter and has never been agriculturally improved. It is host to a variety of species, including birds like the Black-Tailed Godwit, Wood Sandpiper and the Greenshank, as well as many rare plants like the Pennyroyal and Irish Ladies' Tresses.
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