Sludge was dumped on to Chalkwell beach sparking an investigation by Southend Council.
Chalkwell beach - scene of spillage Picture: MAXINE CLARKE
A member of the public spotted a mechanical street cleaner in council livery expelling "a thick sludgy" substance at Chalkwell beach about 7.45am yesterday.
The Chalkwell resident, who asked not to be named, said: "It was disgusting as the sludge poured onto the beach."
She contacted the Environment Agency, which traced the vehicle to one of the council's contracting firms.
The contractor satisfied the agency it was an accident. Dry material swept up from the streets had been saturated by rain and then poured from the vehicle as it manoeuvred around the area.
A spokesman for the agency, David DeCosta, said: "We are awaiting a full explanation, but do not believe anything illegal has taken place."
Published Wednesday January 14, 2004
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