The National House Building Council could be prosecuted following a blunder which allowed raw sewage to spew into Canvey Lake, it was revealed today.

Officials from the Environment Agency are carrying out an investigation into the cause of the pollution which is being blamed for the deaths of ducks.

Tankers have moved onto the shore of the lake to begin pumping bile which had slopped into the lake.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said the NHBC could be prosecuted for the plumbing gaffe which meant raw sewage was directed into the lake every time a toilet was flushed.

The NHBC is set up to take responsibility for mistakes by building companies which have either gone bust or no longer exist.

The spokesman said: "We are working with Anglian Water, Castle Point Council and the NHBC to sort out the problem.

Chris Moran, leisure services manager for outdoor facilities at Castle Point Council, said the pumping was "wonderful news and an excellent move forward."

The NHBC was not available for comment.

Published Friday August 9, 2002

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