River Skerne Darlington foam had no impact on environment

The white substance was first spotted by residents near St Cuthbert’s Way late on September 24, sparking an Environment Agency probe.

It remained the next morning, and traces of it were found four kilometres upstream.

The foam on the River Skerne. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

After testing the Environment Agency confirmed that water quality readings came back within a normal range and “low levels” of detergents were found.

But the source of the foam, not what it is, remains unknown.

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “Our officers conducted water testing of the River Skerne after a foam incident in Darlington in September.

“Thankfully, our findings show no environmental impact as water quality readings were as expected.

“Foam cases are very time sensitive so we encourage anyone who witnesses similar incidents to call the Environment Agency incident hotline immediately so we can send a team to investigate as soon as possible.”