Overview
- Rossendale School detected a heating-oil leak on January 7, closed the site, and brought in specialists to cap the tank line and begin cleanup.
- The Environment Agency reports no discharge into the nearby watercourse and soil samples showing no wider contamination, describing the issue as rectified.
- Surveys indicate kerosene entered local drains and moved into combined sewers, which has prolonged petrochemical odours in parts of Ramsbottom.
- United Utilities says the wastewater network is operating normally but is conducting further checks and flushing targeted sections because the smell lasted longer than expected.
- Residents described dizziness, stinging eyes, headaches, and nausea, with one family relocating after fumes entered their home through waste pipes and insurance did not cover accommodation.