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Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has identified the source of pollution in a stream in Caerphilly after residents reported a strong smell of petrol in the Pontygwindy area.

Yesterday, Monday April 6, contractors were seen near the Asda petrol station placing absorbent pads and booms in the water to contain the spill.

Initial investigations suggested the contamination was coming from the Churchill Park area, with residents around Howard Drive, Dyfed Drive and Davies Drive asked to check for possible leaks entering surface water drains.

NRW has now confirmed the pollution has been traced to a business unit on the nearby Pontygwindy Industrial Estate.

Jon Goldsworthy, duty incident manager for NRW, said officers had worked with Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water to identify the source.

In a statement issued last night, he said: “Following investigations carried out throughout today (Monday 6 April), our officers, working alongside Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, have now identified the source of the fuel pollution affecting the stream in the Pontygwindy area of Caerphilly.

“The pollution was traced to a business unit on the Pontygwindy Industrial Estate and has now been stopped.

“Fuel-absorbent booms and pads remain in place work will continue overnight to contain any remaining pollution.

“Our officers will return to the site tomorrow to continue gathering evidence as part of our ongoing investigation and consideration of potential enforcement action.”