M6 lorry fire: HGV firm faces £28k payout over blaze that melted the motorway
The Environment Agency is seeking £28,000 in damages from a haulage company they say is responsible for the deaths of more than 150 fish after a huge lorry fire on the M6.
Wildlife experts have stated it may take years for fish to repopulate the River Penk after the major blaze on July 18.
It happened after a lorry burst into flames on the southbound carriageway between junction 13 for Stafford and junction 12 for Cannock, releasing chemicals stored on the HGV into the nearby watercourses.
Fish and wildlife in the River Sow were also affected.
Although no-one has been blamed for the fire, the Environment Agency is seeking damages under legislation which allows costs to be obtained from the person or organisation responsible for the source of pollution.
Bosses will not disclose the identity of the company, due to legal reasons, they say.
Agency spokeswoman Susan Bowen said: "The lorry fire on the M6 near junction 13 on the 18 July had a significant effect on the River Penk which runs alongside that stretch of motorway.
"The fire meant that Tributyl phosphate - a toxic chemical to fish - entered the river and killed many fish.
"We worked to dilute the effect of the chemical and although the invertebrates were largely unaffected many fish were killed and our experts believe that it may take years for the fish population to recover.
"Although we understand the fire is likely to have been accidental, we are seeking to recover the costs of dealing with the pollution from the haulage company under the 'polluter pays principle', where the polluter pays for the damage done to the natural environment."
She said the Environment Agency was looking to recoup costs of just over £28,000.
Staffordshire Police confirmed no criminal action was taken against two Portuguese men who were driving the HGV when the vehicle ignited in flames.
The pair told fire investigators that the source of the blaze was a motorbike stored on the lorry. They said it is likely that the battery had been left on and ignited.
The fire caused major disruption for thousands of motorists on the day as the blaze melted part of the motorway after flames engulfed all three lanes of the southbound carriageway.
Both sides of the M6 were closed while Highways England carried out resurfacing work.
It opened again at 5.20pm - nearly 16 hours after the fire.
