‘Killer weed’ threat to fish in Dundrum Dam

‘Killer weed’ threat to fish in Dundrum Dam

12 September 2012

CONCERN has been expressed that a weed growing out of control at Dundrum Dam could lead to a major fish kill.

Local anglers fear the spread of the weed will have a “significant impact” on oxygen levels and that it must be removed as a matter of urgency.

They have turned to Newcastle councillor Patrick Clarke for help and he has raised their concerns with Stormont Environment Minister Alex Attwood, the Environment Agency and Northern Ireland Water.

Councillor Clarke says it is believed a sewerage spill into the dam at the Derinilla Lane area has exacerbated the growth of the aquatic weed which is starving the waterway of oxygen.

He continued: “It’s widely believed that as a result of sewage leaking into the water stream flowing from the Moneycarragh River into the dam that it’s now unfishable.

“The water pollution is boosting the growth of the weed which has now completely covered the dam. Members of Dundrum Angling Club are unable to fish in the dam and want to know what plans NI Water have to resolve the situation.”

Councillor Clarke said anglers believe sewage is lying on the bed of the dam and that this needs to be removed before any restocking takes place.

“Removing the sewage will require the dam to be drained and members of the angling club are simply not in a position to undertake such a task without any external help and assistance,” he continued.

“Dundrum Angling Club has obtained a grant from Ulster Wildlife Trust to purchase jute mats to eradicate the weed which would need to be removed before these could be laid.”

Councillor Clarke said anglers require the assistance of NI Water to remove the weed or some form of compensation to employ experts to help to complete the task of removing it before the end of September, otherwise the grant it has secured from the Ulster Wildlife Trust will be lost.

A spokeswoman for NI Water confirmed the water quality of the Dundrum dam is due to be assessed by the Environment Agency and that any appropriate actions will be identified following this assessment.

She said monitoring at the dam since a sewage spill on August 14 indicated that there was “no scientific evidence to suggest extensive faecal contamination and it’s therefore unlikely to be necessary for the dam to be drained.” But the spokeswoman said NI Water will take guidance from the Environment Agency assessment.

She added: “The pollution was as a result of a large branch being dumped in the sewer resulting in a blockage. NI Water would ask the public to help us with the task of keeping our drains and sewers in good condition by not using them to dispose of unwanted items.”