Probe launched after fish kill in local river

Probe launched after fish kill in local river

12 October 2016

A CHEMICAL spill which killed several thousand fish at one of the district’s most popular rivers has been branded an environmental disaster.

Anglers fear the incident at the Carrigs River outside Newcastle last weekend has damaged its delicate ecology and that it could take years for the waterway and fish stocks to recover.

A major investigation has been launched by the Environment Agency to discover why the chemical accidentally leaked from a sewage treatment plant in Annsborough into a nearby waterway which flows into the Carrigs River, killing sea trout and salmon during the spawning season. NI Water has apologised for the incident.

Concerned anglers are demanding urgent action is taken to ensure something like this never happens again, with a number suggesting legal action could be taken against NI Water. While the number of fish killed in the weekend incident has been estimated at 1,600, anglers believe the number is considerably higher.

Shimna Angling Club chairman Ian Watts and member Ed Kilgore have described the fish kill as “very concerning” and fear if the chemical leaked at low water level, it could take some time for it to disperse.

“No doubt there will be a major investigation and inquiry, with this incident coming after similar fish kills in the area over recent years,” Mr Watt said. “Last week we discovered there are dangerous levels of e-coli in Dundrum Inner Bay which is also very concerning.

“This fish kill is particularly worrying to say the least. We simply can’t afford to have incidents like this year on year. Sadly the damage has now been done and it could take years to repair and restore this river to its natural condition.”

Mr Kilgore said any of the migratory sea trout or salmon spawning further up the Carrigs River would have to go through the area affected by the chemical spill.

He explained young fish heading back to Dundrum Bay would also be affected and that these were among the thousands killed.

“Spawning takes place between August and Christmas and many of the young fish killed won’t be coming back in several years’ time to do this which will impact on stocks. The chemical spill will also impact on the river’s ecology and the impact of this incident will clearly be felt for some time,” he said.

Mr Kilgore added: “Chemical spills kill invertebrates which fish feed on and also damage plant life which puts oxygen into the river. There is no doubt the ecology of the Carrigs River has been damaged as a result of this incident.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs said Environment Agency officials immediately went to the scene of the fish kill and, assisted by Inland Fisheries staff, conducted a detailed investigation.

“The source was traced to premises where it was discovered that a chemical had escaped into the river causing significant pollution. Statutory water samples were collected and evidence gathered with a view to an enforcement action. To date the number of dead fish is in excess of 1,600,” said the spokesperson.

“All relevant authorities have been notified, including local council environmental health officials as Dundrum Bay is a significant shellfish production area. The investigation is ongoing including measures to clean up the spilled material.”

A spokeswoman for NI Water confirmed the incident was due to an accidental discharge from the Annsborough treatment plant, with the organisation “very disappointed and extremely sorry this incident happened.”

She continued: “The cause of the discharge was identified and immediately fixed on Saturday evening and there is no further risk to the river. The immediate focus now is on working with the Environment Agency and local anglers to assess the impact and the needs of the river in terms of re-stocking the fish. We will also ensure the long term impact on the river is monitored and any further action that is identified will be undertaken.  

“NI Water manages and maintains over 1,000 wastewater treatment works and over 1,200 wastewater pumping stations and we collect and treat approximately 330 million litres of wastewater every day and return it safely to the environment.

“It is always our aim to protect the environment we operate in. When an incident such as this occurs, our primary aim is to investigate what happened and identify how we can prevent it ever happening again.”