Animal
16th April 2009, 20:00
River Irk Pollution Incident
The Environment Agency is continuing an investigation into a pollution incident that occurred on the River Irk today (14 April 2009).
Environment Officers attended the scene this morning following a series of calls from members of the public, who reported a mass of foam collecting on the surface of the river around Middleton.
Environment Officers have been present at the site all day to determine the source of the pollution, and to investigate any environmental impact. Despite many reports of dead fish, Environment Officers have found few – however the full impact of the pollution will not be determined until the foam has cleared.
Karen Glasgow, Investigating Officer said: “We expect the foam will disperse gradually and will be diluted through the natural water flows. We will not be deploying absorbent devices (booms) as they will not soak up the foam.
Since the investigation began this morning, Environment Officers have now narrowed their search to an outfall along the river wall, where they believe the pollution is coming from. Officers are monitoring outputs from this spot.
Karen continued: “We have taken water samples from the outfall, and we expect the results of these within approximately one week. Once our investigations are concluded, we will look to take appropriate enforcement action against those found responsible.”
The Environment Agency is continuing an investigation into a pollution incident that occurred on the River Irk today (14 April 2009).
Environment Officers attended the scene this morning following a series of calls from members of the public, who reported a mass of foam collecting on the surface of the river around Middleton.
Environment Officers have been present at the site all day to determine the source of the pollution, and to investigate any environmental impact. Despite many reports of dead fish, Environment Officers have found few – however the full impact of the pollution will not be determined until the foam has cleared.
Karen Glasgow, Investigating Officer said: “We expect the foam will disperse gradually and will be diluted through the natural water flows. We will not be deploying absorbent devices (booms) as they will not soak up the foam.
Since the investigation began this morning, Environment Officers have now narrowed their search to an outfall along the river wall, where they believe the pollution is coming from. Officers are monitoring outputs from this spot.
Karen continued: “We have taken water samples from the outfall, and we expect the results of these within approximately one week. Once our investigations are concluded, we will look to take appropriate enforcement action against those found responsible.”