Source: Environment Agency
The Environment Agency was alerted by a member of the public who reported seeing a number of dead fish in a river at Rydon just outside Holsworthy. Casualties included brown trout, bullhead, lamprey and elvers. The pollution was traced to a surface water outfall from a nearby housing estate.
John Cossens for the Environment Agency commented:
“It soon became apparent that whatever killed these fish had come from a nearby housing estate via a surface water drain. It might have been a person using a chemical to clean their patio or drive or someone finding an old can of something in their garage and disposing of it down a drain.
We would urge people to act responsibly and take care when using or disposing of chemicals that are toxic to fish and other wildlife. Importantly, don’t assume all drains go to a foul sewer. Often they are part of a surface water system and anything you put down them can end up in a local river.”
The River Deer is a tributary of the River Tamar and the pollution near Rydon affected approximately a 1 km stretch, killing invertebrates as well as the fish, suggesting that the pollutant was highly toxic. The Agency is awaiting results of samples taken from the river and from some of the dead fish that have been sent for laboratory analysis.
The Environment Agency will shortly be leafleting residents of Rydon reminding them of their responsibilities when using and disposing of potentially toxic chemicals.
Members of the public can report pollution incidents by calling a free 24-hour Environment Agency hotline on 0800 80 70 60.
