Following the devastating pollution this week of the Welsh Dee that has wiped out tens of thousands of prime fish, Environment Agency experts are now, today (Friday, 3rd August) trying to trace the source of pollution which has killed more than 36,000 fish in the Lancashire river Irwell.
The fish, found yesterday, include brown trout – some up to 50 cm long, weighing 1.5 kgs – stoneloach, bullheads, minnows and sticklebacks. The extent of the pollution is not yet known, but Agency officers confirmed that over four kilometres of the river has been affected, between Irwell Vale, near Rawtenstall, and Stubbins, near Ramsbottom.
Water samples have been taken and will be analysed to identify the pollutant. Agency officers are visiting trade premises in the area in a bid to find where the pollution has come from. The full effect of the damage to the river will not be known until further investigation has been completed.
The Environment Agency was alerted to the pollution by a member of the public who saw dead fish. At this stage no more of the pollution is believed to be entering the river.
Anyone who sees a pollution incident or environmental emergency should report it to the Environment Agency, free of charge, on the Emergency Hotline 0800 80 70 60. The number is available 24 hours a day.
