Chemical kills fish at Merthyr Tydfil

[Hoppy]

Environment Agency Wales can confirm that we are investigating a pollution incident involving a leakage of aluminium sulphate from Welsh Water's Pontsticill Treatment Works near Merthyr Tydfil.

Early indications suggest that approximately three tonnes of the
chemical was discharged into the Taff Fechan river. An initial
assessment undertaken by Agency officers has confirmed that
approximately 260 fish have been killed over a one-kilometre stretch of the Taff Fechan river below the treatment works. However, the number is likely to rise significantly over the next few days.

Environment Agency Wales is working closely with Dwr Cymru Welsh Water to minimise the environmental impact of the chemical spillage.

David Williams, Agency Team Leader, Environment Management said: 'Our officers will be taking further samples today and undertaking a full environmental impact assessment to determine the full impact of the pollution incident.'

[Hoppy]

Monitoring by Environment Agency Wales has now confirmed that the water quality within the Taf Fechan river has returned to normal following the leakage of aluminium sulphate from Dwr Cymru's Pontsticill Treatment Works near Merthyr Tydfil.

Samples of the Taf Fechan water that were taken on Sunday (13 August 2006) showed that the concentration of aluminium sulphate was at an elevated level. However, the pH readings of the river water taken on Monday indicated that the chemical spillage had dispersed.

Ecological assessment has revealed approximately 1000 fish have been killed over a five kilometre stretch of the Taf Fechan river. The Agency are continuing their investigations into the cause of the incident.

John Harrison, Agency Environment Manager for Taff Ely said: 'We will be working closely with Merthyr Tydfil Angling Association and Dwr Cymru to ensure a recovery plan for the river is in place as soon as possible. The support provided by the anglers in responding to this incident has been outstanding and we appreciate the commitment they have made to improving the habitat over the years.'

A joint meeting has also been held with health professionals from Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, Merthyr Tydfil Local Health Board, the National Public Health Service for Wales, the Health Protection Agency, the Food Standards Agency and the Welsh Assembly Government to consider any possible health risks arising from the incident. As a result the public are advised not to take or eat any dead fish they may see in the Taf Fechan.

Dwr Cymru have also confirmed that the drinking water supply was never at risk from the incident.

[Hoppy]

IS THERE NOT A CASE FOR DWR CYMRU NOW TO FACE A HUGE LEGAL CASE FOR CONTINUED POLLUTION.

HOPEFULLY THE ACA COULD LOOK AT THIS, IT APPEARS THE COMPANY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR A CATALOGUE OF POLLUTION INCIDENTS.