| 17/11/2005
- The Environment Agency is currently dealing with a severe
pollution incident that has killed a large number of fish
at a stream in Midhurst, West Sussex. Environment
Agency Officers were alerted to the incident by local
anglers who saw foam and dead fish on the surface of Elstead
Steam, a tributary of the River Rother, during the afternoon
of Tuesday 15 November 2005.
Immediately Environment Agency Officers
arrived on site to locate the source of the pollution
and to prevent any further discharge. A full investigation
is currently taking place to find out how the incident
occurred. Officers are still working to save the popular
fishing stream from the effects of what they believe is
pollution by detergent. Biologists will also be on site
today to ascertain how many fish and eels have been killed.
Bob Jennings, Environment Management
Team Leader, said: "Our initial investigations show
that around 100 fish of various sizes have died as a result
of this incident so far.
"Thanks to the anglers who notified
us of this incident we were able to take immediate action
to tackle the pollution. Our investigations into how the
pollutant got into the stream are still ongoing and we
are working tirelessly to save this popular watercourse.
"A full biological survey of
the stream will take place today and then we will discover
the extent of the damage caused to the stream and the
life within it. Sadly, detergents can have a truly devastating
effect on wildlife."
Members of the public can notify the
Environment Agency of pollution incidents by contacting
our 24-hour Emergency Hotline on 0800 807060. |
