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27/06/2018
NIEA Issues Warning Over Summer Pollution
Following a major fish kill in Armagh and amid the current hot weather, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) have issued a pollution warning.
Industry, landowners and farmers are being urged to take extra care to protect waters from pollution.
Following the recent major fish kill on the River Callan in Armagh City, the NIEA has warned that lower water levels and warmer temperatures means waterways and wildlife are more susceptible to pollution.
Tim Irwin, Head of NIEA's Water Management Unit, said: "Every living thing depends on water. It is a precious resource that is fundamental for our health, our environment and economy.
"There are still too many water pollution incidents in Northern Ireland that cause damage to our environment and to our wildlife.
"We all have a duty to protect this essential asset and our landowners, farmers and industry must take extra precautions during the warmer months to ensure that pollutants are not allowed to escape into our freshwater, groundwater or marine environments."
Mr Irwin explained that rivers are particularly vulnerable because warmer water temperatures means less oxygen is capable of being dissolved within the river water.
He continued: "Less oxygen combined with reduced water volume make our rivers more susceptible to the impacts of pollution. If released into a watercourse, organic substances such as slurry, silage or sewage effluent exert an oxygen demand and deplete the oxygen supply, causing the suffocation of fish and other aquatic animals. Water is a valuable and precious asset and we should treat it as such."
If you have any concerns about water pollution in your local area or want to report a water pollution incident, you can contact the NIEA water pollution hotline on 0800 807 060. This service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
(MH/LM)
Industry, landowners and farmers are being urged to take extra care to protect waters from pollution.
Following the recent major fish kill on the River Callan in Armagh City, the NIEA has warned that lower water levels and warmer temperatures means waterways and wildlife are more susceptible to pollution.
Tim Irwin, Head of NIEA's Water Management Unit, said: "Every living thing depends on water. It is a precious resource that is fundamental for our health, our environment and economy.
"There are still too many water pollution incidents in Northern Ireland that cause damage to our environment and to our wildlife.
"We all have a duty to protect this essential asset and our landowners, farmers and industry must take extra precautions during the warmer months to ensure that pollutants are not allowed to escape into our freshwater, groundwater or marine environments."
Mr Irwin explained that rivers are particularly vulnerable because warmer water temperatures means less oxygen is capable of being dissolved within the river water.
He continued: "Less oxygen combined with reduced water volume make our rivers more susceptible to the impacts of pollution. If released into a watercourse, organic substances such as slurry, silage or sewage effluent exert an oxygen demand and deplete the oxygen supply, causing the suffocation of fish and other aquatic animals. Water is a valuable and precious asset and we should treat it as such."
If you have any concerns about water pollution in your local area or want to report a water pollution incident, you can contact the NIEA water pollution hotline on 0800 807 060. This service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
(MH/LM)
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09 December 2005
NI water pollution incidents falling: report DoE
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31 October 2014
Major Fish Kill Declared In Ballyclare
A "major fish kill" has been declared in Six Mile Water, Ballyclare. On Wednesday (29 October), the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) received a report that a number of fish had been found dead in Six Mile Water. A Water Quality Inspector for NIEA was sent to the area to investigate and determine the environmental impact of the incident.
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A "major fish kill" has been declared in Six Mile Water, Ballyclare. On Wednesday (29 October), the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) received a report that a number of fish had been found dead in Six Mile Water. A Water Quality Inspector for NIEA was sent to the area to investigate and determine the environmental impact of the incident.
14 August 2008
Fish Kills Targeted
There was a large turnout last night as concerned fishermen and locals met to discuss repeated fish kills into one of the main tributaries to Lough Neagh. As reported on 4ni in June, a second serious fish kill in a matter of days occurred then on the Ballymartin River thanks to pollution being blamed on the nearby industrial estate at Mallusk.
Fish Kills Targeted
There was a large turnout last night as concerned fishermen and locals met to discuss repeated fish kills into one of the main tributaries to Lough Neagh. As reported on 4ni in June, a second serious fish kill in a matter of days occurred then on the Ballymartin River thanks to pollution being blamed on the nearby industrial estate at Mallusk.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
