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22/09/2009
Thorough Probe Demanded As Fish Die
More than 200 dead fish - 150 trout and 55 salmon - have been found on the Shima river in Co Down.
The discovery was made just below the Fofany water treatment works near Spelga dam.
This afternoon, South Down Sinn Féin MLA Willi Clarke has called for a full and thorough investigation into this cause: "There should be a full investigation through the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), and assurances need to be given that the cause has been identified, solutions found and guarantees given that this will not happen again."
Moreover, he added: "I have raised this matter at the Regional Development Committee this morning, demanding an update on the discharges in to the Shimna River."
Water quality inspectors had earlier visited the site and confirmed there had been a fish kill.
A spokesman from NIEA said: "Inspectors carried out an investigation in order to identify the source, after being alerted by a member of the public last Sunday."
The fish kill is just the latest in a series of such incidents, with large numbers of fish having been killed on local waters in the past - often due to the pollution.
According to figures released by a Government watchdog earlier this year, farm pollution causes most of these fish kills in Northern Ireland's waterways, although there are other sources.
However, despite NIEA actions, fish kills continue and discussions are on going about imposing larger fines and even jail term to help solve the problem.
Meanwhile, there are also efforts being made to assist farmers' efforts to protect the environment.
See: Further Fish Kill Probed
See: Fish Kills Targeted
(CL/BMcC)
The discovery was made just below the Fofany water treatment works near Spelga dam.
This afternoon, South Down Sinn Féin MLA Willi Clarke has called for a full and thorough investigation into this cause: "There should be a full investigation through the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), and assurances need to be given that the cause has been identified, solutions found and guarantees given that this will not happen again."
Moreover, he added: "I have raised this matter at the Regional Development Committee this morning, demanding an update on the discharges in to the Shimna River."
Water quality inspectors had earlier visited the site and confirmed there had been a fish kill.
A spokesman from NIEA said: "Inspectors carried out an investigation in order to identify the source, after being alerted by a member of the public last Sunday."
The fish kill is just the latest in a series of such incidents, with large numbers of fish having been killed on local waters in the past - often due to the pollution.
According to figures released by a Government watchdog earlier this year, farm pollution causes most of these fish kills in Northern Ireland's waterways, although there are other sources.
However, despite NIEA actions, fish kills continue and discussions are on going about imposing larger fines and even jail term to help solve the problem.
Meanwhile, there are also efforts being made to assist farmers' efforts to protect the environment.
See: Further Fish Kill Probed
See: Fish Kills Targeted
(CL/BMcC)
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27 June 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.
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.
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.
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.
11 October 2016
Investigation Launched Following Major Fish Kill In Co Down
An investigation has been launched following a major fish kill at Carrig River in Newcastle, Co Down. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) is currently on site investigating the pollution incident after it was reported on Saturday, 08 October.
Investigation Launched Following Major Fish Kill In Co Down
An investigation has been launched following a major fish kill at Carrig River in Newcastle, Co Down. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) is currently on site investigating the pollution incident after it was reported on Saturday, 08 October.
25 July 2014
Major Fish Kill In County Armagh
A major fish kill has been reported in County Armagh. It is believed to have been caused by pollution from farm waste, according to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA). At least 60 fish have been reported to have been found dead in the Bessbrook River. The NIEA expect this number to rise.
Major Fish Kill In County Armagh
A major fish kill has been reported in County Armagh. It is believed to have been caused by pollution from farm waste, according to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA). At least 60 fish have been reported to have been found dead in the Bessbrook River. The NIEA expect this number to rise.
14 August 2001
Agricultural effluent contaminates Forkhill river
Hundreds of fish have been killed in a County Armagh river in a major environmental disaster caused by farm effluent. The fish kill was discovered on the Forkhill river near the south Armagh border by a local angler on Monday morning.
Agricultural effluent contaminates Forkhill river
Hundreds of fish have been killed in a County Armagh river in a major environmental disaster caused by farm effluent. The fish kill was discovered on the Forkhill river near the south Armagh border by a local angler on Monday morning.
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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.
