River pollution is ‘killing wildlife’
CATASTROPHIC levels of pollution are killing wildlife in the River Irwell after toxic chemicals were dumped into the water, experts have said.
River bugs, which provide a food source for fish, have been completely wiped out along a 15-mile stretch of the river.
A polluting substance has affected a 25-mile stretch of the river from Rawtenstall to where the river meets Manchester Ship Canal.
It is believed the pollution was caused by an agricultural pesticide which was likely dumped in the water in Rossendale.
Experts believe the toxin has made its way through the sewer network and sewage treatment beds and into the river via a water treatment works outflow.
The damage was first discovered by two anglers, who found hundreds of dead crayfish, which have been left without food, floating in the river.
Mike Duddy, from the Mersey Basin Rivers Trust, said the incident has proved disastrous for wildlife and will have a significant impact on fish and migratory birds.
He said: “It’s catastrophic. Everything has been wiped out within the river along a 15-mile stretch.
“The only thing that is surviving is the fish as they’re not affected by the pesticide. But it means the fish and the migratory birds don’t have anything to eat. These river bugs are a vital component of the food chain.
“The river will regenerate itself, but it will take time and we really don’t know how long.”
Though it has not yet been confirmed, Mike believes the pollution has been caused by an agricultural pesticide.
He said it is likely it was dumped in the water in the Rossendale Valley.
Mike said the incident is almost identical to a pollution event at the River Kennet, in Wiltshire, last year.
He said: “On the Kennet someone tipped chemicals down a drain and it caused a total wipeout.
“That was a pesticide called Chlorpyrifos and we think it could be the same thing which has been dumped in the Irwell.”
The Environment Agency is currently investigating the source of the pollution, with experts trying to determine exactly which substance has caused the damage.