RUN-OFF WATER FROM GLANWORTH QUARRY BEING INVESTIGATED
Discoloured run-off water coming from a Glanworth quarry in the Ballykenly area was seen to be running into a stream nearby, which feeds into the river Funcheon.
It is understood that workers on site encountered a spring in the quarry and had to bring in a large pump to remove water from the area, in order to save machinery located there. Water was then fed into a lagoon. However, due to the quantity of the water, this soon overflowed leading to run-off water reaching the nearby river.
Kildorrery man David Lee, who is an award-winning environmentalist, told TheAvondhu that under the operator’s license, any water amounts discharged have to be controlled. However, he claims, the pump located on site had been running for ‘a couple of days’.
“That water would have had a high percentage of lime which eats up oxygen in the water and fish will die then because there is no oxygen”, Mr Lee claimed.
“I was very concerned in the start but what saved it was the water coming from the plant was ice cold, so it didn’t mix with the river water. It was running for about three or four days before anyone noticed it”.
It is understood that due to the large amounts of run-off water that had made its way into the stream, the river was seen to ‘run white’.
A video taken of the river just before it enters the River Funcheon, approximately a kilometre from the point where the run-off water entered, traces of what is believed to be the discoloured water could still be seen.
“Some farmer will be blamed for slurry when the stuff is coming from elsewhere,” Mr Lee said.
‘FULL INVESTIGATION’ According to Mr Lee, the quarry began filling with water once again on Tuesday morning. Both Cork County Council and Inland Fisheries Ireland were notified of the matter.
“I am awaiting the reports now to see what we can do about the problem and I will speak with the manager at that stage,” Mr Lee added.
Local Councillor Frank O’Flynn, called for a full investigation into the cause of the run-off water that entered the river.
“People have been in contact with me about discoloured water going into the river which could contribute to a fish kill. The council and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have been notified.
“We have to be careful of our rivers and the quality of our water. I have no doubt that the powers that be will carry out a full investigation and find the cause. I look forward to a report on the matter,” Cllr O’Flynn said.
According to Mr O’Flynn, this is the first time that an incident such as this has occurred in the area locally.
Following a query on the matter posed to Cork County Council by TheAvondhu, a spokesperson for the council confirmed: “Cork County Council is aware of the reported incident and is liaising with Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) who are currently leading the investigation.”
TheAvondhu were unsuccessful in contacting a spokesperson for the quarry operation before going to press.