Outrage as River Bollin is polluted once again
OUTRAGE has been caused once again following another serious pollution incident in Macclesfield’s River Bollin.
In scenes very similar to those 12 months ago, significant sections of the river were turned into a giant bubble bath by a large amount of foam on Thursday, March 7.
A team from the Environment Agency (EA) has been on site since in a bid to assess the habitat damage caused – although predictions are grim.
In February last year pollution entered the river and killed more than 1,000 fish, having a knockon effect for other wildlife there, which includes otters.
The investigation last time found where the pollution entered the Bollin but the EA has not reported any culprit identified or punishment meted out since.
So calls have been made for the government organisation to ‘step up’ in finding those responsible and provide a heavy punishment as a future deterrent.
Macclesfield’s branch of Extinction Rebellion has campaigned for better treatment of waterways and tougher sanctions from the government for those who transgress.
Hilary Jack, from the group, said: “It is shocking to see that the river is once again polluted at the same point as in February last year.
“We know that independent experts have been taking samples from the river and have reported on this.
“The Environment Agency were informed last year and they must step up their investigations to find the culprits and stop this damage before a collapse of the whole web of life in the river occurs.”
It is believed the source on this occasion was from somewhere near Macclesfield train station and different to last time.
Foam was then seen downstream in the Prestbury area and reported blowing across areas including South Park and the Silk Road.
The EA was asked for a statement and for any update on the investigation into last year’s incident.
A spokesman said: “We have received reports of foam on the River Bollin and thank the members of the public who reported this to us.
“Our officers have been out on site over the weekend and our investigations are ongoing.
“We encourage members of public to report any pollution incidents they see to our free 24-hour hotline on 0800 80 70 60.”
MP David Rutley has visited the site of the ‘unacceptable’ pollution while the EA were there and has urged the body to ‘carry out a thorough and fully comprehensive investigation’.
He said: “Last year’s
event caused real environmental damage, which makes it even more important to locate the source of this latest pollution and that those responsible for causing it are held to account.
“We need to take further steps to protect our local wildlife and environment – we can’t afford any more of these incidents.”
But one person who spotted the pollution, who walks his dog near the river, has said this second incident has seen him ‘lose faith’ in those in power to stop such problems.
Marcus Lonyon said: “The fish will be killed again. The otters, herons, kingfishers etc won’t be able to feed their young. Wildlife will starve.
“Whoever did this knows they did it. They’ve done it before. They must be prosecuted and made to restock the river with fish. And whatever drain they have used to flow into the river must be located and culverted into the mains system.
“It must not happen again.”