Free booms boon for North West canals

WATER quality and wildlife biodiversity on North West canals has received a boost, thanks to a gift of dozens of pollution booms donated to the Canal & River Trust.

Darcy Spillcare, a leading provider of pollution control products, manufactures the white polypropylene booms in its Birkenhead factory and has passed on 800 metres’ worth of the product to help protect the region’s inland waterways.

The booms, which look like long white socks, float on the water surface to contain oil and diesel spills, helping the trust to clean up the water in the event of a pollution incident.

CRT environmental scientist Louie Ramsden said: “We are very grateful for this gift, which will help in our charitable work to keep our canal water clean and healthy for the benefit of wildlife and the communities who love spending time by the water.

“The main threat is pollution from discharges, particularly in urban areas, and fuel leaks from boats using the waterways. When spillages occur, it’s very important for us to try to contain the pollution before it can spread further, reducing the damage it can cause to the ecology of the canal.

“Responding to pollution incidents costs the trust tens of thousands of pounds every year in staff time and equipment. So this donation will give us a significant boost over the coming year and allow more resource to be invested in beneficial activities, like enhancing the biodiversity of our wonderful blue/ green corridors.”

Awareness

Lauren Gower, Darcy Spillcare procurement director, said: “We are really pleased to be able to help the Canal & River Trust protect its waterways and hope this will raise further awareness with the public to prevent and report incidents as soon as possible.”

The trust is appealing to all members of the public to keep a watchful eye out for potential pollution incidents as they walk, cruise or ride along their local canal.

A quick response to spillages can often stop pollution incidents from spreading and causing wider damage.

Suspected serious incidents can be reported to the Environment Agency hotline (0800 807060) and the Canal & River Trust on 0800 4799947.

Call 03030 404040 to report more minor problems.

Canal & River Trust ecologist Louie Ramsden is delighted to accept a donated consignment of pollution booms from Darcy Spillcare procurement director Lauren Gower.

PHOTOS: CRT For more information about how to report a pollution incident, go to the Canal & River Trust website: https://canalrivertrust. o rg . u k / s p ec i a l i s t - teams/ caring-for-our-environment/whatto-do-if-you-spot-any-pollution The booms look like long white socks.