Environment Agency launches investigation into fish deaths on Devon river
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Author: |
Tricia Cassel-Gerard |
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Date published: |
6-Sep-2005 |
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Keywords: |
River Barle, investigation |
A major investigation is underway after dozens of fish died on a tributary of the River Exe while contractors were carrying out work for the Environment Agency.
An estimated 300 young salmon and trout were killed on the River Barle at the weekend after polluted water escaped into the river from a construction site to improve a gauging station. The spill has affected a 130 metre stretch of the river near Brushford.
Environment Agency officers went to the scene after being alerted by the owner of a local fish farm whose business was not affected by the incident.
Work on the gauging station has now stopped while the Agency investigates the circumstances surrounding the polluting discharge that also killed a small number of other fish species including bullhead, loach and grayling.
‘We are treating this incident very seriously and are carrying out an urgent investigation. The pollution appears to have been confined to a relatively short stretch of the river.’ said Kath Porter for the Environment Agency.
The dry summer conditions and low rainfall has reduced flows in the River Barle. It is understood most of the fish were in a series of pools downstream of Brushford when the pollution struck.
A full fish survey and biological survey is being carried out on the Barle to assess the impact of the discharge on the river.
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Doc reference: |
188/05 |
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Contact: |
