The Environment Agency is continuing a clean-up operation of the river Colne in Essex, after a pesticide spill into a tributary on 13th June caused pollution over a large stretch of the river. At least 12km of the river has been affected so far, with a stretch from Great Yeldham to Earls Colne reportedly being worst affected.

Following the spilling of around 5,000 litres of pesticide into Toppesfield Brook, the Agency created two dams and drained the worst affected part of the brook. Nevertheless, the pollution spread into the river where it is believed to have been responsible for the deaths of over 4,000 larger fish and many thousands of smaller fish, invertebrates and flora.

The Environment Agency has so far rescued around 8,000 fish since the spill two weeks ago and a spokesperson said it is unlikely any further effects on fish will be seen. However, the insect population is said to have been “devastated” by the spill.

Environment Agency spokesperson Frank Saunders said, “We are still monitoring the river and pesticide levels are now greatly diluted so we are not seeing further impact on fish.  We will continue to carry out sediment and water sampling until we are satisfied that the river has returned to normal.

 “We are also monitoring invertebrate life in the river.  This is a major food source for fish and the results of these tests will inform us when we can start returning the fish we have rescued back to the river”.

The Agency today announced it has launched a full investigation to establish how the pesticide came to enter the brook. It was reported after the event that a farm trailer had overturned above the brook, causing the spillage.

Environment Agency officers and volunteers from the Essex Wildlife Trust have accepted the grim task of removing dead fish from the river; the work is likely to continue for the next few days.

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