The Environment Agency has today warned that a pesticide spill, which occurred last week at Toppesfield Brook, Essex has affected aquatic life in the River Colne downstream from Great Yeldham. The agency said the pesticide, which entered the water when a farm trailer overturned above the brook, has caused damage over at least 10 kilometres of the river since the spill on Wednesday 14th June.

image expired

The EA said the pollution is moving relatively slowly down the river; agency officials estimate it will reach Colchester in around two days.  However, they hope that there will be no major effects by this point due to the pesticide being further diluted by the widening river.
 

The Environment Agency has so far moved around 6,000 fish to safety, but officials estimate that 4,000 larger fish and many thousands of smaller fish, invertebrates and flora have been killed by the spill, thought to be as large as 5,000 litres of pesticide.

The agency last week set up two dams, the second constructed overnight, at the brook and pumped out contaminated water, however, although a third dam was considered, the specialist team called to attend the spillage did not construct this immediately.

Frank Saunders, an agency spokesperson said yesterday, “We are continuing to do all we can to minimise the impact but unfortunately we have seen some devastating effects so far.  This is one of the biggest chemical spills into a watercourse in Essex in the last 15 years.”

He continued, “We ask that if people see fish gasping or dead anywhere along the river, please ring the Environment Agency immediately.”

The pesticide is now very dilute and does not pose a significant risk to humans, but the Agency advised anyone who has been in contact with the water and is at all concerned to contact NHS Direct.

Dog owners are advised to keep their pets out of the water as a precautionary measure. The Environment Agency can be contacted on 0800 80 70 60.

Tweet