Slurry concern over Crumlin fish kill

A SUSPECTED slurry spill which has killed hundreds of fish in Crumlin.

The Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) confirmed a water pollution report was received regarding the Crumlin River late on Sunday morning.

NIEA deployed a Water Quality Inspector to the area to confirm the report and to assess the environmental impact and a joint investigation with DAERA Inland Fisheries remains ongoing.

The stretch that runs through Crumlin town from the Belfast Hills to Lough Neagh is known for its wild brown trout, as well as dollaghan and salmon fry.

David Kennedy from Crumlin and District Angling Association said he went immediately to the river to establish the extent of the damage once he was notified of dead fish in the water.

“We counted about 25 dead fish in a stretch of about 50 metres of water. So potentially there could be hundreds killed,” he said.

“The water is chocolate brown which means you cannot see the dead fish when they go belly up."

The river is starting to clear at the top but we have had two weeks of no rain and the danger is that the slurry doesn't move through quickly enough; it deoxygenates the water and the fish suffocate.

Mr Kennedy said there was a danger of the whole year of spawning being destroyed in this one incident.

This is the first fish kill incident on the river in over a decade, Mr Kennedy added.

“It's a live investigation. Our concern is that this has happened and that it happens too often on our rivers.”

Locals are also being warned to keep children and dogs out of the water.

The Six Mile Water Trust also commented, saying: “This should not be happening and is disastrous to river ecosystems.

“If there was ever a reason for anglers, private water bailiffs, River Trusts, and the public to be vigilant on our streams and rivers this is it.

“The game angling season may be still closed until the March 1 but already in the first two weeks of February, we have two incidents of slurry pollution to waterways. The rules are there, but sadly being ignored?”