Environment agency probes fish kill

Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) staff were today probing a fish kill incident in Co Armagh.

Water quality inspectors were dispatched by the Agency after it received a report through the Water Pollution Hotline that dead fish had been spotted in the Corcrain River in Portadown (also known as the Ballybay River).

At this stage, Agency investigators and Fisheries Conservancy Board staff estimate approximately 150 trout of various ages and 200 small perch have been killed.

An NIEA spokesperson said: “The pollution incident has affected a stretch of water between the Corcrain River and the confluence with the River Bann.

“The investigating officers have recorded low levels of dissolved oxygen along the watercourse, and an aerator has been deployed to the area.

“This suggests that a polluting discharge has progressed along the river causing a significant drop in the oxygen levels.

“Investigative samples have been taken and investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the pollution.

“This incident serves as a reminder of why anyone who spots a pollution incident should use the Water Pollution Hotline straight away on Freephone 0800 807060. Caller’s details will remain in confidence.

“The earlier the phone call, the more we can do to tackle the pollution and identify the culprit.”

Notes to Editors:

1. Last September, trout, roach and stone loach were killed in a pollution incident on the Ballybay River at Corcrain.
2. For further media information, please contact the DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0003. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.