31/10/2014

Major Fish Kill Declared In Ballyclare

A "major fish kill" has been declared in Six Mile Water, Ballyclare.

On Wednesday (29 October), the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) received a report that a number of fish had been found dead in Six Mile Water.

A Water Quality Inspector for NIEA was sent to the area to investigate and determine the environmental impact of the incident.

The number of dead fish now stands at 964, and the incident has been declared as a "major fish kill". As a result, the water pollution incident has been classified as being of "high severity".

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said: "I am concerned about this. I will be monitoring developments here closely along with my NIEA officials."

A spokesperson for the NIEA added: "DCAL Inland Fisheries have confirmed that the number of dead fish found in the Six Mile Water at Ballyclare now stands at 964. Investigations are on-going in an effort to determine the cause."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Water Pollution Hotline on 0800 80 70 60.

(JP/IT)

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