Menu
11/05/2009
Polluter 'Fined' Over Waterway Discharge
Anglers and conservationists angry over repeated 'fish kills' on a river that flows into Lough Neagh are now seeing further action taken against those responsible.
After several pollution incidents at local rivers - all believed to have originated at the nearby industrial estate at Mallusk - another Co Antrim business has been penalised - although the fine imposed may not be a sufficient deterinent.
A total of £1,000 plus £25 court costs was awarded at Belfast Magistrates' Court last week.
Northstone (NI) Ltd, of Kingsway, Dunmurry, was fined £500 for making a polluting discharge to a waterway, namely Cottonmount Burn, a tributary of the Sixmilewater.
The company was also fined £500 for making a discharge in contravention of the Department's consent conditions.
It emerged in court that on 6 November 2007, an officer from the Pollution Prevention Team and a Water Quality Inspector, acting on behalf of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, observed a polluting discharge entering the Cottonmount Burn.
The source of the polluting discharge was traced to the Northstone site at Mallusk Road.
The court was told that a sample taken at the time of the incident confirmed that the discharge contained poisonous, noxious and polluting matter which would have been potentially harmful to fish life in the receiving watercourse.
The officials said that harmful effects include clogging fish gills leading to stress, smothering and death, the destruction of fish spawning sites leading to a reduction in fish population and the destruction of habitats for invertebrates which are an important food source for fish.
Suspended solids also blanket aquatic plants leading to reduced growth rates and reduction in dissolved oxygen levels inn the water.
See: Mallusk Firm Hit With River Pollution Fine
See: Fish Kills Targeted
See: Further Fish Kill Probed
(BMcC/JM)
After several pollution incidents at local rivers - all believed to have originated at the nearby industrial estate at Mallusk - another Co Antrim business has been penalised - although the fine imposed may not be a sufficient deterinent.
A total of £1,000 plus £25 court costs was awarded at Belfast Magistrates' Court last week.
Northstone (NI) Ltd, of Kingsway, Dunmurry, was fined £500 for making a polluting discharge to a waterway, namely Cottonmount Burn, a tributary of the Sixmilewater.
The company was also fined £500 for making a discharge in contravention of the Department's consent conditions.
It emerged in court that on 6 November 2007, an officer from the Pollution Prevention Team and a Water Quality Inspector, acting on behalf of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, observed a polluting discharge entering the Cottonmount Burn.
The source of the polluting discharge was traced to the Northstone site at Mallusk Road.
The court was told that a sample taken at the time of the incident confirmed that the discharge contained poisonous, noxious and polluting matter which would have been potentially harmful to fish life in the receiving watercourse.
The officials said that harmful effects include clogging fish gills leading to stress, smothering and death, the destruction of fish spawning sites leading to a reduction in fish population and the destruction of habitats for invertebrates which are an important food source for fish.
Suspended solids also blanket aquatic plants leading to reduced growth rates and reduction in dissolved oxygen levels inn the water.
See: Mallusk Firm Hit With River Pollution Fine
See: Fish Kills Targeted
See: Further Fish Kill Probed
(BMcC/JM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 June 2018
NIEA Issues Warning Over Summer Pollution
Following a major fish kill in Armagh and amid the current hot weather, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) have issued a pollution warning. Industry, landowners and farmers are being urged to take extra care to protect waters from pollution.
NIEA Issues Warning Over Summer Pollution
Following a major fish kill in Armagh and amid the current hot weather, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) have issued a pollution warning. Industry, landowners and farmers are being urged to take extra care to protect waters from pollution.
31 October 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.
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.
11 October 2016
Investigation Launched Following Major Fish Kill In Co Down
An investigation has been launched following a major fish kill at Carrig River in Newcastle, Co Down. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) is currently on site investigating the pollution incident after it was reported on Saturday, 08 October.
Investigation Launched Following Major Fish Kill In Co Down
An investigation has been launched following a major fish kill at Carrig River in Newcastle, Co Down. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) is currently on site investigating the pollution incident after it was reported on Saturday, 08 October.
25 July 2014
Major Fish Kill In County Armagh
A major fish kill has been reported in County Armagh. It is believed to have been caused by pollution from farm waste, according to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA). At least 60 fish have been reported to have been found dead in the Bessbrook River. The NIEA expect this number to rise.
Major Fish Kill In County Armagh
A major fish kill has been reported in County Armagh. It is believed to have been caused by pollution from farm waste, according to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA). At least 60 fish have been reported to have been found dead in the Bessbrook River. The NIEA expect this number to rise.
19 April 2013
BBC Test Uncovers 'Fish Fraud'
Tests commissioned by BBC Northern Ireland have found some food products, labelled as cod, do not contain actually contain any cod at all. The results came following a BBC NI request to Belfast's Institute for Global Food Security to examine 30 foods. The move was a result of the recent horsemeat scare, according to the BBC.
BBC Test Uncovers 'Fish Fraud'
Tests commissioned by BBC Northern Ireland have found some food products, labelled as cod, do not contain actually contain any cod at all. The results came following a BBC NI request to Belfast's Institute for Global Food Security to examine 30 foods. The move was a result of the recent horsemeat scare, according to the BBC.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
