Thousands of fish are feared dead in the River Weaver in Nantwich after another pollution incident.
The Environment Agency sent staff to the river earlier today after reports of fish being washed up dead.
The incident has also forced Nantwich Angling Society to suspend its activities along the river.
It comes two years after pollution incidents involving slurry dumped in the river higher up the watercourse.
The slurry has meant fish being starved of oxygen in the river.
Stuart Mitton, of Nantwich Angling Society, said: “We received calls early afternoon (August 21) of fish in distress and a strong smell of slurry again.
“On investigation hundreds of fish including specimen sized chub were dead and dying due to oxygen starvation caused by what appears to be another slurry pollution.
“The EA responded quickly and as you can see by their post the actions were swift but nonetheless another huge loss of fish in the river.
The Environment Agency said today: “Our fisheries officers have been responding to reports of dead fish and fish in distress at multiple sites today, including on the River Weaver in Nantwich.
“To help protect the fish, the team has deployed chemical aeration at the site.
“This will increase oxygen levels in the water and provide immediate relief for fish in the affected stretch of river.
“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as necessary.
“Thank you to members of the public who reported the incident.
“For your safety, please keep out of the water at this time. This includes pets as well. Thank you for your cooperation.”
They urged the public to continue to report any signs of fish in distress to 0800 80 70 60.
Stuart added: “It’s one thing after another. Connor Naismith has responded to me really quickly and has contacted DEFRA on our behalf too.
“This is the fifth such incident in three years as I’m sure you’re aware.”
Residents have called for strong action on those responsible for dumping slurry into the river.
One said: “Maybe it’s about time you found the source as it’s happening all the time. Prosecute them and recover all costs.”
The EA launched an investigation after two serious pollution incidents in the River Weaver in autumn of 2023.
In September last year, we revealed that 54 farms were questioned as part of the investigation.
And the EA had taken 40 actions in total – including eight site warnings, four warning letters and one notice as part of the long-running probe.
But the investigation did not result in any prosecutions.
The EA also began a re-stocking initiative in February this year, releasing thousands of new fish into the Weaver to replace those lost in 2023.
(Images courtesy of the Environment Agency and NAS)
The river stinks, with dead fish floating on the bank. It’s horrendous, and people have been warning about this for years, but nothing has been done.
Today, I saw a kingfisher, a usually shy and elusive bird, by the river on mill island. Presumably so desperate for food that it had to come to what it usually perceives as a dangerous place to try and find food. This is ruining the ecosystem, and people must pay for this and put things right. I’m disgusted.
The Russians did it
It’s farmers and the Environment Agency has no power to do anything about it
These repeat incidents are scandalous. During the winter there is an almost continuous level of dirty foam presumably from rain washing slurry from the fields. Surely the EA could track the source of the pollution by using drones or by regular sampling upstream.
How is this allowed and not been punishable.
How do these companies still get bonuses knowing their consenting to this, I’m not a fisherman but this is wrong on every level, I’m guessing there’s some back handers going on…This needs to Stop!
Obviously this isn’t acting as a deterrent.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/unlimited-penalties-introduced-for-those-who-pollute-environment
Don’t warn – prosecute with publicity. It’s about time the EA grew a pair and went to Court.
How many more times will it happen
This as been happening for years
I’m 80 years old and this as being going on for years
Waste of time fishing the river pay for a river licence and only been handful of Time.this season.
.about time they found what is happening and found out what is responsible for it !!!