25/05/18 Pollution Update

On Wednesday 23rd May, Loughs Agency received a call about a pollution incident on the Owenreagh River near Dromore, Co Tyrone. Loughs Agency staff have located the source and the discharge has now been stopped.

Loughs Agency have deployed aeration equipment in order to re-oxygenate water. Where the Camowen River meets the Drumragh, near Omagh, the additional river water has diluted the effect of the pollution. Statutory samples have been taken and dispatched for analysis.

The Agency has unfortunately found evidence that the pollution has impacted the fish stocks and has advised that dead fish may be washed downstream. Fishery Officers will be assessing the number of fish effected by the pollution and the total number is not yet known.

The Agency continues to manage the pollution incident and is grateful for the support of local angling clubs, Ulster Angling Federation and FASTA. Northern Ireland Environment Agency are also working in partnership with the Agency.

 

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