Two rivers in Devon turned white again
The environmental Agency(EA) South Western branch was called to investigate exactly why 12 miles of river water in Devon had turned white. It happened in Rivers Yealm and Piall at around 2.30 pm in December 5th 2022.
Members of the public walking in the area had noticed the colour change in the water and had called the Environmental Agency directly. Once arriving on the scene officers began the hunt for the pollution source of the discoloured water hoping to stop it as quickly as they could.
The Environment Agency also said is unable to give details of the alleged source of the pollution because it may result in enforcement action being taken.
While EA officers declined to reveal the further details, a previous incident involving the same river turning white back in November 2020 could give us clues as to what may have happened this time.
Environment Agency points to rain-off from a quarry since heavy rainfall
The ecological impact it could have had on the surrounding area is quite profound. This isn’t the first time that something like this has happened in the River Yealm.
This was eventually tracked down to heavy rainfall run-off from a nearby quarry, with one resident who lived nearly comparing it to what looked like emulsion paint.
Officers are yet again jumping into action. but a spokesperson on December 6th confirmed that they had located the source of the pollution:
“The environmental Agency has identified the source of the pollution affecting the Rivers in South Devon. We are supporting the work to stop the discharge and prevent further material from being washed down the river.”
“We have officers at different locations on the river sampling and assessing the impact. Fisheries specialists have been on site since early this morning assessing the impact of the pollution on fish and fish habitat.”
“This was hampered yesterday by the lack of visibility in the river caused by the pollution. More than 12 miles of watercolour have been affected, which enters the Yealm near Cornwood and then flows down to Plymouth Sound.”
Ivybridge community Facebook was observant enough to pick up on the water colour change commenting that it looked to be: “Saturated in what appears China clay effluent.”
The Environmental Agency has a 24 hour incident line 0800 807060 where members of the public can report such incidents and advised that anyone concerned about such incidents should call the hotline.
It also said: “If you have any information that could help, contact out hotline.”
Source: devonlive
