Arsenic and acid found in river douglas
Arsenic and acid have been detected in a Wigan river – even though millions of pounds have been spent on a clean-up.
The substances have been detected in samples taken from the River Douglas by experts from the watchdog Environment Agency.
Both are present in minimal levels, not thought to represent a threat to health.
The waterway, which winds through the town centre and out through Gathurst towards the sea, is a popular fishing venue after years of clean-up operations and re-stocking have seen a boom in fish and aquatic life.
The revelation is contained in a draft report out for consultation until June 22 for the European Water Framework Directive (WFD), which hopes to drive up the quality of watercourses across the EU in the next two decades.
Lancashire Fisheries Consultative Association, which represents borough and regional fishing clubs encompassing 27,500 anglers, has been working on the directive for two years.
It is calling on all anglers to make sure that they have their say in shaping the future of river and stillwater fisheries.
Secretary John Weedon, from Abram, said the findings show that, while huge progress has been made in allaying the effects of the industrial revolution on the Douglas, work was still needed.
He said: "We have been told that fisheries will have a major impact on the directive, so anglers will be angry to learn of arsenic and acid showing in the River Douglas.
"They will be wanting to know why it has been allowed to happen, especially as the agency has a legal duty to develop, maintain and improve fisheries and in an era of so-called cleaner rivers.
"Our view is that WFD is a commendable plan addressing all the big issues, but we were disturbed by confirmation of chemicals and poisonous metals in rivers, particularly in the Douglas, and some of the other unsightly stuff that has been seen going into it.
"The Douglas at Adlington has suffered one serious fish-kill with around 10,000-12,000 lost, while the water quality in Wigan is officially poor and only moderate downstream, which might come as another shock."
A spokesman for the Environment Agency is also urging anglers and waterway users to take part in the consultation.
He said: "Water pollution can come from many different sources and by looking at the problems together, we can take action collectively.
"We want to make sure that future generations have a clean, safe water environment to live, work and play in."
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Tuesday 07 February 2012
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