Thousands of dead fish were found after a Cheshire river was polluted, the Environment Agency (EA) has confirmed. The organisation was alerted after white foam was spotted on the water's surface between Macclesfield and Prestbury.
As reported earlier this week by Cheshire Live, an investigation was launched and the EA were at the scene on Monday (February 27). Officers, fisheries and ecology specialists have since been trying to determine the source of the pollution.
In an update issued on social media today (Wednesday), the EA said more than 100 dead brown trout were removed from the river and 'thousands more smaller dead fish' were identified.
Water samples also confirmed that the pollutant was a 'foaming agent' but further lab results are needed before they can narrow down a source.
A spokesperson for the Environment Agency North West tweeted: "Thanks again to everyone who has helped with our investigation to find out what caused the pollution on the Bollin, the river is now looking much better.
"We’ve been monitoring the river and examining the drainage system all week, with a round-up of actions in this thread .
"We’ve traced the pollution back to an area south of Macclesfield town centre. Officers have been knocking on doors of homes & businesses in this area to see if any of their operations have caused this pollution.
"Our water samples confirm it was a foaming agent, but we're waiting on further lab results before we can verify more details. We'll then be in a better position to narrow down the source & increase our chances of enforcement.
"But - even if we're able to identify the source, we may not be able to make this info public, it could prejudice any enforcement action. We have the powers to take legal action if those found to be causing the pollution can be identified.
"Fisheries officers removed over 100 dead brown trout & identified thousands more smaller dead fish. It's likely that the river will recover and we're working with two angling clubs on our investigations & how to help the river recover.
"Finally, we are reminding businesses and organisations how to avoid causing pollution from activities involving chemical storage, car washing, construction and other activities."
Following the initial discovery last week, several people tweeted that the river was 'completely full of dead fish'. Residents described the incident as a 'bit grim' and 'heartbreaking'.
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