Pesticides in River Colne could reach Colchester by Saturday (From Essex County Standard)

Pesticides in River Colne could reach Colchester by Saturday

9:48am Thursday 21st June 2012 in News

DANGEROUS pesticide which spilt into the River Colne last week will reach Colchester by the weekend.

About 5,000 litres of the pesticide toppled into a brook, in Toppesfield, on Wednesday, June 13 and so far it has killed thousands of fish after it spread along 10km of river.

The Environment Agency is calling the spill one of the biggest chemical spills in 15 years.

It is hoped by the time the poison reaches Colchester, it will be so diluted, there will be no major effects for river life.

Since the spill, about 6,000 fish have been rescued, but some 4,000 have been killed.

Frank Saunders from the Environment Agency said: “We are continuing to do all we can to minimise the impact but unfortunately we have seen some devastating effects so far.

“This is one of the biggest chemical spills into a watercourse in Essex in the last 15 years.”

The spill was immediately reported to the agency by a farmer, when his trailer toppled over while crossing a bridge in Toppesfield.

Agency workers had sought to stop the spread by pumping thousands of litres of water into the river and building temporary dams

Anyone who spots dead fish of fish gasping anywhere in the river should call the Environment Agency immediately on 0845 80 70 60.

There is no significant risk to human but pet owners are being advised to keep their animals out of the water as a precaution.