A quarry complex in Mallusk, County Antrim is currently being investigated following allegations that it has polluted a nearby river in Newtownabbey. The Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) said they were considering prosecution after receiving several reports that suspended solids and siltation were reaching the Six Mile Water and a major tributary, Ballymartin Water, from a drain at the quarry. EHS officers have taken samples of the water and have already issued an enforcement notice on 4 September 2006, which gave the company 30 days to take remedial action. This period has now expired and nothing has been done to prevent further incidents. If the EHS press ahead with prosecution, it could result in a fine of up to £20,000, and three months in prison.
Environmentalists added that the Antrim and District Angling Association had been carrying out major enhancement works to improve fish stocks in the river, however the almost daily dense slick of pollution from the quarry has wiped out 75% of fish stocks. Groups in the area are calling for immediate action to halt the pollution.
