An investigation has been launched by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) after another fish kill in Portadown. Stone loach, roach and trout are amongst the species killed in what has been described as a significant incident. It is the second major fish kill in the river this year and the third such incident in the Portadown area in recent weeks. According to initial investigations, the kill took place close to a nature reserve and natural wetland at the Ballybay River, Corcrain.
Water quality inspectors and officers from the Fisheries Conservancy Board were sent to the scene and have been assessing the damage and trying to establish what happened. A spokesperson for the NIEA said, "In the inspectors' opinion a plug of pollution has travelled down the river which was in flood at the time. Measurements of dissolved oxygen levels in the river were very low and samples have been taken for analysis in an attempt to discover the nature of the pollutant. It is vital that anyone with any relevant information contacts the NIEA Water Pollution Hotline on 0800 807060."
The kill comes just a fortnight after the last such incident in Portadown, in which a large number of coarse fish and pike were found dead at Shillington's Bridge. That kill happened a day after hundreds of fish were killed at Moneypenny's Lock, which was believed to have been caused by adverse weather conditions.
Speaking at the time the NIEA said there was no evidence of a link between the incidents.
