Silt run-off during the construction of a wind farm is believed to be responsible for the wiping out of valuable vegetation and a massive decrease in wild Brown Trout fish stocks in one of Tyrone's hidden beauty spots. During recent weeks and months, nets dropped in Lough Lee, which is situated near Bin Mountain above Killen and Drumquin, turned up a miniscule sample of feeble and malnourished fish. Lough Lee has long been considered by angling tourists as one of the most unique freshwater fishing sites in the UK.
It is believed that while the Bin Mountain wind farm was under construction last year, such was the extent of the silt and clay run-off that the entire lough was severely polluted resulting in complete discolouration. The Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) is currently preparing files for submission to the Public Prosecution Service after identifying a source which is thought to be responsible for the pollution impact at the Lough. A statement released said, "The EHS Water Management Unit took samples on 4 July 2007, with a view to prosecution under the Water (Northern Ireland) Order SI 1999/662. Evidence is also being gathered with a view to prosecution under waste legislation."
Remedial work began on site in April this year, and is now at an advanced stage. This process has involved a close working relationship between the EHS and the Planning Service and it is hoped these works will be completed in November 2007.
