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Last Updated: Tuesday, 16 December, 2003, 17:35 GMT
River pollution a 'major' problem
Last year, 69 pollution incidents involved slurry leaking into waterways
The latest check on Northern Ireland's rivers suggests pollution remains a major problem despite a reduction in reported incidents.

The figures, contained in the annual report by the Fisheries Conservancy Board, detail 212 pollution incidents last year, down from 271 the year before.

The board identifies farmers as the worst offenders with chemicals, slurry and sewage causing the most problems.

The pollution of local waterways remains commonplace, with the board confirming an average of four incidents a week.

It is thought pollution may be even more widespread than the figures suggest.

The Conservanacy Board points to slurry as a growing problem.

Millions of gallons of liquid manure are produced on farms as a fertiliser.

Last year, 69 pollution incidents involved slurry leaking into waterways.

Even more deadly is silage effluent which robs rivers of oxygen and can kill off aquatic life for miles downstream.

There were 76 confirmed pollution incidents involving silage effluent.

Non-agricultural related pollution accounted for 12 incidents, including 3 involving sewage from water service treatment works.

A 27% reduction suggests significant progress is being made but the Conservancy board is keen to further reduce fish kills and river pollution.


SEE ALSO:
River hit by fish kill
28 May 01  |  Northern Ireland
Fish kill source 'identified'
27 Aug 02  |  Northern Ireland
Health warning after fish kill
25 Jul 00  |  Northern Ireland


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