Company fined for polluting River Fal

A Cornwall-based company has been ordered to pay court costs and fines of £7,162 after allowing liquid clay to be discharged into the River Fal in the south-east of England.

According to the Environment Agency, Imerys Minerals polluted the river three times in six months.

The problems were reportedly caused by burst pipes and a blocked holding tank.

Liquid clay can be harmful to the riverbed, preventing sunlight from penetrating the water and depriving fish of food.

Environment Agency spokesman Philip Christie described the Fal as a "sensitive" watercourse and said it is a haven for wildlife.

"The estuary is also an important commercial shellfishery. While the Agency accepts these spillages weren’t intentional, Imerys Minerals has a history of similar accidents," he added.

In related news, an investigation was launched last week after more than 200 dead fish were found in the River Thames.

Written by Lauren Steadman