Rossendale beck "devastated" by pollution

Water/wastewater

Rossendale beck "devastated" by pollution

30 Jun, 2009

Published over 17 years ago. See the latest and most current information on Water/wastewater.

Environment Agency officers are investigating an incident in Rossendale.

Speaking earlier this week, the organisation said there had been a large fish kill at Whitewell Brook, covering a three-kilometre stretch of water.

Gordon Whitaker, environment manager for Greater Manchester, said marine life in the affected area has been "devastated".

"We are working to identify the source of the pollution, and to limit any further environmental damage," he added.

In related news, an abattoir in Wigton was fined £5,000 and ordered to pay court costs £3,127 at Carlisle Magistrates Court earlier this month after contaminating Pow Beck tributary with effluent containing blood.

Inspectors said a leak had turned the water to turn "blood red" and caused significant damage to the beck's ecosystem.

The pollution led to an increase in fungus growth and reduced oxygen levels, resulting in death and damage to marine life.

Written by Lauren Steadman



Latest News

IET 36.5 Sept/Oct 2026

Explore our Digital Edition

Discover the latest news and research

Digital edition

Explore Our Other Sites

Labmate Online
Navigating Complexity: How Mid-Sized Teams Choose the Right Diagnostics CDMO Partner
Explore more Arrow
Pollution Solutions Online
Smarter wastewater management helps futureproof distillery operations and protect local watercourses
Explore more Arrow
Petro Online
A single viscometer for both conventional and renewable fuels
Explore more Arrow
Chromatography Today
Dr. Anupam Giri joins Chromatography Today as consultant editor to strengthen its technical expertise
Explore more Arrow