River pollution incident sparks health concerns

Michael Martin of the Six Mile Water River Trust says that anglers and other river users are being warned to stay away from the river for the time being following the discovery of what appears to be "sewage fungus" on the waterway.

"The material which is light coloured and resembles what one angler described as rotting flesh was first discovered last Tuesday, but the source was not discovered until Friday. Our own investigations have found an absence of the material above Ballyclare sewage facility but a heavy accumulation immediately below," he said.

"We have been working hard with the various government agencies to improve conditions on the river and improve facilities for groups such as schoolchildren, canoeists, walkers etc, and of course benefit the wildlife itself, and it is disappointing to see incidents like this continue to destroy the beautiful river habitat that exists."

Mr Martin said that the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) are investigating the source of the pollutant, and warned that if it is sewage fungus it may pose a health hazard.

A spokesperson for NI Water said that it had not received any correspondence from the NIEA regarding an incident at the Ballyclare Wastewater Treatment Works, adding that checks carried out on Monday (June 8) show the facility is operating satisfactorily.

"NI Water is, however, reviewing the operation of all its wastewater treatment assets in the Ballyclare area," she added.