NIEA response

There have been seven substantiated water pollution incidents on the River Bush in the period 1 January 2009 to date. All water pollution incidents that are reported to NIEA Water Management Unit are investigated within set procedures and enforcement action will be taken where appropriate under the terms of the Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Jun 2010, 13:36 BST

On 23 May 2010, following a report of foaming in the River Bush, just upstream of Bushmills, a Water Quality Inspector was tasked to the area to carry out an investigation. The Inspector observed extensive foaming in the watercourse, however, from the investigation, no polluting discharge was confirmed. There were no dead or distressed fish in the river and staff at the local salmon station had experienced no adverse effects. An algal bloom is a possible cause of such foam.

On 8 June 2010, a Water Quality Inspector responded to a further water pollution report and again confirmed the presence of foam in the river. As previously, investigation showed no evidence of pollution or odours associated with sewage or agricultural discharge. Samples were taken for analysis. Staff at the Salmon Station informed the Inspector that they had fish mortalities during the previous weekend. NIEA had not been informed of this at the time and the investigation into the foam is on-going with the waterway being kept under observation.

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In relation to the ‘policing’ of the river system, NIEA carry out regular inspections and consent compliance sampling of Northern Ireland Water Ltd and Industrial sites in the Bush Catchment. There is also a routine sampling programme with samples taken on a monthly basis at certain points on the river. The River Bush is also monitored by local Angling Club bailiffs.

For information, in December 2009, NIEA published River Basin Management Plans providing information on the condition of the water environment which listed objectives for improvement and measures necessary to deliver those improvements. The Plans are being implemented through use of Local Management Areas. NIEA are working with stakeholders, through Catchment Stakeholder Groups (CSGs), to develop and implement local plans on a three-year rolling program. The Bush is one of nine areas that NIEA are focusing on in 2010. The Bush and Glens CSG, which last met on the 13 May 2010, provides a forum for anyone interested in local water issues to raise their concerns. Stakeholders can also raise catchment issues with the Bush and Glens Catchment Management Officer for the area.

Related topics:Northern IrelandBushmills