UNWANTED DUMPING: Containers of toxic sludge found by anglers near a river in Co Derry
AN investigation has been launched after containers of toxic sludge were dumped near a Co Derry river.
The containers belong to organised crime gangs which contain the by-product of fuel laundering.
The sludge was found dumped on the Baranailt Road in Claudy beside the River Ness, a tributary of the River Faughan,
The Environment Crime Unit of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency are at the scene of the dump trying to trace the source of the sludge.
Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said he was “keeping a very close eye on developments”.
“Our contractors are on site to provide additional containment of the oily waste to ensure the river is protected.
“The River Ness is a contributory river to the River Faughan, which is popular with local anglers.
“I want to pay tribute to the River Faughan Anglers for their vigilance which enabled a swift response from statutory agencies. My officials are assessing what damage, if any, has been done to the river.”
Chris Thompson, from River Faughan Anglers, said an oil slick was visible on the surface of the river, but there did not appear to have been a fish kill.
He said the dump was spotted by local people at about 19:00 BST on Thursday.
Mr Thompson said some of the containers were either burst or lying on their side, but much of the waste had been stopped from going into the river by the Loughs Agency.
However, he said a lot of the sludge had spilled into gravel in the road and he was concerned it could still end up in the river.
He said those responsible “have no respect for the environment or other people’s properties.”
He added: “The people who buy this should be aware of the people they’re dealing with.”
Tags:
