A month after a significant chemical spill in Walsall Canal, local authorities have provided an important update. The incident, which occurred on August 12, 2024, saw dangerous chemicals, including sodium and zinc cyanide, enter the canal, causing widespread disruption and environmental damage.
Immediate Impact and Response
The spill, which originated from Anochrome Ltd, a metal finishing firm adjacent to the canal, caused immediate devastation to local wildlife. Fish deaths were reported and a significant stretch of the canal network, extending through Walsall into West Bromwich and Perry Barr in Birmingham, was promptly cordoned off.
Walsall Council initially cordoned off a 12-mile stretch of the canal and towpaths as a precaution to avoid potential health risks to the public and their pets. This area was later reduced to just over half a mile, specifically in the Pleck area.
Continued Safety Measures
Even as the canal towpath is expected to reopen soon, the canal itself remains closed until sediment contamination at the bottom is fully addressed. The local authority is working closely with the Environment Agency, the Canal & River Trust, and the UK Health Security Agency. The Environment Agency is leading an investigation into the incident.
Testing of the canal water by the Environment Agency allowed the reduction of the restricted area. Temporary dams were installed at each end of the canal’s red zone, but these were removed once water tests showed pollution levels had fallen within public safety limits.
Next Steps in Recovery
The council confirms that cyanide levels in the water have reduced to within public health guidelines, shifting focus to recovering the canal’s ecosystem. Aeration of the canal has been successful, and sampling continues as a part of a comprehensive remediation plan.
Public and local business engagement remains a priority, with drop-in sessions held to keep the community informed. Agencies at local, regional, and national levels are collaborating to ensure safety and minimize health risks.
Health and Safety Concerns
Walsall Council has advised residents who feel unwell after visiting the affected section of the canal to seek medical advice. Symptoms from sodium and zinc cyanide exposure could include headache, nausea, dizziness, and changes in heart rate. However, the council reassures that the sodium cyanide released was diluted by canal water, making it very unlikely for individuals to experience symptoms.
It’s illegal to fish and consume fish from the canal unless mandated by the Wildlife & Countryside Act. The council strongly advises against consuming anything caught in the canal due to potential contamination.
Environmental Consequences
Many fish died due to the spill, and the council states that the aquatic ecosystem along the affected section could take years to fully recover. The disruption has impacted the food chain from the smallest invertebrates to larger creatures like otters. Without natural balance, invasive species and algae are likely to proliferate.
Company’s Response and Accountability
A spokesperson for Anochrome Ltd expressed regret over the incident and detailed their immediate response which included notifying relevant authorities and collaborating with them to contain the spill. They emphasized their commitment to community safety and environmental protection.
Meanwhile, the Canal & River Trust has started a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for the cleanup and recovery efforts, aiming to reclaim funds through the Environment Agency’s actions.
The council’s update highlights ongoing efforts to remedy the situation and restore the canal to its prior condition, ensuring the safety of both residents and the environment.
