“Incident” at water treatment plant linked to fish deaths in Limerick

An “incident” at the Castlemahon water treatment plant has been linked to a fish kill in the River Deel.

Limerick Live has learned that aluminium sulphate – a flocculant used to treat drinking water – entered the river on Thursday 29 August.

A Uisce Éireann spokesman said investigations were underway to establish the exact circumstances of an incident at the Castlemahon water treatment plant.

“The relevant authorities have been notified and Uisce Éireann is cooperating fully with Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) in relation to the investigation.

“We would also like to reassure the public that the quality of drinking water has not been affected,” said a spokesperson for Uisce Éireann. They did not respond to a request from the Limerick Leader regarding aluminium sulphate.

Regarding the River Deel pollution incident, an Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) spokesperson said that the EPA and IFI are currently investigating the incident and the impacts on the water treatment plant and the river.

“As part of the investigation, EPA conducted an on-site inspection of the water treatment plant on August 30.

“This inspection confirmed that the quality of drinking water provided to consumers was not affected by the incident. IFI has inspected the river and is working with Uisce Eireann to address any impacts on the River Deel,” the spokesman said.

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Local fisherman Joe Hurley described the fish deaths as “shocking.”

“We don't know how many fish were killed because this has been going on for hours and the fish keep drifting down,” said Joe, who took a photo of five dead trout on the river bank.

He said trout stocks are under constant pressure and this could be their death sentence.

“It might be for the Deel anyway, considering how that stuff came down here and how it laid them flat on their bellies. It'll be like that all the way to Askeaton,” said Joe.

When he first saw it, he thought there was milk in the river, but it wasn't milk. He was able to track down the source of the contaminant and said it was coming from a pipe. Joe said it was “very concerning” as they are doing their best to protect fish stocks and farmers are a great help and are doing their best.

“The farmers are blamed for everything, but they can't be blamed for doing this. Each of them has their own farm that is up to date and immaculate – I can guarantee you that,” Joe said.