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Dozens of dead fish have been spotted in a West Midlands canal after authorities declared a major incident due to a chemical spillage in the water.
People are being urged to stay away from a 12-mile stretch of canal network in Walsall following the discovery of sodium cyanide in the water. The spillage is believed to have taken place on a stretch of canal close to the town centre.
After being discovered on Monday, Walsall Council notified the Environment Agency and a warning message was issued to the public.
On Tuesday night, a major incident was declared as council Garry Perry said it was too early to determine how the chemical made its way into the water.
A zone stretching between locks in Walsall, Tipton in Sandwell and Perry Barr in Birmingham has been set up with the public urged to avoid the canal and towpaths.
Sodium cyanide dissolves in water and can have serious health effects for those who come into direct physical contact with it, Walsall Council said.
Officials have said the chemical presents a serious health risk to people and their pets. They also warn that anyone who has taken fish from the canal should not eat them.
Locals have spotted many dead fish floating in the canal’s waters, likely killed by the lethal chemical.
Further testing is taking place in the canal water for the substance and any other chemicals while an investigation is underway on the spillage.
Walsall Council’s interim director of public health, Dr Nadia Inglis, said: “We’re testing all points of that affected area currently and we’ll be reviewing those results as they come through.
“We’ll be removing those restrictions and hopefully reducing the size of that potentially affected area where we are confident there isn’t a risk to health.”
“Our primary aim has been to keep the public safe and to protect their health and wellbeing.
“Given the nature of the substance, we’re taking a cautious approach to protecting our public until we know it’s safe to open those canal towpaths again.”
The operation involves the Environment Agency, the UK Health Security Agency, West Midlands Police and both Walsall and Sandwell councils.
Anyone who has been touched the canal water and is feeling unwell is urged to seek health advice by calling 111 or 999 in an emergency.
Councillor Garry Perry, leader of Walsall Council, said, “Our priority is the safety of our residents. I share their concerns and hope to see this incident resolved as soon as possible.
“We are working closely with our partners to manage this situation which has been declared a major incident. For your own safety please avoid this area of the canal and its towpaths.”
Source: independent.co.uk
