Cyanide levels drop following Walsall canal chemical spillage
The leak was declared a major incident for a time earlier this month
Officials say levels of cyanide in a Walsall canal are improving following a major chemical spillage.
There's been a multi agency response to a leak which first begun on Monday 12th August.
It was declared a major incident for a time as experts worked to contain the spill and stop the spread of pollution.
Tests show levels have since reduced. There are now going to be drop-in sessions for local residents and businesses, explaining what will happen next.
The below map shows the section of the canal that remains closed.
Statement issued by Walsall Council
Working with colleagues at the Canal & River Trust, Walsall Council is holding drop-in sessions to speak to residents and businesses about the spillage and the actions that have been taken.
The first of these sessions takes place on Friday 30 August 2024 from 1pm to 3pm at the LMRCA Railway Club, Sports Club, Wednesday Road, Walsall WS1 4JG.
A follow up session is due to be held next Friday 6 September 2024 from 4pm until 6pm at St John's Church, Pleck and Bescot, Scarborough Road, Walsall WS2 9TR.
Our priority continues to be the safety of our residents and canal users. However, with the pollution contained and with water quality testing by the Environment Agency showing that pollution levels within the water are reducing, attention is increasingly turning to the effort to recover the canal and its wildlife.
The source of the spillage from Anochrome Ltd was stopped and an investigation is underway by the Environment Agency into its cause.
Although risks are low, anyone who has been exposed (direct physical contact with canal water) along the affected stretch of the canal and is feeling unwell, should seek health advice via 111 or 999 in an emergency.
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