Section of canal in Walsall reopens after chemical spillage
A 12 mile stretch of the canal and towpaths have been shut since Monday (12 August) after sodium cyanide was found in the water
Last updated 16th Aug 2024
Walsall Council have released a statement this morning (Friday 16 August) with an update on the canal in Walsall.
Laboratory testing, conducted by the Environment Agency, has resulted in the reopening of sections of the canal which have been closed following a chemical spillage.
The council says 'thorough testing' has taken place within a 12 mile stretch of the canal from the Walsall lock flight to the lock flights at Rushall/Ryders Green and Perry Barr.
In order to avoid potential health risks to the public and to their pets the canal and towpaths in this area have been closed since Monday (12 August 2024).
Lab testing now shows that water quality is within public health guidelines in significant stretches of the canal that have previously been closed.
These areas have been reopened to the public and normal activities can resume. However, as a further precaution people are being warned not to eat fish from the canal.
A section of the canal from James Bridge on Bentley Mill Way in Darlaston to the west to Rollingmill Street, Walsall to the east will remain closed (see map above) until further notice.
Walsall Council have said in this area chemicals, including sodium cyanide and zinc cyanide, have been found at elevated levels. Testing will continue.
The restricted area of canal is reduced from around 12 miles to 1 kilometre.
The Canal & River Trust has arranged safe passage for boaters who wish to leave the area and is working to reopen the canals to navigation outside the restricted area.
The West Midlands Local Resilience Forum is treating the chemical spillage as a major incident, with a multi-agency response.
The source of the spillage has been identified and stopped and an investigation is underway into its cause.
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.