Walsall canal towpath reopening after pollution incident
It's after there was a chemical spill incident in Pleck in August.
Last updated 2nd Oct 2024
Walsall Council have announced that a section of the previously closed canal towpath through Pleck will re-open for public use from tomorrow, Thursday 3 October 2024.
It's been closed following a sodium cyanide spill which ended up in the waterway, after a major incident was declared in August.
The source of the spillage was later identified. The Environment Agency confirmed it came from a nearby metal plating firm.
Regular lab tests by the Environment Agency have now confirmed that pollution levels in the water have dropped to an acceptable level, and it's therefore safe to open part of the towpath.
Some restrictions will remain in place though to avoid disturbing the silt at the bottom of the canal whilst testing and sediment sampling continues.
Anyone using the towpaths is advised to still avoid any contact with the canal water, keep pets out the water, refrain from all fishing activities, including magnet fishing. The canal waterway will remain closed to boats for the foreseeable future.