At the scene large numbers of fish were observed in distress, just above the 15th lock on the Grand Canal. The water in this vicinity was obviously polluted. Approximately 100 dead fish were observed near the lock gates. The openings on the lock gates were promptly closed by Waterways Ireland, preventing further spread of the contaminated water.
Water quality readings taken on site revealed that the levels of Dissolved Oxygen (DO) in the water (that fish need to breathe) were dangerously low and approximately 10% of the norm on the canal.
The anglers had rescued a large number of the fish and held them in keep nets in an area of cleaner water in an adjacent mill race. A full scale rescue operation was mounted using electro-fishing equipment,(temporary measure used to safely move fish) removing the distressed fish from the contaminated area and relocated using oxygenated tanks, to an area of canal with good water quality.
The polluted water was diluted through the mill-race and Waterways Ireland diverted it to an area of canal where the impact on fish and other wildlife would be minimised.
On-site readings taken at approximately 7 pm on the 22nd June 2009 showed that the immediate threat to aquatic life had passed.
A series of water samples were taken from different locations on the canal by the CFB and will be analysed in an attempt to pinpoint the source of the pollution.
Waterways Ireland and the Central Fisheries Board (CFB) have reduced the impact of a fish kill incident on the Grand Canal near Sallins recently (22nd of June 2009).
Anglers from the Prosperous Coarse Angling Club spotted a milky discharge in the canal and several hundred fish in distress at the water surface. Waterways Ireland notified the CFB who arrived on-site within 90 minutes with the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board.
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