Dead fish pulled from Newport canal in droves after oxygen level plunges
An "oxygen crash" has contributed to the deaths of fish in Newport's canal, prompting a multi-agency response.
Last week residents reported finding dozens of dead fish in the canal basin in the town centre after an issue with pollution caused a drop in oxygen which left them gasping for air.
Following a visit from the Environment Agency, the Telford Angling Association stepped in to pump oxygen back into the water.
Newport resident, Ken Hughes, 81, said he witnessed a member of the fishing association filling two bags with deceased fish on Saturday.
"I've lived by the canal all my life, so I visit it quite often," he said. "I've never seen anything like it."
Since the weekend, the angling association, Telford & Wrekin Council, the Environment Agency and Severn Trent have been working together to find the source of the pollution and maintain levels of oxygen.
A spokesperson for Severn Trent assured residents that the issue was not connected to their assets.
Jessica Hamlett, waste team manager at Severn Trent, said: “We would like to reassure the community that this is not connected to any Severn Trent operation.
"This has been confirmed through several site visits with the Environment Agency and undertaking of water testing.
“We are continuing to work with the EA to investigate the source of this substance and how it is entering the waterway.”
A spokesperson for the EA said the experts believed the issue was related to "algal activity".
A statement from the borough council said: "Telford & Wrekin Council is working with the Environment Agency regarding Newport canal. The EA have confirmed that a lack of oxygen in the water has contributed to the death of a number of fish.
"We have supported the EA on site who installed an aeration pump to oxygenate the water last week. This oxygenating work was supported by the Telford Angling Association who also brought their pumps in to assist.
"Oxygen crashes can occur due to a wide variety of reasons, particularly in shallow water bodies like Newport canal following periods of heavy rain preceded by hot weather. This is a country-wide challenge with climate change affecting water temperatures as a result of milder winters and hotter summers. The EA has taken water samples which are currently being analysed to assess if there are other factors involved.
"Telford & Wrekin Council is working with partners including Newport Town Council to look at installing some permanent aeration equipment at the canal."
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