Pesticide spill still affecting Essex river

The pesticide spill in Toppesfield Brook is continuing to affect the River Colne downstream from Great Yeldham. At least 6 miles (10kms) of the river has been affected so far.

The pollution is moving relatively slowly down the river and the Environment Agency estimate it will reach Colchester in around two days. However, they hope that there will be no major effects by this point due to the pesticide being further diluted by the widening river.

The Environment Agency has moved around 6,000 fish to safety so far. However, they estimate that 4,000 larger fish and many thousands of smaller fish, invertebrates and flora have been killed.

Frank Saunders from the Environment Agency said: ‘We are continuing to do all we can to minimise the impact but unfortunately we have seen some devastating effects so far. "

The Agency is asking people who see fish gasping or dead anywhere along the river to contact 0845 80 70 60. It says the pesticide is now very dilute and does not pose a significant risk to humans, but dog owners are advised to keep pets out of the river as a precaution.