Why Walsall canal remains shut months after toxic chemical spill

Boaters are still unable to access north of Ocker Hill junction to the junction with the Wyrley and Essington Canal Credit: ITV News Central

A section of a canal which suffered a toxic chemical spill remains closed to boats four months on.

Thousands of pounds was raised to help support local wildlife after sodium and zinc cyanide damaged a stretch of the canal in Pleck, Walsall.

Up to 4,000 litres of chemicals leaked into a 12-mile stretch of the Black Country Canal in August. The water closure was put in place to stop the disturbance of silt, which could risk further pollutants.

The towpath reopened in October, after 90kg of dead fish were removed, but boaters are still unable to access north of Ocker Hill junction to the junction with the Wyrley and Essington Canal.

It is understood the Canal and River Trust is waiting for the results of an ecological report.

Meanwhile, the Environment Agency said pollution levels had reduced to an "acceptable level", however it said people should still avoid contact with the water.

Anochrome Ltd confirmed the spill in August saying: "We can confirm that a chemical incident occurred at Anochrome Ltd Walsall in the early hours of Monday, 12 August 2024.

"Regrettably, as a result, some of the released chemicals entered a canal in Walsall. Our immediate response was to notify the Environment Agency and Severn Trent Water.

"Our senior management team has been – and remain - on-site working collaboratively with all relevant authorities and agencies to minimise and contain the spill.

"In addition, from the moment we were aware of the incident, we have made all our facilities available to the authorities and agencies in attendance, including in-house laboratory testing facilities."

In October, the Environment Agency said pollution levels had dropped to an "acceptable level" but the public should avoid contact with the water.

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