River sewage row in Draperstown
Environment chiefs were slammed last night after they failed to take samples after a serious pollution incident in Draperstown.
By Connla Young
The criticism came after human sewage leaked into the River Moyola near the town earlier this month.
The river’s crystal clear waters were turned into a mucky torrent of raw human waste after a suspected leak at a nearby waste water treatment works.
It is believed human waste leaked into a stream which in turn made its way into the river.
The pollution incident was discovered by local anglers on June 1 and was immediately reported to the Department of the Environment.
It is understood the issue came to light after human waste was spotted in river the Mullanavoo Road ford, just outside the town.
It has emerged that DoE officials failed to take samples of the polluted water when they arrived at the scene.
Michael McGlade, who is a committee member of Moyola Angling Club, last night insisted DoE officials should have taken samples and that more should be done to ensure there is no repeat of the leak that sparked the environmental alert.
“This incident offers further evidence that there needs to be an independent environmental watchdog,” he said. “This happened just after the minister confirmed there would be no independent body set up to investigate such incidents.
“Despite this Moyola Angling Association would encourage members of the public to report any incidents of pollution they come across. If anyone wants more information they should visit our website on www.moyolaangling.com.”
A spokesperson for the DoE explained that Northern Ireland Water Ltd was informed of the incident after the leak was traced back to its waste treatment works at Draperstown. The spokesperson added that an investigation was ongoing.
