by Q Radio News
A Draperstown construction company has been fined for river pollution.
Corramore Construction Ltd was fined £750 at Magherafelt Magistrates’ Court for causing pollution on the Altagoan River in Draperstown.
Inspectors found silage effluent being piped into the river from a site where a green energy plant was being built.
They found fungal growth in the river and recorded a strong agricultural odour from the water.
They also discovered an active discharge of a dark coloured liquid with a strong odour exiting a blue pipe and entering the Altagoan River. A sample of the discharge was collected.
During an inspection of the silage clamp, the inspectors observed effluent flowing from the concrete slab area onto the hard-core yard area.
The inspector proceeded further upstream and observed a second black pipe actively discharging to the Altagoan River. A sample of the discharge was collected.
All three samples confirmed that the discharge contained poisonous, noxious or polluting matter which was potentially harmful to fish life in the receiving waterway.
Anyone wishing to report a pollution incident can call the 24 hour Water Pollution Hotline Number on 0800 807060.
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