Pollution source identified after fish found dead

The source of a pollution incident which killed thousands of fish in a Cornish river has been identified by government officials as lime.

The Environment Agency (EA) said: "The pollutant was lime in a liquid form which entered the river. Steps are being taken at the source of the pollution to prevent any reoccurrence."

The agency received reports of thousands of dead fish on Thursday in St Austell River, known locally as the White River.

It previously said the dead fish included trout, eels and brook lamprey, while the pollution impacted the waterway from St Austell down to the coast at Pentewan. It said the river water had since "stabilised and returned to normal neutral levels".

While lime, or calcium oxide, is a valuable industrial material, it can also lead to air and water pollution, where it poses health risks.

Samples of fish killed by pollution were collected as part of an investigation into the deaths.

The EA said it had no concerns about bathing water quality at Pentewan.

With a live investigation ongoing, the EA said it could not reveal sensitive information, including the site of the source, "to avoid prejudicing any future enforcement action".

It added anyone who had any concerns for their health or the health of their pets should contact their GP or vet for advice.

Cornwall Council member for Mevagissey and St Austell Bay James Mustoe said he had been "contacted by several people whose dogs experienced sickness symptoms after being in the river on Thursday".

"If anyone else has had this experience, please contact me so I can pass to the EA for evidence," he said.

South West Water said it was not involved and that there had been "no sewage pollution".

"We are aware of the reports and we are supporting the Environment Agency with its investigation," it added.

Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].