§ Mr. Humeasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement regarding the TBTO chemical leak into Lough Neagh; what investigations have been made to determine any effects on eels or fish stocks in the lough or on water supplies; and what action the Government are taking in this matter.
§ Mr. Needham[pursuant to his reply, 30 March 1987, c. 385]: The Department of the Environment was notified on 30 January of a spillage at Crumlin of 10,000 litres of 504W wood preservative containing 1 per cent. TBTO and 0.5 per cent. Dieldrin. The Department of Agriculture and the Fisheries Conservancy Board were alerted. Action was initiated to contain the spillage and commence clean-up operations. Residents in the vicinity were informed on 31 January. Subsequent sampling indicated that the measures taken had largely been successful in containing pollution to the factory complex and the Lennymore bay area in lough Neagh. The Department of Agriculture continues to sample eel and fish stocks and there has been no evidence of any fish kills. Regular analysis of water from the Lough put into public supply has not indicated any trace of TBTO or Dieldrin. The Departments of Agriculture and Environment have a joint monitoring programme on Lough Neagh which will indicate any short or long term effects of the spillage and a survey will be initiated on the wildlife in the area. Discussions are currently taking place with the timber firm involved on measures to prevent a recurrence and to ensure containment within the factory site.