A CHEMICAL leak that killed nearly 300 eels and sticklebacks in Rivacre brook has cost United Utilities more than £20,000.
The Environment Agency prosecuted United Utilities for the leak at its Sutton Hall Water Treatment Works in Great Sutton that caused the deaths of 179 eels and more than 100 sticklebacks last summer.
The company pleaded guilty in Chester, Ellesmere Port and Neston Magistrates Court on April 27 and was fined £20,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,016.
United Utilities admitted causing a water discharge activity not authorised by its environmental permit, contrary to Regulation 12(1)(b) and Regulation 38(1)(a) of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2010.
The Environment Agency began its investigations following reports of dead eels on August 20, 2011; 179 dead eels and more than 100 sticklebacks were counted.
An investigation on August 26 established the brook was polluted by sodium hydroxide that had escaped from a leaking tank at the treatment works which was discovered by the company on August 25.
The company confirmed five cubic metres had been lost from the tank between August 24 and 25.
Stress fractures on the tank had been identified by United Utilities on August 11, however, the company said there was no evidence the leak and point of wear and tear were linked.
Cheshire West and Chester Council erected signs on site warning the public of the risk of coming into contact with the brook.
Environment Agency officer Ian Hickman said: “The loss of the chemical from the tank at the treatment works had a significant impact on both the environment and amenity use of public open areas along Rivacre Brook over a busy bank holiday weekend.
“The pollution is a setback to the river, which is being targeted by the Environment Agency to improve its ecological status to meet European standards by 2027.”
Pollution incidents can be reported to the Environment Agency on 0800 807 060, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
