Walsall Canal reopens after devastating toxic spill
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The Canal & River Trust will celebrate the reopening of the Walsall Canal to boats on Thursday June 5, after a serious pollution incident forced its closure last year.
In August 2024, a toxic chemical spill released 4,000 litres of highly toxic sodium cyanide and zinc cyanide into the canal at Pleck, Walsall, devastating local wildlife. To contain the pollution, a 12-mile stretch of the canal was initially closed to the public and boaters.
Teams from Canal & River Trust, Environment Agency, Walsall and Sandwell Councils, UK Health and Safety Agency, emergency services, and Severn Trent Water worked tirelessly to limit the spread of the spill and protect the canal's ecosystem. Thanks to their swift action, the towpath reopened to walkers and cyclists after several weeks, and the canal closure was reduced to a one mile stretch from Pleck to Walsall Top Lock at Birchills.
The canal has been dredged to remove cyanide-contaminated silt, further reducing risks to wildlife and aiding ecological recovery. Approximately 526 tonnes of silt have been removed and safely disposed of.
“ After many months of closure, I am delighted to reopen the Walsall Canal to our boating community. It has taken significant time and resources to remove the toxins, and I thank boaters for their patience during the cleanup.
“This incident has had a lasting impact on the canal's ecology, but our team acted swiftly to contain the pollution and prevent further damage to wildlife. The cleanup has so far cost our charity £100k’s of funds that would have been used to repair our canals. We will seek to reclaim this money from the polluting company and invest it in caring for the canals in the West Midlands.
“We will continue to closely monitor the canal to ensure no further harm comes to wildlife. The extraordinary scale and nature of this pollution incident means we can’t be certain how long it will take for fish and other wildlife to fully recover. We will therefore continue to closely monitor the canal to make sure we remain on track to see this beautiful and much-loved stretch of canal make a full recovery for boaters and local communities to fully enjoy. “
“ A lot of work has gone into getting us to the position to reopen the canal.
“Amid a devastating chemical spill, the partners who have been involved throughout stepped up to keep the public safe and to minimise the long-term impacts.
“Despite the situation, this reopening is something to be celebrated. I know our canals are important to many people, and it is a great relief they can now be enjoyed once more. “
For more information on Canal & River Trust, including how to donate or volunteer, visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk
For the latest FAQs on the chemical spill, visit our dedicated webpage.
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