Toxic chemical spill in Walsall - FAQs

Last updated: 2 October 2024

Walsall Council continues to work closely with partners on the canal pollution incident.

When did the spill happen?

A toxic chemical spillage was discovered in Pleck, Walsall, on Monday 12 August 2024.

In order to avoid potential health risks to the public and to their pets, the canal and towpath were closed from Monday 12 August - initially along a 12-mile stretch, but later reduced to just over half a mile.

How serious was the spill?

The chemical spillage was classified as a major incident, with a multi-agency response by the West Midlands Local Resilience Forum. On Friday 16 August 2024, the major incident was stood down and management of the incident officially moved into a recovery phase.

What chemicals were released into the canal from the spillage?

The spill involved diluted sodium and zinc cyanide and a mixture of low-hazard chemicals.

Are sodium and zinc cyanide harmful to health?

Sodium cyanide and zinc cyanide can be harmful to health, and they cause similar symptoms. You would need to have direct contact with sodium and zinc cyanide for it to potentially cause adverse health effects. 

What is the current situation?

A section of the canal towpath in Walsall, which has been closed since a toxic chemical spillage was found on Monday 12 August 2024, re-opens from Thursday 3 October 2024. 

Regular lab testing by the Environment Agency has shown that pollution levels within the canal water have dropped to an acceptable level. However, the public should continue to avoid any contact with the water. Pets should be kept out of the water and all fishing activity, including magnet fishing, should not take place as this may disturb sediment in the canal which is likely to still be contaminated.

Navigation along the canal will, for the foreseeable future, remain closed. Again, this is to avoid disturbing silt on the bed of the canal. 

Which areas are affected?

The towpath through Pleck re-opens for public use from Thursday 3 October 2024. Some restrictions around the canal remain in place.

How will I know it’s the affected area?

Clear signage is in place to ensure the public is aware of the current position (see image).

What action is being taken?

Thorough sampling and testing of the water along the canal has taken place. Levels of cyanide have fallen and are now within public health guidelines. Attention has now turned to the full recovery of the canal, including the impact on wildlife.

Where did the spill come from?

The source of the spillage from Anochrome Ltd has been stopped and the surface drain discharging to the Canal is being thoroughly cleaned to ensure no residue of the pollution remains. The Environment Agency is leading an urgent investigation into how this pollution incident occurred.

Will the company concerned be prosecuted?

The Environment Agency is carrying out an urgent investigation into the incident and it would be inappropriate to comment further on that live investigation.

Is there a fundraising campaign to help the canal’s recovery?  

The Canal & River Trust launched a crowdfunding campaign to help raise some of the funds required. As a charity, they will also be seeking to recover, via the Environment Agency’s investigation and action, the much-needed funds that have gone into responding to the initial emergency and the ongoing recovery of the canal. Visit: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/walsallspill

What should I do if I feel unwell?

Although risks are low, anyone who has been exposed (direct physical contact with canal water) and is feeling unwell should seek health advice via 111 or 999 in an emergency.

What are the symptoms of sodium and zinc cyanide exposure?

If you have direct contact with enough sodium and zinc cyanide you could get headache, nausea, dizziness, nervousness, confusion, changes in heart rate and drowsiness. There may be a delay in the onset of symptoms following contact with the skin. But the sodium cyanide that went into the Walsall Canal was diluted by the canal water, so you are very unlikely to experience symptoms.

What should I do if I fall in or come into contact with the canal water that was affected by the spill?

You should wash yourself with lots of water and wash your clothes. If you have been splashed with the canal water, it is extremely unlikely you will have symptoms. If you have been swimming or fallen in the water, it is still unlikely that you will become ill. If you have been in direct contact with the canal water or have accidentally swallowed the canal water and have symptoms or are concerned, please phone your GP for advice or contact 111.

I walked along the canal before the towpath closed. Am I safe?

You do not need to worry if you walked along the canal.

My pet has fallen in the water in the affected area. Are they safe?

It is unlikely that there is cause for concern due to the dilution of the sodium cyanide in the canal. However, if you are worried, or if your pet is acting out of character, please contact your vet for advice. We would strongly recommend that you do not let your pet enter the water while testing is carried out.

What about fishing?

All fishing activity, including magnet fishing, should not take place as this may disturb sediment in the canal which is likely to still be contaminated. 

People are also being reminded not to remove and eat fish from canals and it is, in any event, illegal to do so except where required under the Wildlife & Countryside Act. We would strongly recommend that you do not consume anything that you have caught in the canal.

What is the impact on wildlife?

The spillage has been contained to a relatively small area. There have been significant numbers of fish killed, but the impact on the wider ecology is not yet known. Other wildlife in the area may have been affected. Biological testing is taking place, thanks to the donations received through the fundraising campaign, allowing the Canal & River Trust to plan for the ecological recovery.

The aquatic ecosystem/food chain may have been devastated or lost for the section the pollution has passed through, from the smallest invertebrates right up to the otter that has a territory through that section. Without natural balance, invasives and algae will quickly take over: the impacts could take years to fully recover.

Who is the West Midlands Local Resilience Forum?

The West Midlands Resilience Forum includes the following agencies:

• Environment Agency
• UKHSA
• Walsall and Sandwell Councils
• WM Police
• WM Fire
• WMAS
• NHS
• Canal & River Trust
• Severn Trent Water