Updated statement - Toxic chemical spillage - 2.45pm, 16 August 2024

The chemical spillage has been stood down as a major incident by the West Midlands Local Resilience Forum (as of 2.45pm, 16 August 2024).

Laboratory testing conducted by the Environment Agency has resulted in the reopening of sections of the canal in Walsall and neighbouring areas which have been closed following a chemical spillage.

Thorough testing has taken place within a 12 mile stretch of the canal from the Walsall lock flight to the lock flights at Rushall/Ryders Green and Perry Barr.

In order to avoid potential health risks to the public and to their pets the canal and towpaths in this area have been closed since Monday 12 August 2024.

Lab testing now shows that water quality is within public health guidelines in significant stretches of the canal that have previously been closed. These areas have been reopened to the public and normal activities can resume. However, as a further precaution people are 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.

A section of the canal from James Bridge on Bentley Mill Way in Darlaston to the west to Rollingmill Street, Walsall to the east will remain closed (see map) until further notice. In this area chemicals, including sodium cyanide and zinc cyanide, have been found at elevated levels. Testing will continue.

The restricted area of canal is reduced from around 12 miles to 1 kilometre.

The Canal & River Trust has arranged safe passage for boaters who wish to leave the area and is working to reopen the canals to navigation outside the restricted area as quickly and safely as possible.

Our priority continues to be the safety of our residents and canal users. Local, regional and national agencies are working together to minimise the potential risk to health following the spillage.

The source of the spillage has been identified and stopped and an investigation is underway into its cause.

Anyone who has been exposed (direct physical contact with canal water) along the affected stretch of the canal and is feeling unwell, should seek health advice via 111 or 999 in an emergency.

ENDS

Background

This is a multi-agency response including:

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