Pennine Waterways News

Wednesday 11 March 2009

Peak Pollution Spreads

The whole of the Lower Peak Forest Canal has now been closed to navigation following the "pollution incident" near Hyde, reported here last week.

The canal was initially closed to navigation only between Dunkirk Lane Bridge (4) and Manchester Road Bridge (6), in order to restrict the effects of the pollution. However, due to the extent of the oil slick and impact on the environment, the stoppage has now been extended from Stanley Lift Bridge (1) in Dukinfield, to Marple Top Lock.

The locks themselves have had to be closed in order to minimise water movement on the lower section of the canal.

A contractor is expected to begin work today on the clearing up required. British Waterways is advising that the operation could take a substantial period of time.

A further update will be issued by BW once there a clear indication when the navigation can be re-opened.

Part of the Rochdale Canal was closed for several weeks last summer following an incident involving dumped pesticide, which killed large quantities of fish and plant life.

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