NEPA working to confirm source of latest Rio Cobre contamination

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) says it appears heavy rains that occurred in the Zephyrton, Linstead, area on Sunday may have resulted in storm water run-off of the likely contaminant which has caused the latest fish kill in the Rio Cobre in St Catherine.

However, in its release to the media Tuesday afternoon, NEPA offered no theories on the likely contaminant or its source.

It said it is conducting a comprehensive investigation into the presence of unusual matter in the river. 

The pollution incident occurred on Monday and NEPA said it responded immediately, having received notification via its recently introduced early warning system, which incorporates key stakeholders located within the area.

Upon arriving at the location, the NEPA team was reportedly confronted by unresponsive marine life floating in the river and a pungent odour.

"An on-site test by the NEPA team confirmed an elevation in the pH of the river, consistent with the occurrence of a particular contamination that could have negatively impacted the river and the likely cause of the death of the fish. The team has collected water samples for further laboratory analysis to determine the source and confirm the type of contaminant," NEPA said.

The agency said it will update further on its findings and will advise on measures that are being pursued to safeguard the Rio Cobre.

The Opposition has called for Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who holds ultimate responsibility for environmental matters, to bring an emergency bill to Parliament to increase the penalties for pollution of rivers under the Natural Resources Conservation Authority Act (NRCA Act).

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