Silage effluent is suspected to have caused the major fish kill in the River Faughan, East Derry Sinn Fein MLA Caoimhe Archibald has said.
Over 1,000, fish, of varying species, were discovered dead in the river yesterday.
The Northern Ireland Ireland Environmental Agency (NIEA), Department of Agriculture and the Loughs Agency have begun an investigation into the cause.
However, Ms Archibald said she had been in touch with the NIEA and while the cause had not been determined she had been informed it was due to “suspected silage effluent.”
She added: "The Loughs Agency are conducting analysis and walking the river to narrow down and identify the source.
"I was also informed that NI Water have taken precautions to minimise any further spread of the pollution.
"This incident needs to be fully investigated, those responsible must be held accountable and brought before the courts.
"The penalties imposed for incidents such as this should be as severe as the law allows. “
She concluded: "At times the fines are not a sufficient deterrent and do not match the damage being done to the environment."
If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team. Between 9am and 5pm Monday to Sunday please call 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Between 5pm and midnight please call or text 07825 711978. Or you can email john.gill@derrynews.net at any time.
