Imerys Minerals Pays £430k to Restore Cornwall's Rivers After Pollution Incidents

KEY INFORMATION:

• Imerys Minerals Limited paid £430,000 to the West Country Rivers Trust.
• The payment follows six clay pollution incidents in the St Austell area between 2021 and 2023.
• Funds will support water quality restoration and fish migration improvements.
• Imerys has committed to a 10-year pipeline replacement strategy.
• The company will also cover £22,600 in investigation and enforcement costs.

The Environment Agency (EA) has secured £430,000 for the West Country Rivers Trust following six clay pollution incidents in Cornwall.

Imerys Minerals Limited made the payment as part of an enforcement undertaking. This legal mechanism serves as a voluntary alternative to prosecution. The incidents occurred in the St Austell area between September 2021 and July 2023.

The secured funds will support projects to improve fish migration, restore water quality, and engage local communities in monitoring the health of the River Fal catchment.

Details of the clay pollution incidents

The Environment Agency investigation focused on several failures at Imerys’ clay production facilities. One significant incident near Goonamarris on 15 September 2021 involved an underground pipeline failure. This resulted in the release of approximately 87.8 dry tonnes of clay slurry onto surrounding land and into the Gwindra Stream.

Environmental sampling indicated that the impacts of this discharge were still detectable two months later. Investigators concluded that machinery damage likely caused the pipe fracture. Other recorded incidents included a second discharge to the Gwindra Stream in December 2022 and a leaking joint at the Maclarens tank site. These failures allowed clay to enter the River Fal.

Remedial actions and operational changes

In addition to the charitable payment, Imerys Minerals Limited has implemented measures to prevent future occurrences. These include a review of operational procedures and the installation of new monitoring equipment. The company has also committed to a 10-year strategy to replace its pipeline infrastructure. Imerys will further reimburse the Environment Agency for investigation and enforcement costs totalling £22,600.

Jack Hale, Environment Agency Team Leader, said: "This commitment allows Imerys to put things right in a way that directly benefits the environment. We are pleased that the money will go towards improving water quality and fish habitat in the area."

Impact on local river restoration

The West Country Rivers Trust plans to use the funds to build ecological resilience in the River Fal catchment. The area is noted for its environmental value but has historically faced pressure from mining and quarrying activities.

Stephanie Knights, Head of River Restoration at the West Country Rivers Trust, said: “Our focus is clear: restore fish passage, improve habitat and water quality, and build the long-term ecological resilience this river deserves.”

The Trust is currently exploring fish passage solutions and research partnerships with the University of Exeter. It also manages a Citizen Science Investigations programme to encourage community involvement in river health monitoring.

OFFICIAL SOURCE VERIFICATION: This report is based on official data from Council / Local Authority. Document: EA secures £430k for charity after multiple pollution incidents Source Link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ea-secures-430k-for-charity-after-multiple-pollution-incidents

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