Council investigates 'chemical smell' and discolouration at St John's River
A photo of John's River taken by a concerned local who noticed the discolouration of the river water while out walking their dogs earlier this week.
Earlier this week, while out on an evening walk with their dogs, a concerned local noticed a change in St John's River, leading to an investigation carried out by Waterford City and County Council.
The local woman observed that the colour of the water was noticeably white and cloudy looking at the point where the river runs near Supervalu.
According to the woman, when they informed the Waterford News & Star about the possible pollution, "there was also a chemical smell" coming from the river, which runs through the city, meeting the River Suir at Adelphi Quay.
The Waterford News & Star was initially informed by Waterford City and County Council that the Council was aware of the situation at St. John’s River and that the Council’s Environmental Enforcement Team were investigating the issue.
However, a more recent update from the Council following their investigation showed no significant results as to what may have caused the river to change colour.
"Upon receiving a report of a ‘spillage of unknown content’ in John’s River, Waterford City and County Council’s Environment Department dispatched an environment officer and engineer to inspect the area," said a statement from the Council.
"Inspections took place from John’s River at Bolton Street upstream as far as Witches Lane.
"While no signs of pollution were evident, several premises adjoining the John’s River area were also inspected with no evidence of any spillages or incidents taking place in these premises," the statement concluded.
