Warning zone extended after canal chemical spill

Following a hazardous chemical accident in Walsall, people are being asked to stay away from a larger portion of the canal system.
The Pleck local council reported that the Environment Agency (EA) was notified of the spillage that was found in the river on Monday.
Officials noted that if individuals or their pets came into direct physical contact with the water, there was a potentially serious risk to their health.
The public was advised to stay off a longer stretch of the canal and towpaths from the Walsall lock flight to the lock flights at Rushall/Ryders Green and Perry Barr, Birmingham, on Tuesday afternoon as a precaution.

The council stated that when the spill was found on Monday, it had straight into the canal that runs from Birchills Street Bridge in Walsall down to Spinks Bridge.
The local authorities also stated that the EA was setting up a sampling and testing program, with the goal of minimizing the exclusion area as quickly as feasible.
According to a spokeswoman, anyone who felt ill after being in the water should call 999 in an emergency or use the NHS 111 service to get medical advice.
It was also instructed that no fish pulled from the canal should be consumed.

Leader of Walsall Council Gary Perry declared that there was a major risk to public health and that the cause of the spill would be investigated.
He declared, “It’s a very live and ongoing investigation.”
“Anything like this is alarming, especially when there could be a risk to the health and safety of people and animals.”
He declared that speculating on the cause of the spill was premature.
Mr. Perry asked people to stay off the canal towpath and to refrain from letting anyone or any animals swim in the water.

The spill would not have an impact on drinking water, the council stated.
The EA stated that while it monitored the impact on the local environment, it was coordinating its response with the relevant authority and other organizations.
Staff from West Midlands Fire Service reported to be present as well.
By Wednesday at noon, the authorities are anticipated to offer an additional update on the circumstances.