Pollution in the rivers: Shake-up call for investigation in Wales

 Groups representing river users have asked for a review of the manner in which water pollution incidents are dealt with throughout Wales.

Small-scale spills of thousands are not being even investigated, they claimed that they are an "massive issue". A confidential meeting to EA employees on how to deal with pollution was made available in the news media. Environmental agency's investigation into river's pollution is 'feeble' Natural Resources Wales facing PS15m deficit in budget The Guardian newspaper as well as Ends Report found that bosses have shown their support for "no response" to low-impact environmental events due to an inability to fund examine these incidents. Now , campaigners in Wales have been accused by campaigners in Wales of NRW of having the same approach over time and have said that a change in the culture of the watchdog was required. Examples of river pollution incidents that fall under this category are the ones that cause "minor loss of fish habitat" or kill a tiny amount of fish from species that aren't rare. Similar to the situations that cause minor health issues in the public that cause minor health problems, such as "a few individuals with temporary sore throats". The spills that kill one or two adults of sea trout or salmon may also be classified as non-impact. However, the fisheries officer would need to be informed. The document states that media attention or a threat to the reputation of NRW should be considered when deciding in determining whether the incident warrants an immediate response. "The approach that the EA are moving to is not dissimilar to what's already taking place in Wales," Gail Davies-Walsh was the chief executive officer of Afonydd Cymru, which represents Wales"rivers' trusts. This means that getting an accurate assessment of the magnitude of the amount of agricultural pollution, sewage leaks and waste from businesses that affect Wales rivers is extremely complicated, she said. NRW statistics from 2019 indicate it received 7,423 reports of incidents from which 29% of them were related in water-related pollution. NRW has warned repeatedly about the pressures on funding in recent years and Ms Davies-Walsh affirmed that a lack of resources was a factor in the issue however, she said "a change in culture" was also required, in order to concentrate on a strong enforcement.