Kerry County Council is investigating the release of discharge into the River Finnihy after being contacted by the EPA.
The Environmental Protection Agency received the complaint on April 3rd and visited the site of the Kenmare Wastewater Treatment Plant the following day.
The EPA was notified after Inland Fisheries Ireland received a call to its 24-hour phone line reporting alleged discolouration of the river downstream from the plant.
Inland Fisheries Ireland spoke with staff at the plant and learned of works being undertaken there; by that point the discharge had dissipated due to the tidal nature of the river.
The EPA said it noted there was a discharge of soiled water from the construction works on site and this was separate from the wastewater treatment process.
It said it told Uisce Éireann and the operator at the site that this discharge must cease and as this related to construction works, would have to notify Kerry County Council of this and the actions being taken to resolve the issue.
The EPA informed the council and asked the local authority to conduct an immediate investigation.
Uisce Éireann says on April 3rd, at Cromwell’s Bridge Pumping Station which is part of Kenmare Wastewater Treatment Plant, there was a groundwater discharge into the River Finnihy.
The utility says this occurred due to an unexpected equipment failure, which resulted in a short discharge of groundwater, which was immediately rectified on site.
Officers from Inland Fisheries Ireland revisited the site on April 14th, they continue to liaise with the EPA in relation to the facility which is operated by Glanua on behalf of Uisce Éireann.
