Environment Agency investigating ‘silt pollution’ after Lancaster Canal bursts

One of the rivers – near the canal – now running brown likely as a result of silt Pic: Environment Agency North West

The collapse of an embankment on the Lancaster Canal near Preston has triggered an Environment Agency investigation.

Officers from Environment Agency North West have been called to the River Wyre, River Brock, New Draught and New Mill Brook – with around five miles of waterways affected.

It is understood ‘silt pollution’ is linked to the collapse of an embankment near the Moons Bridge Marina at Woodplumpton.

The canal has been shut between swing bridges 37 and 38 while the breach of the canal is tackled.

Eyewitnesses shared pictures and video with Blog Preston of water gushing down from the canal to the brook below.

Dramatic scenes on Lancaster canal this morning. Breach on embankment and towpath collapsed at aqueduct between swingbridge 37 and bridge 38. Large volume of water flowing into brook and towpath not passable. @CanalRiverTrust @blogpreston pic.twitter.com/J0hdbGPdrH
— Woodplumpton Stocks (@woodplumstocks) July 20, 2024

There have been reports of the Lancaster Canal being a metre lower than usual at various points.

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “Our officers have been out investigating reports of significant silt pollution in the River Wyre and other watercourses.

“The source was an embankment breach on the Lancaster Canal near Woodplumpton. We are liaising with the Canal & Rivers Trust – who have been working on a repair – and have offered our support.

“Our Fisheries officers are out today assessing any environmental impacts. You can report any environmental impacts to us on our incident hotline 0800807060.”

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