Section of Walsall Canal still closed off months after toxic spill incident

Around 4,000 litres of toxic sodium cyanide spilled into the waterways of Walsall Canal in August. Over four months on, a portion of the waterway remains closed. 

The toxic spill prompted urgent safeguarding action by Walsall Council, the Environment Agency (EA) and Canal and River Trust, as well as an investigation to locate the cause of the chemical leak.

Following days of investigation work, nearby metal finishing company Anochrome Ltd was identified as the origin of the leak, with the group working alongside the council and the EA to contain the spill.

The towpath by the canal was reopened in early October, though boaters were still barred from navigating via the Ocker Hill junction to the junction with Wryley and Essington Canal while the Canal and River Trust waited for the results of an ecological report.

Anochrome previously said that its 'immediate response' to the spill was to contact the council and environment officials. The company also said it had 'made all facilities' available to the authorities.

In October, the Enviroment Agency said that water pollution levels in the water had dropped to 'acceptable levels' but also that the public should still avoid the water.

At the time of the spill, a multi-agency response of eight organisations was launched to contain and investigate it.

Among those involved were the EA, Walsall and Sandwell Councils, the UKHSA, West Midlands Police, West Midlands Fire Service, West Midlands Ambulance Service, and the Canal and River Trust. 

The Canal and River Trust and Anochrome Ltd have been approached for further comment.