Lisburn canal blue green algae fears are allayed with a clean-up planned
Fears that a huge weed build up on the canal at Lisburn civic centre could be blue green algae have been allayed following a Stormont department inspection.
Visitors to Lagan Valley Island could have at a glance, easily thought a new golf putting green had opened up on the navigation canal with a complete green coverage on the waterway.
The local authority will now set about removing the weed, however the unsightly plant growth will remain for another month.
A council spokesperson said: “The green plant material visible in the section of the Lagan Navigation canal within the grounds of Lagan Valley Island is not blue green algae.
“It is composed of harmless plant and weed growth which occurs naturally throughout the warmer summer months in the nearby River Lagan, which flows into the canal.
“The canal lock can cause this material to build up, especially when water levels are low, as is currently the case following the recent spell of warm, dry weather.
“A weed removal exercise takes place each September in this section of the canal to break up and remove plant material from the water surface.”
The Lagan Canal was originally built to connect Belfast to Lough Neagh, which is facing an ecological crisis due to blue green algae blooms.
According to the Northern Ireland Water website, potentially any inland or coastal waterway can be affected by the blooms.
People are urged to be vigilant and take extra care if they spot what may appear to be blue-green algae, which can be harmful to humans and toxic to animals.
A Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs spokesperson said: ”The image (pictured) provided has been assessed by the department as duckweed, which is commonly observed in the River Lagan at this time of the year.
“Staff have confirmed this assessment by visiting the location at Lisburn Island today (August 5th).
“Confirmed blue-green algae locations and further information are available through the department’s blue-green algae information resources, which are updated regularly to help inform the public and stakeholders.
“Suspected water pollution incidents can be reported to the 24-hour pollution hotline (0800 807060). Less urgent concerns can be reported via email ([email protected]) or online through the department’s Environmental Incident Reporting System.”