This week marks a significant milestone in the recovery of the Walsall Canal, following a disastrous pollution incident in August 2024, when around 4,000 litres of contaminant, including highly toxic sodium cyanide and zinc cyanide, leaked into the canal. As a result, around one mile of the canal in the Pleck area of Walsall has had to remain closed for boats for the past eight months.
Dredging begins
A major pollution incident was declared at the time and, while the towpath has since reopened, the canal has remained closed to boats and devoid of wildlife. The company identified as the source of the pollution is under investigation by the Environment Agency.
Now, we're overseeing dredging operations to remove cyanide-contaminated silt from the canal bed. This is a crucial step in the canal’s ecological recovery, required by the Environment Agency, and a major step towards reopening the waterway to boats.
The dredging is due to take several weeks, after which the sediment and water will be tested once again. The test results will determine if further steps are needed and when the canal can reopen.
A major milestone
Henriette Breukelaar, regional director, said: “We’re delighted that dredging of the Walsall Canal starts this week; this is a major milestone in the canal’s recovery.
“The awful spillage of cyanide into the community’s wonderful and historic canal has left this section ecologically devastated, wiping out wildlife, including the microorganisms that form the foundation of the canal’s ecosystem.
“So far, we have spent around half a million pounds of charitable funds, covering costs such as staff time, dam installation, materials, contractors, and lab testing. This is a huge resource that has been diverted from other essential activity to keep the region’s canals open and safe.
“We are grateful for the support of our partners and the generosity of the public, particularly those who contributed to the Crowdfunder, which raised £25,000. This will help ensure the canal remains a vital part of the local community and, hopefully soon, can fully reopen.
“We understand the closure has been frustrating for boaters and the local community, and we hope the dredging will move us closer to reopening the canal. We will continue to provide updates. Our priority remains the safety and restoration of this important waterway, and we appreciate everyone’s patience while we carry out this critical work.”
