Written Statement - Pollution incident on the River Teifi

In December last year, a pollution incident on the River Teifi killed a significant number of fish. The River Teifi supports important populations of salmon and sea trout, as well as other species designated under EU law. It is also a key river for fishing tourism in Wales and supports a number of commercial netsmen.  Following the incident, my officials wrote to Natural Resources Wales (NRW) requesting a detailed action plan to restore the river and minimise the impact on the local economy. I am now able to provide the following update.

NRW investigations into the impact of this event are continuing, with further surveys required in the spring to assess the full impact. These will be needed before an action plan can be produced.  As investigations into the cause of the pollution, to inform any enforcement action, are ongoing, I am unable to provide further comment at this time. NRW will conclude its investigation and have a plan in place for the recovery of the river later this year, when I will update Members.