**Major Fish Kill in Rhondda River Sparks Environmental Probe**
A significant pollution incident on the Rhondda Fach river has resulted in the deaths of around 100 fish, prompting concern among local residents and environmental authorities. The incident, which occurred in the Maerdy area of the Rhondda valleys, has highlighted ongoing worries about water quality in Welsh rivers and the impact on native wildlife.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW), the country’s environmental watchdog, has launched a full investigation into the source and scale of the pollution. According to an official statement released on Monday, April 28th, NRW was alerted early in the morning to reports of dead fish floating in a section of the river. Officers were swiftly dispatched to the scene where they began collecting water samples and assessing the environmental damage.
The presence of the dead fish was first noted by local walkers and residents, who quickly raised the alarm. Many expressed their distress on social media, calling for urgent action to identify the polluter and prevent further contamination. Photos showing dozens of fish, some lying on the riverbanks while others were caught in eddies on the water’s surface, spread through local online groups.
Officials from NRW confirmed that, by the time staff arrived, the pollution appeared to have stopped entering the river. “We are aware of a pollution incident at Rhondda Fach, Maerdy, that has caused around 100 dead fish in the watercourse,” an NRW spokesperson reported. “We believe the substance is no longer discharging into the river. Our staff are on site and actively investigating the cause.”
Water samples have been collected and are due to be analysed at specialist laboratories in order to determine the exact nature of the pollutant. NRW staff are also monitoring water quality and fish stocks along a wider stretch of the Rhondda Fach as a precaution. It remains unclear at this stage what substance was responsible or where it originated from.
Community members in Maerdy and the wider Rhondda region have voiced their frustration at what they see as recurring environmental problems in local rivers. “It’s devastating to see another incident like this,” said one resident, who lives near the river. “We rely on the river for wildlife and as a community space. Something has to change for the future.”
Fish populations in rivers such as the Rhondda Fach play a critical role in the ecosystem, supporting birds and other wildlife, as well as providing valuable recreation for anglers and residents. Local angling clubs have urged prompt action to restore the river and called for greater vigilance to prevent future pollution episodes.
While the main discharge appears to have stopped, NRW has warned that the effects of the incident could linger. The agency is appealing for any further information from the public who may have seen suspicious activity or discharges in the river area in recent days.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of the country’s waterways to pollution events, whether accidental or deliberate. It also underlines the importance of quick reporting and a coordinated response to minimise damage. NRW has reassured the public that updates will be provided as new information becomes available from the investigation and laboratory results.
Further developments and outcomes of the ongoing enquiries will be keenly watched by both environmental groups and local communities, as efforts continue to protect and restore the health of Welsh rivers for future generations.