Agencies across the West Midland Local Resilience Forum are treating the chemical spillage into a canal in Walsall as a major incident, with a multi-agency response.

The spillage from a site in Walsall is being investigated. As it has gone into the canal in Walsall, as a precautionary measure, the public is being asked to avoid an extended area of the canal and towpaths from the Walsall lock flight to the lock flights at Rushall/Ryders Green and Perry Barr.

The Environment Agency has developed a testing regime to test the water for sodium cyanide and other chemicals. Sodium cyanide dissolves in water and can have serious adverse health effects for those who come into direct physical contact with it.

There is a potential serious risk to health if you or your pets are exposed (direct physical contact with the water) in the affected stretch of the canal. Anyone who has been exposed (direct physical contact) along the affected stretch of canal water and is feeling unwell, should seek health advice via 111 or 999 in an emergency.

Councillor Garry Perry, Leader of Walsall Council, said, “Our priority is the safety of our residents. I share their concerns and hope to see this incident resolved as soon as possible. We are working closely with our partners to manage this situation which has been declared a major incident. For your own safety please avoid this area of the canal and its towpaths.”

The council has posted a map showing the canals the public should stay away from.

The multi-agency response includes:

  • Environment Agency
  • UKHSA
  • Walsall and Sandwell councils
  • WM Police
  • WM Fire
  • WMAS
  • Canal and River Trust
  • Severn Trent Water