Another sewage spill in the Lagan

Dunmurry resident Trevor Ogburn discovered raw sewage floating in the river near Drumbeg last week.

He said residents living near the river frequently have to cope with a smell which he claims is caused by an overburden of Dunmurry Wasterwater Treatment Works.

The latest incident happend on March 21st when, he said, he saw "a raft of sewage solids about 1/3 mile downstream from Drumbeg bridge".

"There can be no excuse for solids in the river during low flows and almost no rain for some time" he said.

A spokesperson for the DoE said that Northern Ireland Environment Agency received a report through the Water Pollution Hotline on March 23 at 16:50 relating to sewage in the River Lagan close to River Road in Dunmurry.

"Following an investigation the Senior Water Quality Inspector confirmed that there was evidence of pollution, however the Dunmurry Wastewater Treatment Works was working normally. NI Water were informed of the pollution which is believed to have originated from an overflowing sewer.

"It is essential that pollution be reported to NIEA through the Water Pollution Hotline 0800 80 70 60 as soon as it is observed in order initiate an investigation as soon as possible."

A spokesperson for NI Water said: "NI Water is liaising with NIEA regarding reports of a discharge to the River Lagan on the weekend of March 21 2010.

"Unfortunately, NI Water was only made aware of the incident on Tuesday March 30 2010. Subsequent site visits could not find any evidence of the discharge.

"NI Water has consented discharges from Wastewater Treatment Works, Wastewater Pumping Stations and Combined Sewer Overflows close to this area, however, have not found any evidence of the discharge.

"NI Water would ask the public to report any suspected discharges to a watercourse to NIEA immediately for further investigation."