Pollution threat to rare dragonflies

Pollution threat to rare dragonflies

A rare dragonfly colony on a Sussex river could have been wiped out because of pesticide pollution.

Environment Agency officers are investigating the incident which has already killed fish and wiped out invertebrates on the River Arun.

The pollution affected a tributary and a 10km stretch of the main river near Horsham.

Further damage was prevented by the agency's emergency workforce who installed a pump and sandbags around the suspected source.

Enforcement investigation started

The section of polluted river is designated as a Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of the rare dragonflies that live in the area.

It is thought significant damage may have been done to the colony because of the pollution.

The agency is carrying out investigations into the extent of the ecological impact and has started a formal enforcement investigation.

It is hoped no further damage will occur because the pollution is contained.