Shampoo leak killed stream fish

The fish died after the pollution from the shampoo

A shampoo leak into a stream which killed 200 fish has led to a pharmaceutical firm being ordered to pay nearly £8,000.

Medifill UK Lt admitted the pollution charge at Flintshire Magistrates following the incident in October 2007.

The court heard that investigators traced the source of the contamination back to the company's site on the Deeside Industrial Estate.

The firm was ordered to to pay £2,945 costs and £5,000 investigation costs.

It was given a conditional discharge.

Prosecutor Neal Evans told magistrates that while the company's actions had not been deliberate of reckless, it had been careless.

The medicated shampoo leaked from a container parked in the firm's yard, and a member of staff then washed the residue down drains.

The contaminated water then flowed into the neighbouring Shotwick Brook, with 200 dead fish recovered from the stream.

Training

The court was told that since the incident, the company had replaced drain covers and new emergency planning procedures had been put in place.

Speaking after the case, Tom Lewis for Environment Agency Wales said: "The company has responded really well since the incident.

"They were very keen to avoid causing another spill from their site."

The agency said it remains committed to avoiding pollution incidents in the first place.

"The Dee is a very important part of north Wales' environment and economy. It is our job to protect it and make sure it is in the best shape now and for the future," added Mr Lewis.