MYSTERY surrounds the presence of foam on Lough Melvin.

Northern Ireland Water has said there is “no evidence to suggest” that the foam has been caused by pollution from the Garrison waste water treatment works but Leitrim Councillor Justin Warnock has called for questions to be asked of water officials in Fermanagh.
Anglers on Lough Melvin have reportedly been aware of the foam substance since January.

At a meeting of Manorhamilton Municipal District in February, Fianna Fáil Councillor Justin Warnock called for Leitrim County Council to contact Fermanagh and Omagh District Council about the foam. 

He stated: “On behalf of Lough Melvin anglers and residents of Askill and Bundoran who source their drinking water from this lake [I ask that we write to] Fermanagh County Council and question what is being discharged into this lake from its sewage/waste water treatment plant at Garrison which causes a very visible foam like slick which can extend from Garrison to Kinlough peir and entombs invertebrates as it travels.”

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Speaking to The Impartial Reporter this week, he said: “Up until 15 years ago, the water quality in Lough Melvin was second to none but more people are using chemicals in toilets, showers etc.
“The lough has salmon, char as well as gillaroo, ferox and sonaghan strains of trout. Their numbers are under increasing pressure.
“A recent EPA report showed increased levels of phosphorous in the lough which could be as a result of agriculture, although there’s no intensive farming in the area; forestry; or pollution/sewage.
“The big question is: ‘What’s happening at Garrison?’”
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council said it has not received a letter from Leitrim County Council on the issue. 

A spokesman added: “Water pollution matters are dealt with by DAERA via NI Environment Agency Staff.”
A NI Water spokeswoman told The Impartial Reporter: “NI Water can confirm that Garrison Wastewater Treatment Works has been visited and subsequently reviewed again this afternoon via the telemetry monitoring system. 
“The plant has been found to be operating satisfactorily. 
“There is therefore no evidence to suggest the foaming was caused by the Works.”

A Garrison Lough Melvin Angler’s Association (GLMAA) spokesman said the club is monitoring the situation.
“We are aware of the recent issues raised in a radio interview on Ocean FM with Councillor Warnock,” he stated, adding: “issues around water quality in Lough Melvin are of paramount importance and is a major area of concern for GLMAA.
“Suggestions are that the cause of the issue originates at the water treatment plant in Garrison. 

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“We have contacted NI Water in relation to the issue and they have given us assurances that this is not the case and that it is likely to be weather related.”

He concluded: “The Club will continue to monitor the situation over the days and weeks ahead.”