Home / Environment / China Clay Firm Pays £430k for River Pollution
China Clay Firm Pays £430k for River Pollution
12 Mar
Summary
- Imerys Minerals paid £430,000 to West Country Rivers Trust.
- Six pollution incidents occurred between September 2021 and July 2023.
- Payments will fund water quality restoration and fish migration.
Imerys Minerals, a china clay mining company operating in Cornwall, has committed to paying £430,000 to the West Country Rivers Trust. This agreement follows six distinct pollution incidents that occurred in the St Austell area between September 2021 and July 2023.
The substantial sum is designated for environmental restoration, specifically to enhance water quality and facilitate fish migration. Imerys Minerals has also pledged to implement robust measures aimed at preventing similar incidents from recurring.
Past incidents included pipeline failures and leaking joints, which led to clay discharges into local watercourses such as the Gwindra Stream and the River Fal. These events occurred over several months, with investigations confirming lingering impacts.
The company agreed to this enforcement undertaking as an alternative to prosecution. In addition to the charity payment, Imerys Minerals will cover £22,600 in investigation and enforcement costs. A 10-year pipeline replacement strategy has also been agreed upon.
