River Yealm In England Turns White, Environmental Agency Investigating The Cause Of Pollution: Report

It is believed that pollution is responsible for the change in the river's colour. The Environmental Agency has launched an investigation into the cause of pollution of the River Yealm. 

River Yealm in Devon, England has turned white, the BBC reports. It is believed that pollution is responsible for the change in the river's colour. The Environmental Agency (EA), United Kingdom, has launched an investigation into the cause of pollution of the River Yealm. 

The EA said officers are on site "looking for the source of pollution and what impact there is on the environment", according to a BBC report. 

This is not the first time the River Yealm has turned emulsion white. In November, 2020, an incident occurred causing the river to turn completely white. 

Why did River Yealm turn white in 2020?

Local residents who witnessed the white river told the EA about it, Plymouth Live, the news website for The Herald reported. At that time, the EA categorised the River Yealm turning white as a 'serious incident'. 

One of the officers of the EA had said that the river could have turned white due to rainfall-related run-off at a quarry operation in the upper catchment. Action to stop the quarry discharge had already been taken in that region. 

A large stretch of the River Yealm was affected on November 16, 2020, and "contaminated run-off" was believed to be the cause of pollution.

According to the report by Plymouth Live, a spokesperson for the EA said rainfall had caused contaminated run-off to escape the containment area of a quarry-related operation and enter the river. 

The spokesperson also said that while the discolouration was intense, it was short-lived and washed through the system quickly. 

More about River Yealm

According to the River Yealm Harbour Authority, the River Yealm is an important area in terms of conservation. The river harbours many protected species, and provides an environment that is rich in biodiversity.

According to the Westcountry Rivers Trust, the River Yealm rises on the southern slopes of Dartmoor, and navigates through gorges and sedate farmland before draining into the sea near Wembury. 

River Yealm flows through some stunning towns and villages such as Newton Ferrers, Cornwood and Nos Mayo. 

The Yealm Estuary supports a thriving Oyster bed, and is the perfect habitat for Oysters which need very specific conditions to survive.