The Environment Agency was called to the River Irk in Middleton after locals reported a block of foam around four feet high on the water. The soapy substance, described as having a chemical smell, was spotted by residents on Wednesday, October 4.
Jamie Clayton, a fishery manager from the Manchester Anglers Club, was among the first to report the incident to the Environment Agency when he came across the foam at Rhodes Lodges, just off Manchester Old Road. He told the Manchester Evening News: "I've seen it loads. I've seen posts about it loads, but this is the first time I've seen it this bad. I'm going to say the froth is around four foot high. The river's got a constant smell to it around here."
Recurring Foam Incidents
This is not the first time foam has appeared on the river this year. In August, another investigation was launched when a huge 'foam iceberg' was reported by locals. Video shared with the Manchester Evening News at the time showed a 10ft tall pile of foam on top of the water after it had crashed over a weir on Thursday night.
Eyewitness Wayne Brady reported an odour stinging the back of his throat and was captured saying during one clip: "Never seen anything like that on a river... It's disgusting."
Impact on Wildlife
Alongside running the anglers' group, Clayton also leads GJ Fisheries Outdoor Education, a local charity that focuses on teaching young people about fishing and the environment. He said the group recently acquired funding to convert old public toilets in the area into an onsite classroom. He explained how incidents like these can have a detrimental impact on wildlife.
"I'm aware of the impacts it has on the local ecology and aquatic life," he said. "The worst one I can remember is the first year I took over in 2019. It was bullheads, trout, dead in the water. It can be devastating."
Clayton added: "The River Irk is apparently one of the worst polluted rivers in the country. Last year I spent two days in a dry suit trying to clean up the river, and I was speaking to different groups looking to get a stocking programme going. But no one was interested because of how polluted the river is."
Agency Response
The Environment Agency said officers found no foam after attending the site on Thursday morning, October 5. An Environment Agency spokesperson said: "Our officers attended the site first thing this morning to investigate and no foam was visible, so no further action was taken."
The spokesperson added: "We will continue to investigate potential sources of the foam and encourage members of the public to report any suspected pollution incidents on 0800 80 70 60."
