Walsall: The West Midlands areas to avoid as major incident is declared due to chemical spill

A major incident has been declared after a chemical spill in Walsall on Tuesday night (August 14).

The spillage from a site in Walsall is being investigated by the Environment Agency.

As it has gone into the canal in Walsall, as a precautionary measure, Walsall Council are asking the public to avoid an extended area of the canal and towpaths from the Walsall lock flight to the lock flights at Rushall/Ryders Green and Perry Barr (see map) below

The council said the Environment Agency are testing the water for sodium cyanide and other chemicals. The said they have identified an area of canals to test and hope to be able to reduce the impacted area as soon as possible.

Sodium cyanide dissolves in water and can have serious adverse health effects for those who come into direct physical contact with it.

There is a potential serious risk to health if you or your pets are exposed (direct physical contact with the water) in the affected stretch of the canal. Anyone who has been exposed (direct physical contact) along the affected stretch of canal water and is feeling unwell, should seek health advice via 111 or 999 in an emergency.

Councillor Garry Perry, Leader of Walsall Council, said, "Our priority is the safety of our residents. I share their concerns and hope to see this incident resolved as soon as possible.

“We are working closely with our partners to manage this situation which has been declared a major incident.  For your own safety please avoid this area of the canal and its towpaths.”