Bristol Brook Cleanup: 850 Sign Petition After Eel Die-Off

Bristol City Council faces mounting pressure to test the water quality in Brislington Brook.

More than 850 people signed a petition demanding an environmental health officer collect samples from the waterway.

The calls for action follow the death of dozens of eels in the brook.

The deaths occurred after a suspected arson attack at an industrial estate on Emery Road in September.

Firefighters used foam and water to dampen the blaze, and local volunteers observed a foamy appearance in the brook the next day.

Avon Fire & Rescue Service initially denied a link between the fire and the pollution.

The Environment Agency later confirmed the incident was linked to firewater run-off.

The run-off contained a mix of foam, water, chemicals, and metals from a former galvanizing factory that had been empty for years.

Agency officials stated that a single cause could not be identified due to the complexity of the incident and the range of substances involved.

Sixteen fire crews helped put out the fire at the abandoned building, and residents in the area were evacuated.

The fire service said it took steps to prevent contaminants from spreading, such as blocking drains and containing run-off.

The brook flows through Nightingale Valley and St Anne’s Wood, two popular nature spots for the community and their pets. Jackie Friel, acting chair of Friends of Brislington Brook, described the waterway as devoid of aquatic life. She said the brook was now barren and lifeless, which has had a devastating effect on volunteers and residents. Friel noted that there are currently no systematic measures in place to prevent such pollution events or to restore the brook to its natural state. The group wants the council to determine if the water is safe for children and dogs to paddle in. They also requested a new plan to restore habitats for wildlife. Friel argued that taking these steps would demonstrate the council's commitment to public health and environmental stewardship.