An inspector, working on behalf of Environment and Heritage Service, visited the pollution site on April 1st and traced the discharge to the Crumlin Terminal Sewerage Pumping Station.

There was a discharge of untreated sewerage found overflowing into the river, which is a tributary of Lough Neagh.

In a statement, NI Water said the incident was due to a mechanical failure of the pumps and says that the company was on site within an hour of receiving the call.

The company said: “Following this incident, NI Water is undertaking a major programme to ensure that high level alarms are installed and activated in all sewage pumping stations that need them.

“This will involve an investment of over £700,000 over the next three years.”

NI Water plans to invest about £1m per working day in new or upgraded water and wastewater infrastructure over the next three years.

Friend of the Earth Northern Ireland claims that tonnes of untreated effluent is discharged into Loughs, rivers and seas every day which has resulted in the loss of blue flags at three of the countries beaches.

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