Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Cleaner will flow the Don

Michael McCarthy
Wednesday 16 September 1998 19:02 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A TREATMENT PLANT opens today for what may be Britain's most polluted stretch of river.

The River Don in South Yorkshire is a pristine trout stream complete with kingfisher when it emerges from its source in a reservoir. When it reaches Penistone, six miles downstream, it turns orange.

Drain water from a coal mine abandoned in 1918 is the culprit. The mine is full of lurid iron deposits which are deadly to river life. No insect, plant or fish can survive in the stretch of the river which flows on to Sheffield.

The pounds 1.2m treatment plant will take the polluted water - a million gallons a day - into a lagoon where it will be cleaned and pumped back. Research is continuing to find a use for the iron residue. It may be used as a colourant for bricks.

The Environment Agency has joined with Yorkshire Water, the Coal Authority, a local building firm and Barnsley Council to develop the project. Half of the funding came from Europe.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in