Yellow Fish - Projectwhitehart

Project White Hart has partnered with Wessex Rivers Trust and Southern Water to reduce chemical pollution from Nursling Industrial Estate leaching into the River Test, to help protect the fragile chalk river habitat.

Yellow Fish are popping up all over the estate next to surface water drains! With the help of the Testwood Wildlife Rangers, a group of local young people with a passion for the environment, we are marking up many of the drains on the estate. The yellow fish are there to symbolise that “the river starts here”, and that anything that enters these drains will eventually end up in the River Test.

Why is this an issue?

Chemicals entering rivers can have huge impacts on the water quality and ecology of the river systems. They can reduce water quality directly, but can also cause issues for plants, microorganisms, fish and birds in the river.

For example, hydrocarbons from fuel spills can be toxic in a variety of ways, by being carcinogenic, reducing growth and reproductive success, and directly impact survival of many organisms including invertebrates and fish.

Atlantic Salmon migrate past the outfall from Nursling Estate to reach their spawning grounds, and any chemicals that enter the river can impact their journey. In some instances, high levels of chemicals can form a “chemical barrier” for salmon, and they would be unable to pass to access the spawning grounds. This can have big potential impacts on the success of the next generation of salmon.

How can you help?

By considering how you use, store and dispose of chemicals, you have a genuine and direct impact on helping us protect the chalk rivers. By keeping the river free from chemicals, we can help ensure that that every species that relies on the clean water can thrive!

And report pollution incidents to the EA on 0800 80 70 60

If you’re between the ages of 12 and 18 and want to become a local wildlife champion, consider joining the Testwood Wildlife Rangers – https://www.hiwwt.org.uk/rangers-testwood

For businesses

Correct Storage of Chemicals

In line with all current guidelines for specific chemicals
Regular checks of stage facilities to ensure no damage to storage structures or leaks have occurred

Correct Disposal of Chemicals

Chemicals to be disposed of in line with current guideline for each specific chemical
Do NOT pour chemicals down sinks or surface water drains

Taking care cleaning fleet vehicles and machinery

Consider using a wash pad or designated wash area (that doesn’t lead to surface water drains) when cleaning vehicles and machinery, to ensure that any removed chemicals do not enter surface water drains.

For more information about you business’s sewar network, contact Southern Water’s network team – Southern Water | Network Protection and Enforcement

For Individuals

Home cleaning

Consider the use of eco friendly alternatives of cleaning chemicals, which have less of an impact if they reach our waterways

Vehicle cleaning

The same goes for car cleaning! When washing our cars at home, all the water goes down the surface water drain. Choose eco friendly car cleaning products.