Natural environment showing signs of distress as temperatures continue to soar

Blackstone Edge Reservoir on Sunday 15 July

The natural environment is showing signs of distress in Greater Manchester as this summer’s hot dry weather continues, the Environment Agency is warning.

Although the region has seen some periods of rainfall in localised areas, over two very dry months, there has been a rapid decline in reservoir levels across the North West, with significant impacts on the local environment.

Environmental Incidents can either be caused or exacerbated by the hot, dry conditions. From widespread moorland fires on parched ground, to fish in distress due to low water levels and algal blooms affecting water quality – these are all indications of the prolonged dry weather affecting the environment. Hot and dry weather also brings a range of challenges at waste sites, mainly amenity issues like dust, odour and flies but also increased fire risk.

Vicky Rockingham, Environment Agency, said: “The Environment Agency has stepped up its incident response to tackle the impacts of continued dry weather, following the driest June since 1925. In the North West we have seen a sharp increase in reports of environmental incidents with 25% of July’s estimated reports received in just the first three days.

“The outlook for the next few weeks is much of the same hot dry weather, therefore it is important that if people notice any environmental impacts then they report them to the Environment Agency’s incident line on 0800 80 70 60. This is open 24/7, so we can take prompt action to investigate and take appropriate action.

“As the prolonged dry weather continues our teams are busy working on the ground responding to incidents across the region, monitoring environmental impacts and actively working alongside businesses and farmers to ensure that we make the best use of the water available.

“The Environment Agency continues to work with United Utilities to ensure that at all times, we make the best use of the water available and minimise any potential impacts to people, the economy as well as the environment, as the dry weather continues.”