Concerns have been raised about the presence of raw sewage in a stream leading onto the Colebrooke River.

A concerned resident contacted this newspaper regarding the presence of sewage which included faecal matter, sanitary wipes and condoms in the stream.

Impartial Reporter photographer John McVitty visited the site last week when the stream was contaminated with sewage; since then, the stream has been cleared following heavy rain at the weekend.

The resident said: “The river is now well cleared due to the rain [at the weekend], but this happens every year, and has done for 40 years.

“We have been dealing with the environmental agency and the water service for years. It [the sewage] is weather-dependent – but it will be back again.”

It is believed by residents that the issue with sewage is as a result of the infrastructure for waste removal and sewage not being able to cope with the level of waste.

“This can’t go on – this is a health hazard for humans and wildlife. There are young children walking back and there are animals that could be poisoned in the river [by the sewage],” added the resident.

Residents have also complained of a strong smell as part of the problem, as well as the presence of items in the water that should not be there, including human faecal matter, sanitary wipes and condoms.

The resident added: “There are now worms from the faecal matter living in the river, and that can’t be good for the environment.”

There were also concerns raised about the impact of such sewage on the supply of salmon and trout in the Colebrooke River.

A spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) said: “The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) received a water pollution report at 4.22pm on April 20, indicating that there was sewage entering a stream at Bohatten Lane, Fivemiletown.

“A NIEA Water Quality Inspector investigated the incident on the morning of April 21.

“Sewage fungus was observed in the stream, which exits from a culvert adjacent to Bohatten Lane. The source of the pollution was identified as a Northern Ireland Water Ltd (NI Water) combined storm overflow (CSO) located nearby at Willand Crescent in Fivemiletown.

“NIEA reported the incident to NI Water, who have since confirmed that a blockage of inappropriate material was cleared at the CSO at Willand Crescent, and that a clean-up of the network is planned.

“The Inspector reinspected the stream on the morning of April 24, and confirmed the discharge had stopped and the stream was running clear.

“NIEA encourage the public not to place inappropriate items in the toilet, down a drain, or into the sewers.

“Wastewater treatment works and sewerage systems are not designed to deal with items such as cotton buds, nappies, sanitary items and wipes, which often cause major blockages or end up in our waterways.

“All urgent water pollution incidents can be reported through the Incident Hotline at 0800 807060, which is available on a 24-hour, 365 days per year basis.”