Rio Cobre’s pH now normal—NEPA
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) says the Rio Cobre has returned to its ambient condition following contamination of the river between the communities of Zepherton and Vanity Fair last Saturday.
This contamination reportedly resulted in a fish kill in the area due to caustic chemical in the river.
“NEPA’s initial investigation into the pollution indicated that the source of the contamination may be due to an alkaline substance. The team also observed that the water was cloudy and gave off a pungent odour,” the agency noted in a media release on Monday.
NEPA said after conducting a post-incident assessment of the river on Wednesday, March 19, samples taken along the affected areas recorded pH values ranging from 7.3 to 8.1, which is within background levels of 7.18 to 8.71.
The agency further noted that it is currently concluding its investigation into the source of the pollution.
