Environmental pollution in Poltsamaa municipality causes fish deaths

TALLINN – Large numbers of fish have been found dead in Umbusi river in the Poltsamaa rural municipality in south-central Estonia as a result of environmental pollution.

The Poltsamaa rural municipality administration is aware of the situation, which is being dealt with by the supervision department of the Environmental Board, the rural municipality said on social media on Monday. Residents are requested to collect all the fish they find dead, as this is important for determining the size of the environmental damage.  

The Environmental Board has closed the source of contamination. Locals have made calls on social media for the dead fish to be removed from the water to prevent further contamination.

Residents are urged to keep their pets away from the river and, when coming into contact with the water of Umbusi river, to wash their skin with soap and clean water.