The small Lez waterfall in Montpellier.
-
N. Bonzom / Maxele Presse
Due to the presence of cyanobacteria in the waters of Lez, the consumption of fish caught in this river which crosses Montpellier (Hérault), is prohibited, according to a prefectural decree.
The ban also concerns the towns of Castelnau-le-Lez, Lattes, Montferrier-sur-Lez, Prades-le-Lez and Saint-Clément-de-Rivière.
The practice of recreational fishing remains however authorized, "provided that the fish is released immediately after capture", specifies the prefecture.
It is also not recommended to bathe near the stagnant waters of the river or to "play" with sticks or pebbles that have been submerged.
A "canine mortality"
The practice of white water sports and the watering of domestic animals in the waters of Lez are no longer authorized.
It is moreover because of a “canine mortality”, on August 23, indicates the prefecture of Hérault, that analyzes were carried out by the services of the State and the commune of Prades-le- Lez.
These analyzes confirmed the existence of gelatinous clusters of the cyanobacterium Phormidium on the banks and in the Lez river.
"Cyanobacteria, naturally present in surface water, are generally harmless," indicate the services of the prefecture.
However, still poorly understood external conditions can generate local phenomena of proliferation and release of large quantities of toxins, some of which have neurotoxic or hepatotoxic effects.
"
State services are monitoring the situation and will lift any bans or restrictions as soon as the cyanobacteria have disappeared.
Paris
Paris: Lafarge suspected of dumping concrete in the Seine, elected officials denounce a "criminal" act
Planet
Finistère: The methanizer at the origin of pollution forced shut down
Bacterium
Pollution
Planet
Montpellier
Languedoc-Roussillon
Fish
Peach