ST CATHERINE, Jamaica – The National Environment & Planning Agency (NEPA) says it is conducting a comprehensive investigation into the presence of unusual matter in the Rio Cobre.

The investigation follows an incident in the community of Zephyrton in Linstead, St Catherine on Monday where the agency was notified through its recently introduced early warning system of “unresponsive marine life floating in the river and a strong pungent odour.”

According to a release on Tuesday, NEPA says so far its investigations have revealed that marine life in that section of the river was affected by an elevation in the pH levels. It has since been theorised that recent heavy rains in the area may have resulted in storm water run-off of the likely contaminant.

The NEPA team says it collected water samples for further laboratory analysis to determine the source and confirm the type of contaminant.

The agency says it will update further on its findings and will advise on measures being pursued to safeguard the Rio Cobre.