Yishun canal turned emerald green due to ink contamination: NEA

A canal in Yishun turned noticeably emerald green.

The discolouration, while unnaturally striking, was caused by the discharge of contaminated water into the canal, according to the National Environment Agency (NEA).

The contaminant was a water-based ink.

In an Aug. 26 Facebook post, Nee Soon Member of Parliament Jackson Lam said he is aware of the matter and is in contact with NEA.

"Through surveillance and inspections, NEA officers have traced the affected canal and identified a potential source of the discolouration. Investigations are ongoing," Lam said.

The canal in question is located at Yishun Close.

Back to normal

When Mothership visited the scene on Aug. 27, the colour of the canal appeared normal.

The water level also appeared to have decreased.

In response to Mothership's queries, an NEA spokesperson confirmed that the colour of the canal has returned to normal.

The agency continues to monitor the situation, and will assess the appropriate enforcement action to take.

It is an offence to discharge pollutants into watercourses without written permission, and offenders may be a fined up to S$20,000 upon first conviction.

Photo from Jackson Lam/Facebook and Zaki Azmi