TAPESCRIPTS

Listening level 1.3

Student: Good morning, Ms Cauldwell. I understand that you are an

ecologist and are here to look at the damage to the Tisza river.
MS Cauldwell: Yes, that’s right, Danny.
Student: Can you tell us what happened here?
Ms Cauldwell: Well… In January 2000 there was a chemical spill from a mine in
Romania. This polluted the Somes, Tisza and Danube rivers.
More that one thousand tons of fish died.
Student: Woh, that’s a lot. Did it only kill fish?
Ms Cauldwell: No, many birds and other fish-eating animals died, and the
problem is still continuing. There are important wildlife parks in
this area. Those animals are still in danger… also migratory
birds. The spill also affected the land.
Student: Does that mean that farmers can’t grow crops here?
Ms Cauldwell: Yes, if the chemicals go into the fields, they will contaminate the
crops. This is a problem for animals and people. Drinking water is
also a problem as some wells near the river are polluted.
Student: That’s terrible!
Ms Cauldwell: Yes, it is. If you come with me I’ll show you some pictures of the
spill…and explain what we are trying to do to help the situation.