3,000 fish killed in River Thames sewage spill

The Environment Agency (EA) has launched a full investigation into a raw sewage spill along a seven mile stretch of a tributary of the River Thames.


As a result of the spill into the River Crane and Duke of Northumberlands near Twickenham, London on Saturday (November 1), an estimated 3,000 fish including mature pike, eel and perch have been killed so far.

The EA said sewage has now been recorded entering the River Thames and that its officers are closely monitoring the situation, while an investigation is carried out to ascertain the full impact of the incident on other wildlife. This could lead to a prosecution it added.

In addition, Thames Water is working with the EA to try to minimise any further environmental damage by testing water supplies, monitoring levels of dissolved oxygen and ammonia in the river, while the EA works to clear dead fish from the water.

EA area manager Julia Simpson, said: “This is the most serious incident we have had on a tributary of the River Thames for several years. We worked around the clock to try and minimise the environmental damage from this incident, but today it is clear that stretch of the tributaries have been devastated. Our officers are out by the river today helping Thames Water with the clearing of dead fish from the river.

“We have launched a full investigation into this devastating pollution which has caused the death of approximately 3000 fish on seven miles of river. We are still advising people to keep themselves and their pets out of the water until the incident is resolved.”

Carys Matthews

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