The Environment Agency and Thames Water are investigating a 3km stretch of the River Pool in Bromley after a pollution incident over the weekend caused the death of "very large numbers" of fish, including critically endangered European eels.
Fish deaths confirmed in Cator Park
The Environment Agency received reports of dead fish in Cator Park, Beckenham, on Sunday afternoon (June 28). Environment and fisheries officers attended the scene that day to confirm the fish deaths and pollution incident, returning on Monday (June 29) for further investigation, according to an agency email seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).
The email states: "Large numbers of European eels, which is a species of conservation importance, have been killed along with very large numbers of smaller fish such as stickle backs, gudgeon and stone loach. Some large coarse fish, such as chub, roach and dace have also been killed."
Critically endangered species affected
The European eel is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Juvenile populations (glass eels) have dropped by up to 95 per cent since the 1980s. The species was once common and frequently caught in the River Thames for eel pies and jellied eels.
The affected stretch of the River Pool extends from Cator Park downstream to the confluence with the River Ravensbourne, covering approximately 3km.
Public advised to avoid river
The incident has had no impact on public drinking water supplies, but the Environment Agency advised members of the public and their animals to avoid the affected stretch of the river. Agency officers continue to monitor water quality, collect samples, and assess the risk of ongoing fish mortality, while the fisheries team evaluates the extent of the impact on marine life.
Thames Water investigating cause
Thames Water, which operates the local drainage network, is "urgently investigating" the pollution incident, but the cause has not yet been determined. It has deployed aeration at key locations along the River Pool to increase dissolved oxygen levels and mitigate further impacts.
A Thames Water spokesperson said: "We are aware of a pollution issue that has affected wildlife in the River Pool and are urgently investigating the cause with the Environment Agency. Tests are currently being carried out to determine the source of the pollution. Thames Water takes its responsibilities to monitor and maintain its wastewater network seriously and understands the concerns residents will have."
Local councillor calls for protection
Beckenham Town and Copers Cope Councillor Steven Jefferies thanked the Environment Agency for acting swiftly to respond to the "tragic incident" in Cator Park. He said: "Beckenham's rivers play a crucial role in supporting the biodiversity of our area, and bring great benefits to the health and wellbeing of residents living in our community. I and other Liberal Democrats on Bromley Council will continue pushing the relevant authorities to ensure our parks and local wildlife get the protection they deserve."
