Mass death of eels and fish in River Pool, Beckenham after pollution incident
Large numbers of critically endangered European eels and very large numbers of fish were killed, the source of the pollution is still unknown.
The pollution incident is affecting a 3km stretch of the River Pool that crosses from Bromley to Lewisham - it runs through Beckenham to Sydenham and along Waterlink Way to Catford Bridge. At the confluence, it joins the River Ravensbourne and flows through Ladywell Fields.
The Environment Agency and Thames Water are investigating after the agency received reports of dead fish in Cator Park in Beckenham on Sunday 28 June.
According to an Environment Agency email provided to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), environment and fisheries officers attended Cator Park on 28 June to confirm the fish deaths and the pollution incident, and returned the following day to investigate further.
It confirms: “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.”
The European eel is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as juvenile populations (glass eels) have dropped by up to 95% since the 1980s. The elusive species was once common and frequently caught in the River Thames to make eel pies and jellied eels.
The affected stretch of the River Pool extends from Cator Park to the confluence with the River Ravensbourne, covering approximately 3km downstream.
It is not known how the pollution might affect the River Ravensbourne.
The LDRS were told that the incident has had no impact on public drinking water supplies, but the Environment Agency advises members of the public and their animals to avoid the affected stretch of the river.
The agency’s environment officers are continuing to monitor water quality, collect samples, and assess the risk of any ongoing fish mortality, while its fisheries team is assessing the extent of the impact on marine life.
Thames Water, which operates the local drainage network, is “urgently investigating” the incident, but the cause is yet to be determined. It has deployed aeration at key locations along the River Pool to increase dissolved oxygen levels and help 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.”
Beckenham Town and Copers Cope councillor, Steven Jefferies, thanked the Environment Agency for acting swiftly to react 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.”
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