LARGE FISH KILL IN BROMLEY WATERWAY UNDER INVESTIGATION

A significant number of fish died in the River Pool near Bromley last weekend in a pollution incident whose cause remains unknown, the Environment Agency has stated. Dead European eels, sticklebacks, gudgeon and stone loach were found in the affected waterway, along with larger coarse fish including chub, roach and dace. The Environment Agency and Thames Water are both investigating the incident. The affected section of river extends approximately 3 kilometres downstream from Cator Park to its confluence with the River Ravensbourne.

The European eel is classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with juvenile populations recorded as having declined by up to 95 per cent since the 1980s. The species was once commonly found in the River Thames and harvested to make traditional eel pies and jellied eels. The Environment Agency's environment officers are monitoring water quality, collecting samples and assessing the risk of further fish deaths. Thames Water, which operates the local drainage network, has deployed aeration equipment at key locations along the River Pool to increase dissolved oxygen levels.

Thames Water stated it is "urgently investigating the pollution incident" but that its cause has not yet been determined. The company said tests are currently underway and it "understands the concerns residents will have". The Environment Agency advised members of the public and their animals to avoid the affected stretch of river. Official figures indicate the incident has had no impact on public drinking water supplies, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.