Environment Agency update on the River Crane pollution

River life along a seven mile stretch of a tributary of the River Thames has been wiped out following a major pollution incident, the Environment Agency confirmed today.
An estimated 3,000 fish have been killed so far following a pollution incident on the River Crane and the Duke of Northumberlands near Twickenham on Saturday. Environment officers at the scene are continuing to assess the full impact of the incident on other river life. Among the species of fish killed are mature pike, eel and perch.
The Environment Agency has launched a full investigation which could lead to a prosecution, following the incident in West London.
Environment Agency Officers have been working around the clock with Thames Water to try to minimise any further environmental damage, taking water samples, monitoring levels of dissolved oxygen and ammonia in the river. Officers are also working to clear dead fish from the water.
The sewage has now been recorded entering the River Thames, at this stage it has not caused any significant impact, however, Environment Agency Officers are closely monitoring the situation.
Environment Agency 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.”
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