Environment Agency officers are dealing with the impact of a sewage discharge that has affected the River Lee in the Luton area and the Luton Hoo Lakes.

Officers are working hard to prevent pollution spreading into the River Lee downstream of the Luton Hoo Lakes. Sewage has entered both lakes of the Luton Hoo fishery, from the River Lee killing an estimated one thousand small fish, and at least 12 larger fish.

Following some overtopping of the weir at the end of the lower lake caused by heavy rainfall, some pollution has affected a stretch of the River Lee. The source of the pollution has been traced and stopped and sandbags have been deployed at the end of the lower lake to create a dam to stop any further pollution entering the river south of the lakes.

Fish are still in distress in the lake and the Environment Agency are deploying aeration equipment in a bid to prevent further fish deaths. Sewage pollution strips out oxygen in the water, leading to fish suffocation.

Jenny Melvin, Environment Management Team Leader said: “This is a significant sewage pollution incident which has caused the death of a large number of fish. It’s distressing to see such damage to a beautiful part of our environment, which will impact on the local community and particularly anglers who enjoy fishing the lakes. “We are still on the ground assessing the impact of this incident and ensuring that all action is taken to prevent any further risk of harm to the river. We have started an investigation into its cause.”

Members of the public can report pollution incidents by calling the Environment Agency’s emergency hotline on 0800 80 70 60