A suspected diesel leak from a bus depot storage tank in Croydon has caused untold environmental damage along the River Wandle.
The deluge of 4,000 litres entered the river and surface water drains, and spread along the chalk stream, impacting wildlife and water quality from Wallington to Wandsworth.
The spillage coated birds in oil, leaving them struggling to clean themselves and survive in the contaminated water, while the Environment Agency dispatched emergency teams to contain the damage.
An Environment Agency spokespeorson said: “On receiving reports of an oil spill on the River Wandle, officers were immediately deployed to limit damage to the local environment and working with the London Fire Brigade we have put in place measures to stop the leak.
“We are currently onsite remediating the spill gathering evidence and assessing the environmental impact for our investigation, with the pollution source suspected to be a bus depot storage tank in Thornton Heath, Croydon.”
Liberal Democrat MP for Carshalton and Wallington Bobby Dean, who produced a documentary film about the River Wandle, expressed his sadness at the devastation caused by the spill.
Dean said: “The community has been working so hard over the years to clean up the River Wandle, and so it’s devastating to see it hit by such a major pollution incident.
“Wildlife is already suffering and who knows what damage it will be doing to the fragile eco-system along the waterway.
“This should never have happened and those responsible must be held to account.”
In addition to emergency services, the Environment Agency has been in touch with a range of partners such as Thames Water, the RSPB and local authorities to ensure they are prepared to support with any clean up that is required.
Anyone who sees or suspects pollution is urged to contact the Environment Agency at 0800 807060.
Feature image: Bobby Dean