Concern for the future of wildlife in the River Wandle is mounting after last week’s spill saw 4,000 litres of diesel leak into the waterway.
The spill, believed to have originated from a storage tank at a Transport for London (TfL) bus garage in Thornton Heath, Croydon, has already caused devastation to wildlife along the river.
Troubling images have emerged since the spill took place on the 18 February, showing birds covered in oil and the carcasses of eels, thought to be one of the river’s hardiest creatures.
The river, home to species such as brown trout, kingfishers, damselflies and bats, is facing the possibility of long-term ecological damage.
Dr Jack Hogan from the South East River Trust said: “Every aquatic species that calls the River Wandle home will be impacted by this. Diesel can severely disrupt crucial functions, such as breathing and reproduction.
“It can have long-term impacts on growth and development for the fish and invertebrates in the river.”
These creatures face threats to their reproduction, mobility and survival in the waterway through direct contact with the slick and the resulting contamination of the water and sediment.
Hogan stressed that while the river could recover, it would take significant effort.
He added: “There is no quick, magic fix to this. We will be testing the water quality and sediment, alongside monitoring juvenile fish and insects.”
Bobby Dean, Liberal Democrat MP for Carshalton and Wallington, has demanded an investigation into the incident and expressed concern for the area’s ecosystem.
Dean said: “The immediate impact of the spill has been devastating for local wildlife. It has wiped out thousands of insects along the Wandle.
“We have seen birds caked in oil, continuously cleaning themselves as the diesel irritates their skin. There have been reports of dead fish in the river.
“It is possible that the impact of this spill will be felt for years to come. We need a major investigation to understand the extent of the damage and to hold those responsible to account.”
A TfL spokesperson responded to concerns and confirmed that an investigation is currently ongoing.
They said: “Any pollution into London’s waterways is completely unacceptable. We will play our part in tackling river pollution both from roads we control and our vehicle fleet.
“A full investigation is underway into what happened.”
The South East River Trust has asked members of the public that wish to help to keep informed, check the water quality levels online and donate to their Crowdfunder page.
The campaign has raised over £23,000 so far, just shy of their target of £25,000.
The funds will go towards specialised equipment to help protect and restore the waterway to create an environment that gives wildlife an opportunity to thrive for years to come.
Picture credit: Bobby Dean MP
Join the discussion