Serious Pollution Incident!

The stream that runs into Maple Lodge Nature Reserve has been seriously polluted.

Last Friday afternoon one of our members reported that the stream was cloudy and that he could see a dead fish.

On Friday evening and Saturday morning Thames Water and Environment Agency employees attended the scene and ascertained that the source of the pollution was the adjacent giant warehouse site. The Environment Agency Fisheries Officer also carried out a brief survey of the reserve's lakes. He reported that they had counted 57 dead Roach in the stream and that he had observed 4 or 5 large dead fish in the reserve's lakes.

Yesterday, we carried out further surveys and counted over 100 dead Roach in the stream. Whatever has been discharged has coated the floor of the stream white and the dead fish have sunk to the floor. We could not see any dead fish at the reserve, but they too have probably sunk.

The Environment Agency has taken samples and evidence and believe that the source has been identified. They will then determine what enforcement action will be taken.

We are waiting for further details from the Environment Agency about what has actually happened.

This is the second incident of pollution of the stream to have occurred in the past 18 months.

During the planning process we repeatedly warned of the risks posed by the proposed development and our valid concerns were continually dismissed. Unfortunately, our worst fears are now coming true and this is before they have even found any occupiers for the warehouses!