Thames Water is to pay thousands of pounds to an environmental charity after it allowed sewage to contaminate the River Shuttle six years ago.

An investigation, carried out by the Environment Agency, found a Thames Water sewage pipe had become blocked due to tree roots, fat, grease and other debris which forced sewage above ground, flooding a field and two streams before entering the Shuttle.

This came following a report from a nearby Sidcup resident in October 2013.

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Officers from the EA believe the sewage, which killed as many as 20 stickleback fish and hundreds of invertebrates, could have been flowing for several days.

The effect of the pollution was seen over several miles.

 

Sewage overflowed into a nearby field

Land and water officer for the Environment Agency, Jamie Lloyd, blamed a lack of maintenance over an extended period of time as the cause for this costly incident.

"Tree roots were allowed to grow into the sewer unchecked, resulting in fat and sewage solids building up, causing a complete blockage.

"As a result, sewage backed up and was sent with some force through two manholes, causing significant pollution.

"Thames Water compounded the issue by failing to clear the sewer quickly after the Environment Agency reported the pollution to the company," he said.

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Thames Water will now make an £80,000 payment as a civil sanction, also known as an enforcement undertaking, to the South East Rivers Trust which will use the money to install a fish pass on the River Cray in Bexley, allowing various types of fish to swim upstream, beyond an historic weir at Hall Place to the upper reaches of the river.

Speaking to News Shopper, Mr Lloyd explained that although companies like Thames Water are responsible for maintaining their own sewage networks, residents must also be aware of how they can cause harmful blockages.

"Although maintenance is essential, residents also have a role to play in this.

"Don't pour fat down the sink and don't flush wet wipes down the toilet as they don't break apart like normal tissue," he said.

Thames Water was also forced to pay £18,814.51 to cover the cost of the Environment Agency's investigation.

A spokesman for Thames Water has said: "We’re sorry for what happened in Chislehurst in 2013 as we take our role in protecting the environment very seriously.

“Since then we’ve introduced major changes to how we manage our sewer network and treatment sites. 

"This work has reduced pollution incidents by 69 per cent. 

"We are pleased the Environment Agency decided to accept our Enforcement Undertaking, to fund work by the South East Rivers Trust which will benefit river wildlife.”