Environment Agency investigating raw sewage spill (From Times Series)

Environment Agency investigating Thames Water raw sewage spill in Dollis Brook, Finchley

12:45pm Tuesday 11th September 2012 in News By Chris Hewett

The Environment Agency is investigating a raw sewage spill that left a number of fish dead in a Finchley stream.

A Thames Water pump failed near the Dollis Brook, in Gordon Road, on Friday night, leaving faeces to overflow into the water.

Neighbours woke up to an “horrendous” stench as engineers were called in to fix the problem.

Thames Water has since been working with the Environment Agency to try and minimise environmental damage from the breach.

The stream is known to be home to owls, water fowl, fish and a variety of aquatic plants.

Tankers were brought in to pump the sewage out but the Environment Agency confirmed today that fish had died from the pollution.

A representative said in a statement: “Environment Agency officers attended the site and found that a small number of fish had died as a result. Pumps were deployed to siphon off dirty water and replace it with clean water. Aerators have also been used to help improve oxygen levels in the river.

“The cause of the poor quality discharge has been brought under control and the water quality is improving. We will continue to monitor the situation and are carrying out an investigation.”