News
Fish death toll in polluted Nene at Peterborough estimated at more than 100,000
Stay away plea after River Nene pollution
More than 100,000 fish have died in the River Nene at Peterborough. And sewage has been ruled out as the cause. An urgent investigation continues to find out the source of contamination that has caused the death the fish in the streams entering Nene Park, Peterborough.
An Environment Agency spokesperson told CambsNews: “Environment Agency officers are on site monitoring the situation and investigating the nature and the source of the substance that has polluted the river.
Pictured Environment Agency James Hooker, Fisheries Team Leader inspects river. Thousands of dead and dying fish have been found along a stretch of river near Nene Park. Golds Lane, Peterborough
Tuesday 12 December 2023.
Picture by Terry Harris.
“We ask that people stay away from the area until further notice, and dog walkers do not allow their dogs to enter the water.
“We encourage members of the public to report environmental incidents to us on our free 24-hour incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.”
The spokesperson said they estimate there are over 100,000 dead fish in the River Nene.
“We are fast-tracking samples through our lab to establish what the polluting substance in the river is”, said the spokesperson.
Pictured the fish – white dots, can be seen along the banks as they attempt to get out of the contaminated water.
Thousands of dead and dying fish have been found along a stretch of river near Nene Park. Golds Lane, Peterborough
Tuesday 12 December 2023. Picture by Terry Harris.
“We have contractors on standby to clear up, once we know what the substance is.”
The spokesperson added: “Anglian Water officers have been assisting us by checking surface water drains. We have no reason to believe this is a sewage pollution incident.”
Pictured Anglian Water spotted checking man hole cover to back track the contamination before removing some samples in Orton Southgate for testing. Thousands of dead and dying fish have been found along a stretch of river near Nene Park. Golds Lane, Peterborough Tuesday 12 December 2023.
Picture by Terry Harris.
Nene Park officials meanwhile have urged visitors to keep dogs out of the water to avoid them coming into contact with polluted water.
