There must be an independent inquiry into a “shocking” oil spill that hit a south London river and destroyed wildlife, an MP has said.
Carshalton and Wallington MP Bobby Dean is on Wednesday hosting a Westminster Hall debate over the estimated 4,000 litres of diesel which poured into the River Wandle last month.
The spill affected the chalk stream, which is home to brown trout and kingfishers, from Beddington to Wandsworth.
It is thought that the pollution came from a storage tank at Thornton Heath bus garage and then entered the river via surface water drains. Investigations and clear up, led by the Environment Agency, are underway.
Liberal Democrat Mr Dean said: "This incident is truly shocking. But while its scale has attracted the attention of the public, the truth is the Wandle is hit by pollution like this on a smaller scale every day. That's the legacy of the drainage system we have and the vulnerability that a magnificent river faces as it flows through an urban environment.”
The Wandle, which flows for nine miles from its source to the Thames, was considered "ecologically dead" for many years. But has been revived and is now home to brown trout and its surrounding habitat supports kingfishers, damselflies and bats.
Mr Dean is calling on Environment Secretary Steve Reed to setup an independent inquiry.
"I'm concerned that each stakeholder with some responsibility in the response is marking its own homework,” he said.
“The Environment Agency, Thames Water, Transport for London - they have all assured me they are doing their own investigations.
"But who will coordinate them and ask each the tough questions? That's why I'd like the Minister to provide guidance on how we can setup an independent inquiry into this major pollution incident.
"What is clear is that the polluter must pay. This should be a basic principle in our society. But I am concerned it is a principle this Government is moving away from, after it recently rejected the Liberal Democrat Amendment to maintain the Water Restoration Fund. In incidents like this, those responsible for the pollution must fund the fixing of the damage.”
The Environment Agency has said it is “currently gathering evidence and assessing the environmental impact” for its investigation.
A spokesperson for Transport for London (TfL) said: "Any pollution into London's waterways is completely unacceptable and we will play our part in tackling river pollution both from roads we control and our vehicle fleet.”
