An oil spill in a west London brook has prompted warnings to dog walkers.
Mystery surrounds how the oil found its way into Beverley Brook which flows through Richmond Park and Wimbledon Common.
Thames Water believe the spill was created by “a third-party” after they began investigations on Sunday morning.
The spill is believed to have entered the water in Pyl Brook, Morden before flowing into Beverley Brook. Thames Water engineers have been creating makeshift dams and are using pads to try and wipe the oil off the surface of the water.
Friends of Richmond Park wrote on Twitter: “There is an oil/chemical spill coming from upstream down the Beverley Brook and into Richmond Park, please keep your dogs out of the water. The Environment Agency are aware.”
Jade Johnson, told the Standard: “It was really strange to see, I was coming home from work and looked over to the stream and saw the water was a rainbow of colours. I was confused at first then I realised only an oil spill looks that way.
“The oil didn’t smell at all but made the water look very thick. I didn’t see any wildlife around but lots of people were gathering by the rivers and bridges to see what was going on.”
#Hazard ⚠️We have been informed by the Wildlife officers that oil/diesel has leaked into the Beverley Brook in #RichmondPark. Please can all be careful and keep dogs out of the water
— Royal Parks Police (@MPSRoyal_Parks) March 27, 2022
Wimbledon and Putney Commons Ranger’s office said: “Early on Sunday 27 March, the Ranger’s Office was made aware of what appeared to be oil on the surface of the Beverley Brook where it runs through Wimbledon Common.
“The Environment Agency has been informed and they, and Thames Water, are trying to identify the cause of the spillage.
“They believe it comes from somewhere on Pyl Brook, a tributary that feeds into the Brook some distance upstream of the Commons.
“Thames Water have been on site to inspect the Brook this evening and will be back on Monday 28 March to begin a clean up operation.
“As yet, we have no sense of what the damage may be but we will keep you advised.
“In the meantime, please keep out of the water and advise the Ranger’s Office if you see any wildlife in distress.”
MORDEN PARK. PYL Brook oil spill/dump? is being contained by Thames Water. Confirmed eye witness reported to EA Friday morning, TW attended 12pm Sat & said it has entered Beverley Brook which holds stocks of fish, & flows through Richmond Park. Source unknown presently @EnvAgency pic.twitter.com/nvYqQZA1Nw
— BILL SHIMMERS (@shimmers58) March 27, 2022
A Thames Water spokeswoman said: “We’re aware of an oil pollution in Pyl Brook and Beverley Brook and have been working with the Environment Agency and contractors to minimise it’s spread and impact to the river.
“Our teams are currently tracing and establishing the source of the pollution, which we believe was caused by a third party, and we have deployed booms and pads to help prevent the oil further spreading in the watercourse.”
Beverley Brook’s name is derived from the former presence in the river of the European beaver a species extinct in Britain since the sixteenth century
An Environment Agency spokeswoman said: “We were informed on Sunday afternoon of oil pollution in the Beverly Brook which flows through Richmond Park.
“Our officers went onsite with Thames Water to trace the source and also assess the impact of the pollution. Thames Water have begun the clean-up operation and we will continue to monitor the situation.
“Members of the public should report pollution incidents to our free 24-hour Incident Hotline on 0800 807060.”
