Wildlife Covered in Oil as Thousands of Litres of Diesel Leak from Croydon Bus Depot
A massive diesel spill from a bus depot storage tank in Croydon has triggered an environmental emergency, contaminating the River Wandle and leaving wildlife struggling to survive.
Approximately 4,000 litres of diesel leaked into the waterway on Tuesday, affecting areas from Thornton Heath to Wandsworth. Birds and other wildlife have been found coated in oil, unable to clean themselves, raising fears of long-term ecological damage.
Emergency Response Underway
The Environment Agency has deployed emergency teams to contain the pollution, working alongside Thames Water, the London Fire Brigade, and local council officials.
A spokesperson for Merton Council confirmed that the spill has severely impacted Watermeads Nature Reserve in Mitcham. Residents are being urged to avoid contact with the water and keep pets away.
Labour councillor Stuart Neaverson reported that fire crews have been working tirelessly to limit the spread of pollutants.
Calls for Accountability
Bobby Dean, Liberal Democrat MP for Carshalton and Wallington, described the situation as devastating:
“The community has spent years restoring the River Wandle, and now we are witnessing a major pollution disaster. Wildlife is already suffering, and the long-term damage to the ecosystem remains uncertain. Those responsible must be held accountable.”
Dean has called for urgent action from the Environment Agency to investigate how the spill occurred and to ensure stricter measures prevent similar incidents in the future.
A Troubled History of Pollution
The River Wandle has suffered repeated pollution incidents in recent years. Reports indicate that between December 2022 and December 2023, there were 13 recorded cases of contamination, resulting in over 25 hours of sewage discharge.
In August 2022, social media images showed the river turning brown following a nearby sewage release, and in 2009, local residents described dead and distressed fish floating in milky-coloured water.
The Environment Agency recently launched a campaign to educate businesses on pollution control, but environmental groups argue that stronger enforcement and stricter regulations are needed to protect London’s waterways.