Environment Agency fast tracking analysis of polluted water in River Nene that has killed more than 100,000 fish in Peterborough

The pollution that caused the death of tens of thousands of fish in Peterborough was not a sewage leak, it has been confirmed – as the investigations into the cause of the disaster continue.

The Peterborough Telegraph revealed yesterday that scores of fish – mainly roach, but also including perch, rudd and other species – had been killed in the river at Goldie Meadow, after pollution entered the water.

Today (Wednesday) The Environment Agency has said more than 100,000 fish have been killed in the River Nene as a result of the spill.

Environment Agency and Anglian Water engineers were seen at the scene yesterday as investigations into the cause were started, and the probe into incident were ongoing today.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “Environment Agency officers are on site at the moment monitoring the situation and investigating further.

“Our contractors have also been called and are on standby to investigate further and assess any possible remediation work should that be needed.

“Anyone who spots fish in distress should contact our incident hotline on 0800 807060.”

The Environment Agency have confirmed that they are fast-tracking samples through our lab to establish what the polluting substance in the river is, and have contractors on standby to clear up, once we know what the substance is.

Today, speaking to The Peterborough Telegraph, an Anglian Water spokesperson confirmed sewage was not the cause of the problem.

The spokesperson said: “We're on site, and are currently working with the Environment Agency to investigate further, however both The Environment Agency and ourselves are confident this is not related to a sewage spill.”

The Environment Agency have also said they have no reason to believe this is a sewage pollution incident.

Speaking to The Peterborough Telegraph at the scene yesterday, Jonathan Means, head bailiff at the Peterborough District Angling Association, said he believed chemicals had caused the pollution – and spoke of the devastation he had felt at seeing the number of dead and dying fish in the river.

The Nene Park Trust, who manage the land where the spill happened, have urged people and their pets to stay away from the waterways while the investigation and clean up continues.