The Chobham Sewage Treatment works, managed by Thames Water, recently suffered from a failure with the storm return pumps, causing a discharge into the Bourne. Michael Gove MP raised this as an urgent matter directly with the Chief Executive at Thames Water.
Commenting, Michael said:
"Chobham residents may be aware of a recent pollution incident in the River Bourne, one mile downstream from Chobham Sewage Treatment Works. I understand the incident happened because the storm return pumps at the Works failed, and that the pollution has caused the death of fish in the River.
"Thames Water has informed me this afternoon that the pumps have now been replaced and the storm tanks will be cleaned today.
"Thames Water has assured me that steps will be taken to help the River recover, including a further increase to oxygen levels to protect wildlife, and they are working with the Environment Agency to make sure the River returns back to normal as soon as possible. I will, of course, share any further news I can.
"The current £12 million upgrade of the Chobham Sewage Treatment Works, which is due to be completed later this year, should mean that incidents, such as this, will not happen again."
Pictured, Michael on a recent site visit to the treatment works in Chobham
