FEARS are growing the River Hamble could be struck by an environmental disaster after another spillage on the M27.

Wildlife groups are calling for action to prevent spillages draining downhill into the river at the Hamble River Bridge near junction 8.

It comes after part of the motorway nearby was closed overnight for resurfacing following a fuel spillage last week. A collision between a car and two HGVs sent 280 litres of diesel over the carriageway from a ruptured fuel tank.

Boats were scrambled under the bridge although Highways Agency contractors managed to contain the spill.

But Jeremy Clark, chairman of the Solent Protection Society, warned: “We have tankers coming from Fawley and the BP terminal at Hamble. If there was an accident, chemicals or petrol would run straight into the river.

“This latest incident highlights just what a disaster it could be.”

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David Evans from the Hamble Harbour Master’s Office, which has raised concerns with highways chiefs, added: “The worst case scenario would be a major accident with a tanker carrying fuel or chemicals or even something like milk. It has the potential to cause considerable damage in this river.”

Mr Evans said a large spillage would threaten to “upset the balance” of biodiversity as well as causing damage to boats at the marina. David Rumble, a conservationist for the Hampshire and IOW Wildlife Trust, said: “The area is internationally designated for the wading bird, so it is worrying that oil or petrochemicals could depress the food chain and ultimately kill them.”

A spokesman for the Highways Agency said a joint assessment with the environment Agency found the run-off and spillage risk to the River Hamble was low but added spillage kits had been provided at the bridge two years ago.

He said: “We do not have any additional drainage related plans in our programme of work for this location at this time. However, we are keeping the site under review as we recognise the importance of the River Hamble and its surroundings.”

Environment Agency spokesman Joe Giscomelli, said: “We will be carefully monitoring this area for future events, due to the nature of road layout.”