Water Minister and St Austell and Newquay Member of Parliament Steve Double has today confirmed the largest infrastructure programme in water company history to tackle sewage pollution.
The Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan, published today, will revolutionise how water companies tackle the number of discharges of untreated sewage, which the Government and public have made clear are completely unacceptable.
The Victorians introduced storm overflows as a safety valve for combined sewage systems. Now, under pressure from climate change and population growth, water companies use them far too often, threatening the environment and sea users.
Commenting Steve said:
“Issues with our antiquated sewage infrastructure and the previous lack of powers to hold the water companies to account have been an ongoing issue since my election in 2015, which I have long campaigned and worked with the Government to improve.”
“With the passing of the world leading Environment Act we now have the powers to do just that, and since my appointment as Water Minister earlier this year I have worked closely with DEFRA and Ministerial colleagues to ensure the crucial parts of this legislation come into play in a timely manner.”
This plan which will mean that water companies will face strict targets and must completely eliminate the harm any sewage discharge causes to the environment. No Government has ever done taken these steps previously.”
The current use of sewage overflows is completely unacceptable, and I will continue to push South West Water to tackle them as soon as possible as local Member of Parliament, as well as working in my Ministerial role to bring in the big changes we need to improve our seas and waters for all.”
Environment Secretary George Eustice said:
“This is the first government to take action to end the environmental damage caused by sewage spills. We will require water companies to protect everyone who uses our water for recreation, and ensure storm overflows pose no threat to the environment.
“Water companies will need to invest to stop unacceptable sewage spills so our rivers and coast lines can have greater protection than ever before.”