UK Environment Watchdog Alleges Government Inaction Over Sewage Dumping
Britain's Office for Environmental Protection has accused ministers of breaking the law by failing to prevent water chiefs from dumping sewage in rivers. The watchdog claims that regulators, including Ofwat and the Environment Agency, may have breached the law by allowing companies to release sewage outside of exceptional circumstances.
Concerns Over Illegal Sewage Spills
Sewage overflows are only supposed to be permitted after periods of unusually heavy rain, but there are concerns that many illegal dry sewage spills continue to occur in England. Last year alone, sewage releases took place 825 times per day, with the filthy water harming wildlife and damaging local ecosystems.
Health Risks and Government Response
The release of untreated sewage can also lead to the presence of E. coli, causing diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and fevers. Helen Venn, Chief Regulatory Officer of the OEP, stated that inadequate government guidance and permitting may be allowing untreated sewage discharges to occur more regularly than intended by the law, without the risk of sanction.
In response to the accusations of law-breaking, a spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) called the volume of sewage discharged "completely unacceptable." The spokesperson emphasized the government's comprehensive action to tackle the issue through increased investment, stronger regulation, and tougher enforcement, including the introduction of a legally binding target to reduce storm overflows.
Labour's Criticism and Promised Actions
Labour's Shadow Environment Secretary, Steve Reed, criticized ministers, accusing them of allowing Britain's sewage "scandal" to occur. He specifically targeted Rishi Sunak, claiming that while he is willing to let human excrement pollute waterways, he would not tolerate it in his private swimming pool. Reed blamed the Conservatives for the situation, highlighting their cuts to enforcement and monitoring of water companies and their failure to prosecute these companies for breaking the law.
Reed also proposed that under a Labour government, automatic fines would be introduced for sewage discharges, water bosses would be held accountable for negligence, and strict mandatory monitoring of outlets would be implemented to prevent such incidents from happening again.
