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Written question asked by Derek Thomas (Conservative) on Thursday, 2 May 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 May 2024 (named day). It was answered by Robbie Moore (Conservative) on Wednesday, 8 May 2024 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Sewage: Waste Disposal

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if his Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of amending water undertakers' licences under the Environment Act 2021 to require those undertakers to accept septic tank waste (a) where there is market failure in the processing of that waste and (b) in other circumstances.

Answer

Defra does not have the power to amend water company licence conditions; Ofwat has this power under the Water Industry Act 1991.

In the Plan for Water, the Government has committed to review existing regulatory arrangements and explore funding and other support options for improving septic tank activities. We continue to consider options that mitigate the risks arising from private sewage discharges.

In January 2023, to ease the pressures on the septic tank waste disposal market in Cornwall, the Environment Agency issued a regulatory position statement to increase waste storage capacity. This means that tanks can temporarily store more sewage (up to 60 cubic metres) until South West Water has capacity to take it.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
24692
Session
2023-24
Subjects
Licensing Sewage Waste disposal Water companies
Legislation
Environment Act 2021
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk