Written question asked by Baroness Bakewell of Hardington Mandeville (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 11 June 2019, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 25 June 2019. It was answered by Lord Gardiner of Kimble (Conservative) on Monday, 24 June 2019 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Sewage: Tyne and Wear

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government when the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs next plans to hold discussions with (1) Northumbrian Water, (2) Sunderland City Council, and (3) South Tyneside Council, on further reducing the impact of sewage discharges on beaches at (a) Sunderland, and (b) Whitburn.

Answer: The bathing beaches at Sunderland and Whitburn consistently achieve ‘Good’ or ‘Excellent’ quality under the Bathing Waters Directive. As required environmental standards are being met, the Environment Agency, which acts on behalf of the Government on local environmental planning matters, has no immediate plans to meet with Northumbrian Water or the local authorities about reducing the impact of sewage discharges.

The Environment Agency will continue to monitor bathing water quality and meet regularly with Northumbrian Water to discuss any improvements when they are required. It also gives planning advice to local authorities such as Sunderland City Council and South Tyneside Council on any matters that concern bathing water quality.

Secondary information