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Written question asked by Marquess of Lothian (Conservative) on Wednesday, 13 March 2024, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 27 March 2024. It was answered by Lord Douglas-Miller (Conservative) on Tuesday, 26 March 2024 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Esthwaite Water: Sewage

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Environment Agency is monitoring the untreated sewage being discharged into Esthwaite Water by United Utilities; if not, why; if so, how often United Utilities is discharging untreated sewage into Esthwaite Water; and why these discharges are permitted in a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Answer

It is important to highlight that no storm overflows currently discharge into Esthwaite Water, and the only source of sewage pollution is likely to come from Emergency overflows.

Emergency overflows are only permitted to operate in exceptional circumstances to prevent environmental damage or harm to the public, such as due to electrical power failure or mechanical failure.

The Environment Agency is ensuring there is monitoring on all emergency overflows from 2025. This includes at Esthwaite Lodge Pumping Station. The Environment Agency already require water companies to report any discharge of sewage in emergency overflows as pollution incidents. The Environment Agency has not had any reports from United Utilities of emergency overflow discharges from Esthwaite Lodge Pumping Station. The Environment Agency investigate any instances where permits are not being followed and will always take enforcement action if necessary. The permit for Esthwaite Lodge Pumping Station is in place to protect Esthwaite Water SSSI and that the emergency overflow provision is part of that permit.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL3252
Session
2023-24
Subjects
Monitoring Sewage United Utilities Esthwaite Water
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk