Cherilyn Mackrory, MP for Truro and Falmouth, has welcomed 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. That’s why this plan sets out a mandatory £56bn investment programme to sort the problem out.
Cherilyn said:
“I welcome this plan which will mean water companies will face strict targets and must eliminate the harm any sewage discharge causes to the environment.
The amount of sewage discharged by water companies from storm overflows, including into the rivers and seas surrounding Falmouth, is unacceptable. That is why since my election, I have consistently pressed ministers to take tough action to crack down on this issue. I am pleased the Government is listening and is going further than any previous administration to sort this out.
I will continue to push South West Water to tackle sewage overflows as soon as possible.”
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.”