29/04/10
The Planning Inspectorate has upheld an appeal on behalf of six water companies against stricter controls on emergency overflows that prevent flooding and overloading of water treatment facilities.
Since 1989, emergency overflows from 4,200 pumping stations and combined sewer overflows (CSOs) have been subject to temporary discharge consents.
The stricter consent conditions, proposed by the Environment Agency, were challenged, with Anglian Water leading the appeal on behalf of all six companies.
Although the Environment Agency and Surfers against Sewage were disappointed with the outcome, the modified consent conditions set by the Inspectorate will provide better protection for the environment than before and are acceptable to the water industry.
Many emergency discharges are a legacy of older combined sewerage systems. They are often visible and can be unacceptable to the public. However, they are essential to prevent flooding and overloading of treatment facilities.
The industry has invested heavily to reduce the environmental impact of CSOs and such discharges continue to be under scrutiny from the European Commission in respect of compliance with the 1991 Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
Appeals decision (3MB)
Combined Sewer Overflows (53KB)
Water UK background briefing, September 2009
Contact: Bryan Wallis
