According to a water quality expert, executives of water companies should face criminal investigations if their organizations are responsible for discharging untreated sewage into rivers and seas. Dr. Christian Dunn from Bangor University asserts that altering the regulations surrounding sewage pollution would bring about swift change.
Last year, Welsh Water, the primary wastewater management company in Wales, released sewage into waterways for nearly 600,000 hours. In light of this, advocacy groups are urging Wales to address the issue of sewage pollution.
These releases occur through Combined Storm Overflows (CSOs), designed to alleviate pressure on the system to prevent sewage from flooding homes. Natural Resources Wales mandates that all CSOs possess permits and should only be utilized during heavy rainfall. If water companies violate environmental regulations, fines can be imposed by Natural Resources Wales.
Speaking with Y Byd ar Bedwar, Dr. Dunn emphasizes that CSOs should only be employed during extreme weather events and calls for a review of existing regulations. He proposes that CEOs and directors could face criminal charges for breaching health and safety regulations, as well as environmental violations. Strengthening the current regulations and holding individuals accountable through criminal charges could bring about significant change.
Welsh Water’s Head of Strategic Communications, Heulyn Gwyn Davies, expresses confidence in the company’s compliance with the law, stating that they are transparent with customers and have nothing to hide.
Surfers Against Sewage organized a protest in Penarth, where campaigners stressed the need for implementing existing regulations. Welsh Rivers Union founder Kim Waters emphasizes that environmental regulators should enforce regulations and hold Welsh Water accountable.
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Since 2016, Natural Resources Wales has sent over 350 warning letters to Welsh Water and has taken legal action on six occasions. Sian Williams, Head of Operations at NRW, acknowledges that storm overflows are a necessary component of the sewerage system but highlights the installation of Event Duration Monitors to enhance monitoring and reduce the impact of overflows. NRW continues to challenge water companies to ensure proper control of storm overflows and is prepared to take enforcement action when necessary.
The Welsh Government plans to announce targets as part of an action plan to regulate storm overflows by March 2023, although these targets have yet to be disclosed.
Campaigners, including Michael Goode from Surfers Against Sewage, emphasize the importance of addressing sewage pollution. The Welsh Government asserts that Wales has excellent water quality, but it expects regulators to take appropriate action, including penalties, when compliance falls below agreed standards.
Water company investments are aimed at addressing the environmental and climate change challenges while providing customer support schemes. However, if compliance with standards is not met, regulatory bodies are expected to take necessary enforcement measures and penalties.