Environment Agency Considers Legal Action Over Devon Beach Sewage Contamination

The Environment Agency is currently considering legal action against South West Water following a significant sewage spill at Exmouth beach in Devon. The incident occurred last Thursday when a sewer burst on private land near the Maer Lane wastewater treatment works, leading to the release of untreated sewage into the sea. As a precaution, swimmers were advised to stay out of the water due to concerns over water quality and public health.

Environment Agency's Response and Ongoing Monitoring

In response to the incident, the Environment Agency has stated that they are actively monitoring the situation and maintaining pressure on South West Water to prevent further pollution. A spokesperson for the agency emphasized the importance of protecting bathing water quality and urged the public to check the Swimfo website for the latest updates before entering the water. The agency also highlighted the seriousness of the situation and mentioned that legal action is being considered as a possible response.

Potential Legal Actions and Investigations

Clarissa Newell, the regulatory manager at the Environment Agency, spoke on BBC Radio Devon, explaining that the agency is thoroughly investigating the incident and exploring various enforcement options. These could range from issuing warnings to requiring South West Water to invest in repairing the environmental damage or the faulty infrastructure. The possibility of prosecution is also on the table, depending on the findings of the ongoing investigation.

South West Water's Response and Temporary Fixes

South West Water has acknowledged the incident and stated that they have temporarily repaired the broken sewer pipe. The company assured the public that they are working closely with all relevant regulators, including the Environment Agency, and are providing regular updates on the situation. To mitigate the spill, South West Water has been using tankers to transfer sewage to the treatment works while repairs are being completed. They also apologized for the disruption caused and thanked residents and visitors for their patience during this challenging time.

Impact on Local Tourism and Community Concerns

The sewage spill has raised concerns about its impact on local tourism, as Exmouth beach was noticeably quieter than usual over the weekend. Yellow warning signs were put up, and lifeguards used loudspeakers to warn beachgoers to avoid the water. David Reed, the Conservative MP for Exmouth and Exeter East, expressed his disappointment at seeing the usually busy beach deserted on a beautiful August day. He stressed the urgency of resolving the issue and called on South West Water to provide accurate and timely updates to both locals and tourists.

Previous Issues with South West Water

This incident follows earlier problems faced by South West Water this summer. Businesses in the southwest reported a decline in tourism after the discovery of the parasitic disease cryptosporidium in the water supply. The contamination led to dozens of people falling ill and required residents in the Brixham area to boil their tap water for several weeks until it was deemed safe to drink again.

The ongoing issues with water quality have left the local community and businesses concerned, and the outcome of the Environment Agency's investigation and potential legal actions will be closely watched.