The UK faces criticism for ignoring water pollution issues since Brexit, as a retired fisherman highlights the impact of sewage spills on local beaches. The EU, previously a strong regulator in this area, is now unable to impose fines on Britain.
The EU previously acted as a watchdog on water pollution that could impose fines of millions a week if rules were not being followed. However, the regulator that replaced its role in Britain – the Office for Environmental Protection – does not have the same powers, according to experts. The bloc has also taken steps to strengthen its wastewater laws as the UK lags behind, analysts said.
The Liberal Democrats said water regulation was “yet another casualty” of the previous Conservative government’s “botched” Brexit. Robert Latimer, a retired fisherman from Sunderland who monitors pollution in his local area, said that significant sewage issues are being ignored since Brexit. Mr Latimer, 80, and other residents say the spills have left beaches littered with period products, wet wipes and raw sewage. The European Commission, the EU’s executive arm that proposes laws and makes sure they’re applied, threatened fines in 2019 – the year before Brexit.This came after the UK failed to comply with a 2012 European court of justice (CJEU) ruling that raw sewage discharged by Northumbrian Water from an outflow in Whitburn broke EU water treatment laws. But this year, the European Commission wrote to Mr Latimer to say it was closing the case because of Brexit – even though wastewater spills “remain too elevated”. And now, with the new Government ramping up housebuilding, Mr Latimer fears the problem could get even worse. More than 800 new homes have been proposed in the area that would be served by the existing Whitburn pumping station rather than accompanied by extra water infrastructure. “We’re just ignoring what was a little sewerage system that was built for a little village,” Mr Latimer said. “All these houses are being built with no infrastructure provided to go with them.”The European Commission investigated water pollution from the Whitburn pumping station into the sea after it first received a complaint led by Mr Latimer in 201
BREXIT WATER POLLUTION SEWAGE SPILLS UK ENVIRONMENT EU REGULATIONS
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Water Bills Set to Surge by at Least 20% by 2030Households in England and Wales face significant increases in water bills, projected to rise by at least 20% by 2030. Ofwat, the water regulator, is set to announce the price hike on Thursday, aiming to fund £88 billion of investment in improving water services and addressing pollution and water shortages. While initial proposals allowed for a 21% average increase over five years, water companies have since requested even higher hikes, potentially reaching 40% by 2030. Thames Water, facing a major financial crisis, has requested a 53% increase to facilitate a £3 billion bailout.
Read more »
Thames Water sees 40% jump in pollution incidents as debts spiralThe water giant saw 359 category one to three pollution incidents in the six months to September 30
Read more »
Water Bills to Soar by 20% to Tackle Pollution and ShortagesOfwat approves significant bill increases for water companies to fund investments in pollution reduction and water supply improvements.
Read more »
Water Companies Awarded £104 Billion Upgrade Despite Pollution ConcernsOfwat has approved a £104 billion upgrade for the water sector, leading to average household bill increases of £31 per year. While the investment aims to improve water quality and address sewage spills, environmentalists criticize the deal, arguing it perpetuates 'profit for pollution' and won't solve the water pollution crisis.
Read more »
Water Companies Given £104 Billion Upgrade But Campaigners Fume Over 'Profit for Pollution'Ofwat, the water regulator, has approved a £104 billion upgrade for the water sector in England and Wales, resulting in average household bill increases of £31 per year over the next five years. While the investment aims to reduce sewage spills, combat nutrient pollution, and enhance water resilience, environmental campaigners criticize the deal as perpetuating 'profit for pollution' due to concerns that it won't adequately address the sewage crisis and guarantee cleaner water.
Read more »
Water Bills to Soar by 36% Over Five Years Despite Pollution OutrageRegulator Ofwat has approved hefty average increases of 36% in water bills for customers in England and Wales over the next five years, despite public anger over sewage pollution, high executive salaries, and large dividends paid to shareholders. Southern Water customers face the steepest hikes at 53%, followed by Severn Trent at 47%. Meanwhile, Thames Water, grappling with a funding crisis, has been granted a 35% increase.
Read more »