Home / Environment / Sewage spills pollute park streams: Water firm fined
Sewage spills pollute park streams: Water firm fined
23 Feb
Summary
- Yorkshire Water fined £733,333 for three sewage pollution events.
- Incidents killed fish and insects in Pools Brook country park.
- Pollution affected stream water quality for over 600 metres.
Yorkshire Water has been ordered to pay more than £733,000 in fines and costs following three distinct sewage pollution incidents in Pools Brook country park near Chesterfield. These events, which occurred between October 1, 2018, and August 7, 2019, led to the deaths of various fish species and insects, severely affecting the stream's ecosystem.
The first incident on October 1, 2018, involved a burst sewer pipe releasing untreated sewage into the stream, impacting water quality for over 600 metres and killing fish in the park's pond. A subsequent incident on February 27, 2019, caused by a blockage of wet wipes, affected water quality for 700 metres, though no fish deaths were reported.
The third incident on August 7, 2019, stemmed from a pipe joint failure, again releasing sewage into the stream and impacting water quality over 600 metres. The Environment Agency highlighted the unacceptability of repeated pollution. Yorkshire Water has invested £2.5 million to relocate affected sewers and enhance company processes, acknowledging the incidents fell below their standards.
