Home / Environment / Regulators Face Investigation Over Belfast Lough Pollution
Regulators Face Investigation Over Belfast Lough Pollution
25 Nov
Summary
- OEP investigates Stormont departments over sewage discharge regulations.
- Probe focuses on whether authorities complied with environmental law.
- Similar wastewater issues are known to exist across Northern Ireland.
The Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) has initiated an investigation into the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera), and the Utility Regulator regarding sewage discharges into Belfast Lough. This probe will scrutinize whether these authorities have adequately regulated the release of untreated wastewater, including raw sewage, into the lough and its tributaries, assessing compliance with environmental law.
OEP chief executive Natalie Prosser emphasized the critical state of water quality in Northern Ireland and the unsustainable pressure on nature, citing wastewater management as a major challenge. The investigation will specifically examine if the Utility Regulator and DfI enforced necessary actions against NI Water for non-compliance and if Daera set appropriate standards for sewage overflow spills.
While the investigation centers on Belfast Lough, the OEP acknowledges that comparable wastewater and sewage issues persist in other rivers and lakes across Northern Ireland. The findings are expected to drive improvements in the wider regulatory system, with the OEP possessing the authority to pursue legal action if resolutions are not agreed upon. Ministers have acknowledged the severe pollution impacting Belfast Lough, with plans to designate the Inner Belfast Lough Shellfish Water Protected Area for enhanced wastewater treatment.
