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PM Urged: Stop Sewage Fouling UK Rivers
27 Jul
Summary
- Sewage pollution hours in North Cotswolds rivers exceeded 3,470.
- Charities want the Environment Agency to have stronger prosecution powers.
- Calls for reform emphasize the regulator's alleged failure to enforce laws.
New Prime Minister Andy Burnham faces intense pressure from water charities to tackle the ongoing issue of sewage pollution in the nation's rivers. Environmental groups are highlighting the urgent need for government intervention to prevent further contamination of vital waterways.
Recent data compiled by the Rivers Trust indicates a significant problem, with sewage spillage recorded in North Cotswolds rivers for at least 3,470 hours over the past year. This statistic underscores the scale of pollution affecting these areas.
Charities are advocating for the Environment Agency to be granted more substantial powers. James Wallace, head of River Action, expressed a desire for the agency to be "given its teeth back," enabling it to prosecute companies that discharge sewage. He further criticized the current regulatory framework, stating that the situation has deteriorated while the Environment Agency has struggled to enforce existing environmental laws.
