15.09.2008

Water Pollution Leads to £11,875 Fine

South West Water was ordered to pay £11,875 in fines and costs after it allowed sewage overflowed from a North Devon pumping station into a tributary of the River Taw.

An Environment Agency officer visited Landkey Pumping Station near Barnstaple to investigate a reported pollution incident. On arrival he saw screened sewage discharging from the pumping station's emergency overflow into the River Venn. A 'plume of murky water' was visible for approximately 20 metres downstream. An external diesel pump had been installed while South West Water sorted out problems with the station's internal pumps.

The officer met a South West Water agent who confirmed the site pump was running, but agreed to increase its pumping rate. This reduced the discharge from the outfall until it eventually stopped about 30 minutes later.

Another Environment Agency officer visited Landkey in response to further reports that the pumping station was overflowing and sending screened sewage into the River Venn. Both the station's internal pumps had been removed and replaced with a single external diesel pump. That didn't seem to be able to cope with flows into the station.

Sean McKay speaking for the Environment Agency said:-

"Operators of pumping stations must have at least one standby pump available at all times to minimise the risk of illegal discharges. Where an external pump replaces the internal pumps it is even more important it is up to the job and that a standby pump can take over should it break down."