Government to Tackle Sewage Pollution on All UK Coasts
The government is stepping up efforts to clean up Britain’s seas. Defra confirmed plans today (9 May 2023) to expand sewage reduction targets to cover every coastline, estuary, and marine protected area.
The Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan already offers a solid blueprint for cutting sewage pollution. It promises real improvements without hiking up water bills for consumers.
Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey Speaks Out
“As a coastal MP myself, I know that our coastlines are hugely important to local communities and to nature. While 93% of our beaches with designated bathing status are already rated excellent or good, I intend to use my powers to better protect all of our coasts and estuaries.”
Plan for Water Targets Pollution From All Angles
The Plan for Water lays out a tough strategy. It tackles not just storm overflow sewage but also pollution from agriculture, plastics, road run-off, and chemicals. The plan also aims to ease mounting pressures on water resources.
Government Actions to Clean Up Water
The government is backing a three-pronged approach: more funding, tougher rules, and harsher penalties for polluters.
More Investment
- £1.6 billion fast-tracked to upgrade infrastructure, with £1.1 billion focused on cutting 10,000 storm overflow discharges.
- New Water Restoration Fund created from fines to support local environmental projects.
- Slurry infrastructure funding more than doubles to £34 million, helping farmers reduce a major pollution source.
- £10 million Water Management Grant to build reservoirs and improve irrigation on farms.
Stronger Regulation
- Consultation on banning plastic wet wipes sales underway.
- Speeding up approval for reservoirs and water transfer schemes.
- Deadline for lowering chemicals in wastewater brought forward to 2027.
- Extending environmental permits to cover dairy, beef, pig, and poultry farms to tighten pollution controls.
Tougher Enforcement
- Consulting on unlimited fines for water companies caught polluting.
- Linking water company dividends and bosses’ bonuses to environmental performance.
With these bold steps, the government aims to keep Britain’s waters cleaner and safer for communities and wildlife alike.
