Risk news

Utilities companies have been reminded to ensure that sewage treatment works under their control do not pose a threat to the environment.

The warning, issued by the Environment Agency (EA), comes after South West Water was prosecuted for polluting a tributary of the River Ottery in Cornwall.

Sewage effluent from the Wainhouse Corner Sewage Treatment Works near Crackington Haven was escaping into a field via a damaged pipe and then leaked into a nearby stream.

EA officers noticed sewage fungus - which is a sign of pollution - in the water source.

The firm was fined £5,000 and ordered to pay £2,284 in costs at East Cornwall Magistrates' Court after pleading guilty to breaching Section 85(1) of the Water Resources Act 1991.

John Cossens of the EA said: "The pollution from this site was avoidable and was caused by inadequate inspections and maintenance by the water company."

Last month, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency said it will conduct a series of river walks in order to seek out signs of rural diffuse pollution.

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