Exmouth: It is 'a misleading and ludicrous accusation' to say I support raw sewage going into the sea - Simon Jupp MP

Simon Jupp MP issued a statement today (Monday 25 October) saying that it would be a 'misleading and ludicrous accusation' to say he supports raw sewage going into the sea.

Untreated sewage was discharged into the sea last week at Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton following heavy rain.

The statement comes after Simon Jupp voted to support the Government's motion to remove a section of an amendment to the Environment Bill (see pages 6-9) made by the House of Lords, which included putting a duty on 'sewerage undertakers to take all reasonable steps to ensure untreated sewage is not discharged from storm overflows'.

The statement read: "Many of us live in this part of Devon because we adore our stunning coastline, rivers and streams.

"Recently I have received emails asking why I support raw sewage going into the sea.

"I don't. It is a misleading and ludicrous accusation. I am a proud Devonian who wants to preserve where we live. I want to tackle the raw sewage issue and I voted for a plan to help get us there. Sadly this has been widely misrepresented by those who are possibly keen to distort reality, score political points or simply are unaware of the facts.

"So, what is this really all about?

"It's about a well-meaning amendment to the Environment Bill which sought to place a new duty on South West Water and other companies to demonstrate progressive reductions in the harm caused by discharges of sewage during heavy rainfall.

"There is some background to how we got here. For centuries, our roads and ditches were once our sewers. It was the Victorians who built sewerage systems across the country, an incredible achievement which benefits us to this day. It is a network of pipes across the country that takes both rainwater from drains and sewage from homes. It is fair to say it is an increasingly old and much put upon system.

"When there are storms, so much rainwater enters the sewerage system that it can't always contain it all. The mixed rainwater and untreated sewage then overflows into rivers, as the only alternative would be the water backing up risking flooding people's homes with raw sewage.

"Nobody wants that. But we don't want sewage in the sea either, so we need a proper plan. Sadly, this amendment was little more than a form of warm and comforting words. It came before Parliament with no detailed plans, impact assessments or costs. Costs that could potentially be passed onto customers who are already living on a tight budget.

"When addressing an issue which involves infrastructure stretching thousands of miles across the country, connecting every home to a water supply; you need more than an aim, you obviously need a solid plan.

"It is estimated that the cost of implementing this well-meaning amendment would be up to several hundred billion pounds. It is an eye watering amount of money.

"We already have the highest water bills in the country in the South West. If this amendment had passed, it would have been the equivalent of signing a blank cheque on your behalf. I couldn't support legislation which could have hiked up household bills almost overnight. It would have been irresponsible.

"However, I recognise the scale of the problem. Nobody wants to see sewage in our sea. I'm committed to improving the water quality along the Jurassic coast and I voted to get plans in place as quickly as possible.

"I supported other amendments which placed a legal duty on the government to publish a proper plan to reduce sewage discharges from storm overflows and publish a report on the 'mechanics' of eliminating overflows entirely.

"Under law, the government will need to publish these plans by September 1st next year.

"This will provide Parliament and the public with clear and comprehensive information on the cost and impact of eliminating storm overflows. We will fully understand how we can best tackle storm overflows.

"Alongside these steps, I also voted for the following safeguards to be put in place straight away:

- A new duty on water companies to produce comprehensive statutory Drainage and Sewerage Management Plans setting out how the company will manage and develop its networks, and how storm overflows will be addressed.

- A new duty on water companies and the Environment Agency to publish data on storm overflow operation on an annual basis.

- A new duty on water companies to publish near real time information (within 1 hour) of the commencement of an overflow, its location and when it ceases.

- A new duty on water companies to continuously monitor the water quality upstream and downstream of a storm overflow and of sewage disposal works.

"I hope this information is helpful and reassuring.

"I spoke with South West Water in early October to ask about their investments and schemes to reduce pollution incidents and what more they will do to tackle it.

"To simply pass on what their CEO told me for East Devon, South West Water's recent investments include:

- At Woodbury, carried out some work with the aim of reducing phosphorous levels and installed a new outfall at Exton (1865m) to a new site.

- Replaced rising mains at Exmouth to further improve water quality at the designated shellfish waters in the Exe Estuary and the Outer Exe.

- Will undertake work at Meadow Road in Budleigh Salterton to the Combined Sewage Overflow there. Will be installing new pipework, connecting 3 gullies to the new surface water drainage system and building a new storage tank sewer, new pipes and pumps to prevent any negative impact to the environment.

- At Sidmouth Junction Sewage Pumping Station, Feniton, took action to ensure sewers are clear of any fats, oils, grease and debris through CCTV monitors.

- At Finnimore Industrial Estate, Ottery St Mary, carried out a planned cleanse of the sewer.

"I will continue to engage with South West Water and keep fully informed on the work they are undertaking.

"I must stress that any suggestion that MPs are not taking firm action on storm overflows is incorrect and a gross misrepresentation. Social media has led to many people reacting to a misleading headline without being in full possession of the facts.

"I voted in favour of taking a range of immediate steps to address storm overflows, together with a legal duty on government to produce detailed and costed plans for reducing and eliminating storm overflows entirely.

"I will continue to hold the government and South West Water to account on your behalf because I live here too, and I love our corner of Devon."

SEE ALSO:

Will Simon Jupp MP have a change of heart on pollution of our seas and rivers? | Opinion

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