LOCAL POLITICIANS CALL OUT LABOUR’S INACTION OVER ALLOWING DŴR CYMRU TO DUMP SEWAGE INTO WELSH RIVERS
Following the release by the BBC of analysis which shows that Welsh Water has been spilling untreated sewage for at least a decade. Fay Jones MP and James Evans have both called upon the Welsh Labour Government to step up and crack down on illegal spills.
The analysis, conducted by Prof Peter Hammond of University College London, shows that at 10 of 11 Welsh Water sites, untreated sewage has been consistently released when it should not have been.
Commenting on the news, James said.
“I condemn today’s news to the highest degree. The people of Wales are quite rightly furious to learn of today’s revelations and the inaction over this crisis from Welsh government. This should call for a serious review of how sewage is monitored at installations across Wales. Our unique and historical rivers are being regularly polluted by an organisation that is supposed to placing public health at the top of its agenda.”
James goes on to say.
“Just last week, I undertook a site visit to Brecon Treatment Works, to oversee the progress being made on the £9m worth of investment into improving onsite operations. These upgrades will help increase the capacity of the treatment works to accommodate future growth within the area and reduce the amount of phosphorous from the treated wastewater before it is then returned safely back to the environment. This is just one site in Mid Wales. We have many other wastewater treatment sites that are desperate need of upgrading and modernisation. I will today be seeking clarity on the levels of sewage being dumped into our rivers within Brecon & Radnorshire and ask for immediate action to be taken on reversing this.”
Ms Jones added
“It is absolutely shocking to see analysis today that reveals very significant breaches by Welsh Water over recent years, with 52 illegal spills at Brecon and 99 at Builth Wells alone.
Welsh Water should absolutely have been monitoring this more effectively and it is imperative that they start properly doing so.
