Investment to reduce Mappleton sewage discharges

There were 186 recorded sewage discharges at Mappleton between 2021 and 2023

Yorkshire Water said it was investing £1.4m into the network in an East Yorkshire coastal village to reduce sewage discharges into the sea.

The work at Mappleton will include separating surface water and wastewater in the area, reducing the need for discharges from the storm overflow, the company said.

Project manager Lumi Ajayi said it "will cut discharges" into the North Sea by reducing the amount of rainwater entering the network during "heavy or prolonged rainfall events".

Yorkshire Water was given a £47m fine on Tuesday following an Ofwat report into sewage spills.

According to data from the Environment Agency, in 2023 there were 64 sewage discharges from Mappleton, in 2022 there were 52, and in 2021 there were 70 spills.

Yorkshire Water said the project is expected to reduce discharges from the storm overflow adjacent to Main Road (B1242) by more than 20%, and would be completed in early 2025.

Surface water from road gullies and nearby properties will also be directed into the new surface water sewer.

Councillor Barbara Jefferson, East Riding of Yorkshire Council's cabinet member for heritage and coastal, said it was "great to see the commitment shown by Yorkshire Water" to improve "the bathing water quality along our east coast beaches".

Ms Jefferson thanked local residents for their patience while the project is in progress.

Yorkshire Water said the plan was part of a £180m investment project across Yorkshire to reduce discharges from storm overflows.

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