Environment Agency considers action over spill

South West Water said sewage tankers would remain on site as a precaution

The Environment Agency has said it is "considering what legal approach to take" against a water company after a sewage spill in Devon.

A sewer burst on private land on Thursday next to Maer Lane wastewater treatment works in Exmouth - prompting warnings against swimming at the town's beach.

The agency said it would be "keeping pressure" on South West Water (SWW) to ensure bathing water quality was not damaged.

SWW said: "We always work with all of our regulators, including the Environment Agency, and are continuing to keep them fully updated."

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The agency said it "recognised" SWW's work to repair the broken sewer network.

"As regulator, we are keeping pressure on the water company to do all it can to prevent pollution from damaging bathing water quality," it said.

"We continue to monitor the site closely and encourage the public to check Swimfo for the latest status of bathing water quality before swimming.

"Given the seriousness of the incident, the Environment Agency is considering what legal approach to take for these pollutions on Exmouth beach."

'Really disappointed'

Clarissa Newell, from the agency, told BBC Radio Devon the regulator was considering "all enforcement actions".

"The Environment Agency is really disappointed that we have had another incident at Exmouth at this time of year, impacting people on their holidays and local businesses dependent on that tourism coming in," she said.

"We are investigating and considering all enforcement options... that could be a warning, it could be the water company promises to invest in the environment they damaged or the infrastructure that caused that damage, or we go to prosecution."

She urged SWW to ensure it did not happen again and said the agency would look into whether the firm had sufficient infrastructure in Exmouth.

"The environmental performance of South West Water is poor at the moment," she said.

'Not a new issue'

David Reed, Conservative MP for Exmouth and Exeter East, said he had asked for a meeting with SWW chief executive Susan Davy over bringing forward planned infrastructure spending.

"This is not a new issue. It’s something that has been going on for some time and it's not good enough," he said.

"I’ve been an MP just over a month and there has already been two sewage spills in the town, the latest of which led to the beach being closed during the vital tourist season."

SWW said it had temporarily fixed the broken sewer pipe.

"We continue to work around the clock to complete this essential work," it added.