Gillian has received a response to her enquiry from the Environment Agency's Interim Area Director, Nick Gray regarding the recently reported sewerage on the water's surface.
04.11.2021
Dear Gillian,
My team have looked into the below and in the short term, it appears that this is likely to be a capacity issue due to the very heavy rainfall over the preceding 48 hours and therefore would probably be a legal discharge. To reassure you and your constituent, the CSO is screened so any sewage does receive some treatment before discharge.
Into the longer term, we receive all discharge data from CSO’s on an annual basis. We use this data to assess performance and undertake any enforcement actions on the back of this. So I want to reassure you that this and all other data is reviewed by our teams in due course.
In relation to the BeachBouy issue, this is really one for Southern Water Services and Ofwat to comment on. We provide free advice and warnings on bathing water quality through our SwimInfo app to both the Local Authorities and members of the public.
I hope the above is useful,
Nick
03.11.2021
Dear Nick,
I am writing to you following reports of raw sewerage on the water’s surface in Chichester Harbour.
My constituents reported it online, and have included a location, which I attach for your information.
Please can you investigate this as soon as possible, furthermore, there is a distinct feeling that Southern Water’s Beachbouy monitoring programme is not identifying CSOs accurately or promptly?
I would appreciate being kept appraised of developments both on this event and any future such situations.
Many thanks,
Gillian
Gillian Keegan
Member of Parliament for Chichester
