British sewage consultation
A seven-week consultation on a long sea outfall from Exmouth sewage treatment works has started in Britain.
South West Water has applied to the Environment Agency to change its environmental permits to permanently use the new outfall, which is around 300m south of Straight Point.
The new outfall will discharge treated wastewater. During periods of heavy rainfall, it may also discharge settled storm sewage.
The outfall has been given conditional temporary permission to operate by the Environment Agency because it reduces the risk of pollution to Exmouth Beach bathing water and the Exe Estuary.
However, South West Water needs to change its environmental permits to use the outfall permanently.
South West Water must show that its proposals meet environmental standards, comply with Environment Agency policy, and protect people, wildlife and designated sites.
