Context
Water companies discharged sewage into chalk streams and rivers in North West Norfolk and across the country over 200,000 times last year. The issue of protecting these precious habitats has gained attention.
Question
James Wild asks about steps being taken to protect and enhance chalk streams, welcoming his colleague's efforts against unacceptable sewage discharges. He requests more enforcement action from the Environment Agency and assurance that new powers in the Environment Bill will set tough legally binding targets.
Answer from Rebecca Pow (The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
We know that effective regulation is key to preventing pollution from impacting water quality. Enforcement and sanction options are available to the Environment Agency which we expect to use where necessary. Water companies must set out plans on managing sewerage discharges but further action is needed especially regarding sewage pollution and combined sewage outlets.
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