FROM WSA

 Fergus,

We understand the EA has just published a get-out-of-jail card for water companies. Their Regulatory Position Statement B2 (or RPS for short) tells the water companies that they can discharge in breach of their permits because of a shortage of chemicals used for sewage treatment.

Our advice from Fish Legal suggests this is unlawful, as the EA can’t change the law or say what is or isn’t illegal. If a water company discharges in breach of permit, it is in breach of the permit.  We are unclear as to  how this might apply in Wales?

However, WSA are concerned DCWW might take advantage of this rule in either England or Wales. Can you confirm if that indeed is ypur Intention and if so what you plan to ensure there is no pollution or environmental harm?

We would ask you to update us if or when ypu decide to rely on the RPS and discharge in breach of your permits in the Wye Catchment?

Yours sincerely

Stuart Smith

For and on behalf of Wye Salmon Association

REPLY FROM WELSH WATER

Good evening Stuart,

Apologies for my delayed reply. I wanted to speak to our Head of Waste Water Treatment and Principal Scientist for Wastewater to garner their feedback on Regulatory Position Statement B2. 

They have stated, Welsh Water would not contemplate taking advantage of this RPS. This is guidance produced for extreme conditions of shortages in chemical supplies and where companies would have to prioritise dosing chemicals to protect drinking water quality and environmental standards.  There is currently no foreseen risk to the availability of chemicals we use and our Suppliers have assured us of plentiful stocks and distribution capabilities over the foreseeable future.  Other Suppliers have warned of potential difficulties but we do not have contracts with these suppliers.  There is therefore no intention or requirement for us to deviate from our normal operating conditions at our Wastewater Treatment works and or to deviate from the standards laid out in each site’s environmental permits.

 

Many thanks.

All the best Vyvyan   07919001561