News Release
2 nov 2006

Urgent Action Required Against Northumbrian Water

Northumbrian Water has applied to the Environment Agency to turn-off the UV disinfection sewage treatment process outside the 'bathing season' at 6 sewage treatment works in the north east (Howdon, Hendon, Seaton Carew, Billingham, Bran Sands and Marske). SAS are objecting on the grounds that water quality will be reduced, therefore increasing the risk of contracting a sewage related illness in a region highly popular with recreational water users.

Step 1 - Watch the video we have made

The video is a quirky look at how turning off the UV disinfection would mean a return to the bad old days of poor water quality. Watch it then take action.

Step 2 - Fill in your details below and click send

Now sign the campaign postcard. This will basically send an e-letter to the Environment Ageny with your details and the plea shown below:

Step 3 - Tell your friends, family and people you meet to do the same, the more the better.

Step 4 - Help the campaign by making a donation

Step 1

Click here to watch the full movie - 11.6MB WMV or watch the QuickTime version - 14.3MB

Step 2

To:
Dominic Shepherd
Regulatory Water Quality Team Leader
The Environment Agency
Tyneside House
Skinnerburn Road
Newcastle Business Park
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE4 7AR

I, the undersigned call on the Environment Agency to refuse Northumbrian Water's application for a variation to consents (235/1695, 255/1144, 25/04/1640, 25/04/1707, 254/1920 and 25/06/1015)to turn off the UV light disinfection of secondary level sewage effluent outside the 'bathing season' at Howdon, Hendon, Seaton Carew, Billingham, Bran Sands and Marske sewage treatment works.

As a recreational water user I oppose this application on the grounds that water quality will be reduced, therefore increasing the risk of contracting a sewage related illness.

Surfing is hugely popular in the North East, and like much of the UK, receives the best surfing conditions outside of the bathing season, the very time Northumbrian Water wish to turn off the higher level of treatment. The affected stretch of coast contains a large number of popular surf breaks, from Hartley reef in the North to Saltburn in the South – it is also home to a significant number of surf related business, university surf clubs, surf schools and a national surf contest site.

Whilst I am hugely concerned about the world’s energy consumption and its impact on climate change, turning off a vital sewage treatment process to conserve energy could have devastating effects on not just the marine environment but also the health of those using it for recreation. Such a move would be a significant step backwards in protecting our marine environment from pollution and I believe there are other energy saving steps the company should be making first and foremost.

For instance treating water to a potable level and supplying it to customers is also an energy intensive process. Treated water that escapes through leaks is a huge waste of energy. If Northumbrian Water fixed all of its leaks, it could reduce its CO2 emissions by up to an estimated 23,000 tonnes. That’s a CO2 saving ten times greater than the CO2 emissions they’d save by turning off UV for the winter!

The water company could also be doing more to create its own renewable energy from the sewage treatment process. For example, Severn Trent Water should soon be producing approximately 50% of their sewage works energy requirements by using gas produced from the sewage treatment digestion process.

I believe that all water companies can become more energy efficient whilst maintaining the high water quality the UK requires to protect our coastline and those using it for recreation.

In the interests of clean and safe water I urge to reject these applications overwhelmingly.

Yours sincerely,

Back

13th Oct 08

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