Southern Water pleads guilty to River Test pollution
Summary
Southern Water has pleaded guilty to environmental permit breaches after the Environment Agency found polluted discharges from its Fullerton wastewater treatment works entered the River Test in Hampshire. The incident involved elevated suspended solids and iron, with the company also failing to notify the regulator promptly when problems were identified.
Why it matters
While this is a water-sector enforcement case, it is relevant to surveyors because river pollution incidents can affect environmental due diligence, flood-risk considerations and wider site appraisal near sensitive watercourses. It also highlights the importance of checking for nearby utility infrastructure and potential compliance issues that may influence property risk and value.
Key points
- Environment Agency found a dark plume of pollution in the River Test near Stockbridge, Hampshire.
- Sampling showed suspended solids and iron above permitted limits from Southern Water's Fullerton site.
- Southern Water pleaded guilty to two charges relating to environmental permit breaches.
- The company also failed to alert the Environment Agency promptly about the incident and equipment failures.
- The River Test is a chalk stream with ecologically sensitive salmon habitat.
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