A pivotal piece of legislation, ‘The Water (Special Measures) Bill’ was introduced to Parliament on 5th September 2024 after the UK water sector received widespread media attention over the Government’s efforts to clean up the UK’s water sector. The widespread media and public frustration stems from several key issues such as the discharge of untreated sewage into rivers, lakes and seas contributing to water pollution, the lack of regulatory action and water companies focussing on profits and bonuses to water bosses instead of prioritising environmental protection.
This bill is designed to address long-standing issues in the UK water sector with a focus on environmental protection, corporate accountability and stricter penalties for misconduct. In an industry notorious for large payouts to executives, the new legislation will also prohibit water executives from receiving bonuses if they do not meet stringent standards for protecting the environment.
One of the defining features of the bill is its expansion of regulatory powers. Regulators will now have the authority to take faster action against water companies that fail to meet environmental standards or provide adequate service to customers.
Alan Lovell, Chair of the Environment Agency, welcomes the bill: “The Bill will give us, as regulator, more power to protect our precious water quality and resources, hold water companies to account and ensure the polluter pays.”
As public frustration with pollution grows, this legislation is a critical step towards rebuilding trust and confidence in the water sector and safeguarding the nation’s waterways for future generations.
How can WPSCC help? Do you have an Environmental Permit?
Recently WPSCC completed a permit variation for the addition of a new effluent treatment plant and the discharge of treated effluent into surface water. This involved using the Environment Agency’s River Modelling Guidance to ensure the effluent met the discharge parameters of the watercourse.
WPSCC offers a full range of Environmental Permit Application Services for obtaining the necessary permits for your site’s activities and ensure compliance with your Environmental Permit. WPSCC has extensive experience within the waste and other environmental permitting industries and will ensure that your permit application process is efficient and compliant.
