Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 35
35
Paragraph: 191
We note that the Environment Agency does not consider any use of storm overflows to...
Recommendation
We note that the Environment Agency does not consider any use of storm overflows to be a pollution incident: discharges from overflows are classed as permitted discharges as long as they comply with the terms of the relevant permit. This is unlikely to incentivise overall reductions in discharges. We recommend that the 124 Water quality in rivers Environment Agency reclassify significant sewage spills from storm overflows into watercourses in dry weather as pollution incidents, irrespective of permit compliance.
Paragraph Reference:
191
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Department for Transport and National Highways agree that a level of increased ambition and delivery in this area should be supported and we will examine the feasibility of using existing funds in the current road period (2020–2025) to support this where possible. National Highways is working on an environmental sustainability strategy for the future which will incorporate these issues. The Department for Transport is currently developing the third Road Investment Strategy (2025–2030) which provides an opportunity to set out our performance requirements and the associated funding required. As this is a future planning round in process, it is not possible to make a commitment at this time.