Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 37
37
Paragraph: 203
We have identified multiple potential points of failure in the regulatory arrangements for monitoring, governance...
Conclusion
We have identified multiple potential points of failure in the regulatory arrangements for monitoring, governance and enforcement of water quality. The Southern Water case has given rise to obvious and urgent questions about the system of operator self- monitoring and Environment Agency compliance monitoring. Given the duration of time when misreporting and large spills were routine at Southern Water, we cannot discount the possibility that similar practices have been occurring undetected at other water companies in England.
Paragraph Reference:
203
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
The Government does not agree that permitting is normally an appropriate risk management response for highway drains. The systems that are put in place to mitigate highway drains are passive treatment systems, with the precise form and the maintenance required determined in relation to risk and in dialogue with the Environment Agency. Permitting, which is appropriate for active treatment systems would, in this instance, add a regulatory and resource burden which is not justified. We will continue to keep the need for different approaches under review in the light of further evidence or changing context.