South West Water has been told by the Environment Agency to find a more suitable solution for treating sewage on the Isles of Scilly. The water company had proposed operating a new long sea outfall pipe along with a fine screen to remove larger and smaller solids before discharge. However, the Environment Agency has stated that this does not meet the required legal and environmental standards. A partially treated wastewater is currently discharged from an outfall on a different part of the island.
Clarissa Newell of the Environment Agency highlighted the importance of finding a solution that meets the needs of the community, where the economy relies heavily on the quality of the environment. She noted that the agency's position is in line with government policy, which stipulates that any coastal discharges serving communities with over 2,000 people require secondary treatment.
The Environment Agency has reminded South West Water that it is responsible for bringing the wastewater system up to required legal standards and has a revised deadline of 30 September 2027. The outfall and screen application will now be reviewed in line with the Environment Agency's permitting process, including public consultation.
This development has significant implications for the Isles of Scilly, where the quality of the environment is crucial for the local economy. The public consultation will provide an opportunity for residents to have their say on the revised permit application.