Company fined for sewage in river

The sewage leak damaged a mile long stretch of the stream

South West Water has been fined thousands of pounds for polluting a stream with sewage.

A case was bought by the Environment Agency after a member of the public saw waste leaking into a tributary of the East Looe River in Cornwall.

The incident happened in July 2007, near the town of Liskeard.

South West Water pleaded guilty after a sewage pipe was found to be blocked. The company was ordered to pay £11,250 in fines and costs.

It's important water companies do not pollute nearby water courses Stuart Gee, Environment Agency

When the leak was reported, an Environment Agency officer visited the scene and found South West Water employees working on the sewer.

The pipe was blocked, causing sewage to overflow into the stream.

According to the Environment Agency, an ecological survey of the area showed the discharge had resulted in a "thick and extensive growth of sewage fungus on the bed of the stream".

This stretched for about a mile (1.3km), indicating the discharge had continued over "a period of time".

The survey also showed the stream's insect life had been "adversely affected".

South West Water was fined £8000 and ordered to pay £3,250 costs by Bodmin magistrates.

Wildlife affected

The company pleaded guilty to causing sewage effluent to enter controlled waters.

Stuart Gee from the Environment Agency said: "It is important water companies ensure their sewer systems are compliant and do not pollute nearby watercourses."

Chris Mills of South West Water said: "This incident happened due to a sewer blockage for which South West Water has always accepted responsibility. We arranged a clear-up of the stream and unblocked the sewer.

"No fish were reported to have been harmed, but insect life below the discharge point may have been adversely affected.

"Since the incident last July, there have been no further blockages and the overflow and the downstream sewer are being cleaned on a monthly basis."