The Environment Agency appeared in court yesterday to outline charges against Southern Water for possible permit breaches at some of its wastewater treatment works.

The water company announced in June 2019 that the environmental regulator was investigating the company for possible permit breaches at some of its sites.

In October 2019 Ofwat confirmed that Southern Water had agreed to pay £126 million in penalties and rebates to existing and former wastewater customers following serious failures in the operation of its sewage treatment sites and for deliberately misreporting its performance.

Commenting on the opening of the court case, Southern Water said:

“We will be as open and transparent as possible and are committed to cooperating to ensure a speedy conclusion and resolution of the case.”

The charges cover historic events alleged to have taken place between 2010 and 2015 focused on activities at 17 wastewater sites in North Kent and the Solent between 2010 and 2015.

Since Chief Executive Ian McAulay joined Southern Water in 2017, he has been driving thorough internal reviews of the company’s wastewater business and is leading a major transformation programme.

Since the review began, 291 wastewater treatment works have been audited. A total of 1012 actions have been raised with 809 of these now completed in a £26 million project with the outstanding actions all being progressed.

The Executive Leadership team has been completely changed, including the appointment of a Director of Risk and Compliance.

Southern Water has fully supported the Environment Agency investigation.