Natural Resources Wales is warning that issues at Cardigan wastewater treatment works are “unresolvable” without significant investment and upgrading of infrastructure.
Image: Cardigan WwTW by Eirian Evans
The environmental regulator for Wales says it is “aware of significant compliance issues” at the Cardigan works where it has used its regulatory powers to enforce the improvements required at the site over the years.
However, NRW has said in a statement that the issue is now unresolvable without significant investment and upgrading of infrastructure by Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water.
The enforcement action NRW is taking at the site requires Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water to commit to this programme of work during the upcoming AMP8 investment period. The regulator said it will work with the company to drive improvements at the site.
NRW is currently investigating permit breaches at the site and this investigation is ongoing. Any breaches will be dealt with in line with the regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Policy.
The statement says that both regulators, Ofwat and NRW, have been clear that the current use of storm overflow discharges is unacceptable and needs to change.
NRW commented:
“We understand the concern of many across Wales that overflows are operating too frequently, and we are taking steps to ensure our regulation of overflows responds to the needs of the environment and public.
“We continue to challenge water companies to improve their performance across all assets, to ensure overflows are properly controlled. Part of this work includes the tightening of our regulation and through our work on the Wales Better River Quality Taskforce. We are also overseeing a programme of investment of £20m by the water companies to further reduce the impact of storm overflows, prioritising high spillers.”
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