I have been updated on the ongoing pollution incident in Exmouth which has been caused by a burst underground pipe in Phear Park.
South West Water have told me they are continuing to tanker sewage from the site to Maer Lane Sewage Treatment Works whilst they work around the clock to fix the damaged pipe.
The Environment Agency sent officers to the site to assess the situation earlier today and will return to Exmouth tomorrow. They have assured me they will be carrying out an enforcement review into South West Water over today’s incident.
I have also asked Ofwat to include this incident as part of their independent investigation I called for into South West Water.
The ongoing situation is completely unacceptable and has once again demonstrated the dire need for fast-tracked investment into Exmouth’s water infrastructure, which I have demanded to be fully funded by South West Water.
I have asked to be kept updated by South West Water on the situation ahead of my meeting with their senior leadership this week. We pay the highest sewage bills in the country. We demand better from South West Water.