I have received a further update from the Environment Agency regarding the ongoing pollution incident in Exmouth caused by a burst pipe.
The Environment Agency told me:
“South West Water have now informed us that it’s not possible to contain all sewage flows arising from this incident within the sewer network.
"We have visited and taken samples at the Phear Park Pumping Station outfall and can confirm there is an ongoing discharge to the estuary as a result of this incident.
"Unfortunately, this means that a risk to bathing water quality at Exmouth remains and therefore, we will be re-instating our precautionary advice against bathing.
"This advice is likely to stay in place until repairs to the burst main are carried out, or the main is bypassed with extended overland pipework and pumping from Phear Park Pumping Station can restart.
"This a developing situation and we will keep you updated as we receive further information from South West Water and will continue to closely monitor the situation at Exmouth.”
I met with John Halsall, Chief Operating Officer of South West Water, earlier today and asked for an update on whether this week’s incident has impacted their overall plans for a new permanent pipe to replace the burst one.
I received reassurances that there have been no changes to these plans, with work on the new pipe still ongoing. I will continue to hold South West Water to account. They need to urgently sort out their mess and speed up investment in our town.