Plans to fine Yorkshire Water £47 million over waste discharges have been welcomed as figures showed spills into the River Ouse lasted for the equivalent of almost two years in 2023.

Friday, 9 August 2024 12:49

By Joe Gerrard

Environment Agency figures showed storm overflows discharged wastewater including sewage into the York stretch of the River Ouse for a total of 16,357.41 hours, equivalent to around 22 months.

City of York Council environment Executive member Cllr Jenny Kent said a step-change was needed in the way companies handle spills and the fine should be a wake-up call for Yorkshire Water.

Yorkshire Water project manager Omair Khan said a new underground waste water storage in Poppleton worth £2.1 million was among efforts being made to reduce discharges into the River Ouse.

It comes after industry regulator Ofwat announced plans to fine Yorkshire Water and two other companies following an investigation into their handling of wastewater treatment.

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