South West Water fined £8m for hundreds of sewage spills in Cornwall and Devon

South West Water, a water company responsible for serving Cornwall and Devon, has been ordered to pay an unprecedented fine of £7,867,733 for causing numerous sewage spills at popular bathing spots and sensitive habitats across the region. The largest fine for environmental offences in the area, District Judge Matson emphasized the intolerable nature of pollution incidents during the Plymouth magistrates court hearing.

The judge repeatedly found South West Water's conduct as reckless failures in management systems and response to known risks.

The offenders pleaded guilty to 18 charges, including 17 for illegal water discharge activities and one for failing to take reasonable remedial measures after a pumping station failure. Despite the company's admission of guilt, District Judge Matson highlighted their attempt to downplay their role in the offenses, rather than demonstrating remorse and accepting full responsibility, as particularly egregious.

Some of the notable offenses include the uncontrolled release of untreated sewage through a harbor wall during a bank holiday weekend at Polperro, Cornwall, as well as repeated illegal discharges into the River Camel over a decade. The River Camel is renowned for its otter and Atlantic salmon populations and is a popular destination for birdwatchers and sailors.

Clarissa Newell, area environment manager at the Environment Agency, which led the prosecution, expressed hope that this record fine would influence a new approach for South West Water. Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Environment Secretary Angela Eagle both condemned the company's actions and pledged to address the water sector's shortcomings.