The good news: Sewage plants in the U.K. have been "passing" monthly pollution tests. The bad news: Thousands of those tests never actually happened.
For years, firms have intentionally manipulated sewage flow to pass environmental checks and avoid raising red flags about the pollution they create.
What's happening?
As The Guardian reported, Windrush Against Sewage Pollution analyzed how water firms stopped effluent outflows when pollution samples were scheduled to be taken.
The firms were trusted to self-monitor their pollution, but they skewed the data to appear compliant with permit regulations.
"Water companies cannot be allowed to mark their own homework," said Peter Hammond from Windrush. "Monthly manual testing of treated sewage must be replaced by continuous automated sampling. Default assumption of permit compliance in the face of failed sampling is totally unacceptable."
Why is sewage plant pollution important?
Widespread non-compliance among water and sewage companies puts the environment and nearby people at risk. These companies are getting away with releasing more pollutants and failing to protect the environment under the legal requirements and regulations.
The self-reporting loophole has allowed polluting sewage plants to continue operations and fly under the radar of environmental standards. The companies have avoided paying non-compliance penalties while discharging more pollutants into the environment than actually documented.
Sewage pollution produces toxins that endanger the health of humans and wildlife while threatening marine ecosystems.
What's being done about deceitful, polluting companies?
The Environment Agency, which initially established regulations for water firms, plans to change its rules to close this loophole by early 2025.
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Agency officials will conduct the most extensive review of the industry since it was privatized so that firms can no longer deceitfully self-monitor their pollution. Going forward, companies will be held to higher accountability standards and face penalties for their excessive polluting actions.
Part of this process involves a criminal investigation into water companies' non-compliance. The Environment Agency will also recruit hundreds more staff members to conduct compliance checks.
A spokesperson for the water regulator Ofwat said, "We have ongoing enforcement activity against all 11 water and wastewater companies. As part of this investigation, we will consider whether they are fulfilling their obligations to protect the environment and minimize pollution. All relevant evidence will be taken into account."
As an individual, it's important to stay informed about irresponsible corporate policies that promote pollution. You can do this by following reports about companies in your area and keeping an eye on legislation aimed at increasing business transparency.
When informed about policies and local news, you can spread awareness about the issues and help hold companies accountable for their environmental impacts.
Educate yourself about what corporate greenwashing looks like, and check TCD's business section for updates about companies' approaches to environmental issues.
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