There has been a marked improvement in the compliance levels for sewage discharges in Northern Ireland, environment minister Sammy Wilson has revealed. He confirmed that a Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) assessment of Northern Ireland Water's (NIW) compliance during 2007 has shown an increase from 58% in 2001, to 84% in 2007.
NIEA carries out the assessment to check that the sewage NIW has consent to discharge complies with both national and European standards. The 2007 figure compares favourably with those of NIW's predecessor, the Water Service, which covered the period 2002 to 2006.
Wilson was pleased to note the figures demonstrated a sustained improvement in the quality of discharges from wastewater treatment works since 2002. He commented, "Discharge standards have improved significantly since 2002 and what these figures prove is that investment in wastewater treatment works is making a real difference. The current investment of £1 million per working day to develop water and sewerage services throughout Northern Ireland is reflected in these improved compliance figures. This is good news for everyone as it enhances the environment - something we all have a stake in."
However, it has been reported this month that despite their improvement, NIW has been fined £2,500 for polluting a tributary of the Drumragh River in County Tyrone with raw sewage, in October 2007. With NIW being a government owned company, they no longer have the benefit of Crown Immunity, which the previous Water Service enjoyed. As a result, they are subject to the same penalties as any other commercial company if their discharge does not meet the required standards.
