Northern Ireland Water (NIW) has been fined £2,000 for discharging untreated sewage into Belfast Lough, near Ballyholme Beach in Bangor. The offence happened in August 2007, when the pollution was found to be coming from a pumping station at Luke's Point by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA).
Further investigation found that the water company had been carrying out maintenance work on the pumping station and had temporarily diverted the sewage flow to a storm tank, which had overflowed and caused the pollution. The NIEA said it had been particularly concerned about this incident as it occurred close to an identified bathing water area.
Local DUP assembly member Peter Weir said the natural environment had to be protected from pollution. He said, "It is particularly disturbing that a body such as NIW, which is connected to the government, is guilty of such an offence." However, Mr Weir believes the prosecution of such a government-connected body by another government department demonstrates the system of holding wrongdoers to account is working. He commented, "Today's prosecution should act as a warning shot to government bodies and private companies alike that active pursuit will be made of polluters, and that the principle of polluter pays will be followed through."
NIW said the fact that the pumping station was more than 70 years old had contributed to the spill. In a statement, the company said it took its responsibility to the environment "extremely seriously" and was working to reduce such occurrences. It said it is was confident its investment programme would ensure such incidents would become less common, stating it had, "Invested over £145,000 to address the problems caused by the ageing infrastructure at Luke's Point. Additional improvement work is also planned within the company's Capital Works Programme."
