Could Isle of Wight sewage dumping problem be solved?

The utility giant has confirmed in a letter to Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely that it will use the Island as a Pathfinder site to cut sewage dumping by 80 per cent, for around 90 per cent of the Island.

Islanders have taken part in a number of protests over the past few months, with the Stop the Sewage Isle of Wight Facebook group highlighting regular discharges, including one for nearly seven hours near Totland Pier on Wednesday of last week.

Mr Seely says he has now won a commitment from Southern Water to tackle the issue.

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Southern Water says the priority will be cutting the amount of surface water entering the Sandown Waste Treatment Centre by what it calls a number of engineering and nature based solutions by 2030.

The water firm says this is the heart of the issue as the Sandown works treats 90 per cent of the Island's sewage.

Its plan includes:

• Surveying and mapping to understand clearly the pathways that surface water takes and how it enters the sewer system.
• Identifying the sewage systems (sub catchments) with the biggest impact upon the Sandown works.
• Demonstrating some of the options for reducing the amount of surface water entering the system, and slowing the flow of surface water into the system.
• Identifying and developing the partnerships required to deliver this approach across the whole of the Sandown catchment.

However, Mr Seely says while he welcomes the move, 90 per cent isn't good enough and he is looking for action for the whole of the Island.

The other ten per cent of sewage is dealt with at 19 smaller catchments around the Island.

The plans were confirmed in a letter to the Island’s MP on December 20.

Mr Seely said: “The government’s ground-breaking Environment Bill demands that water companies raise their standards.

"On the back of that, I have made clear that the Isle of Wight must be prioritised to become an example of best practice.

“Our rivers and beaches have high amenity value and ecological significance. We need improvements here first.

"We need clean sea and river water for Islanders, for visitors and for our environment. I welcome Southern Water’s commitment to prioritise the Island. It is the right thing to do.

Sewage spilling on the road at Shanklin in 2019

Asked whether it went far enough and was quick enough, he said: "I will be pushing for and much as possible as fast as possible

"But the reality is that I (and the government) are delivering what no one has before, which is ensuring water firms now have a mandate and instruction to clean up."

“I want us always to be the first in the queue for investment and improvements - and that means getting us included in pilot projects and getting the Isle of Wight to lead the way. It’s all part of getting a better deal for the Island.

Southern Water’s director of environment and corporate affairs, Dr Toby Willison, said: “At Southern Water we are committed to reducing the impact of combined sewer overflows.

"The pathfinder project on the Isle of Wight will continue our work to improve the quality of the Island’s environment, especially the beaches.

“I’m excited that the project will show what is possible elsewhere across the country.”

Mr Seely said “I am looking forward to meeting with Southern Water soon. I want to ensure no part of the Island is missed in the drive to reduce storm discharges.”