Investment of £800m after redundancy – hassteveclarkresignedyet

According to Severn Trent Water, facilities in Worcestershire will receive further investment

PA. Drone shot over the River Severn in Worcester. Worcester Cathedral can be seen in the background, along with a number of other buildings around the city. — According to Severn Trent Water, facilities in Worcestershire will receive further investment

According to Severn Trent Water, an investment of £800 million is needed to dispose of untreated waste entering the River Severn.

It comes after concerns were raised that phosphates were not being removed from waste at the Diglis treatment plants in Worcester.

According to the Environmental Agency, untreated waste was discharged into the river 81 times in 2023.

Thousands of people from across the Midlands will be there on Sunday join forces to highlight the importance of clean water in their lives.

The firm said it was “quickly” reducing its impact and continuing to help improve the condition of rivers.

However, campaigner Glyn Marshall said he had seen the huge impact on the river and believed it could “die” if action was not taken as the impact on fish and other creatures was significant.

The fisherman showed the BBC data from his own tests, showing what he claimed was sewage entering the river on dry days.

The practice of discharging sewage on days when there has been no rain is known as “dry dumping”.

Prohibited because it can lead to increased concentration of wastewater in waterways.

Glyn Marshall fished the River Severn for many years

Glyn Marshall smiles. It faces the River Severn. Behind him are trees and a bridge. — Glyn Marshall fished the River Severn for many years

Mr Marshall said: “If something is not done quickly, I fear that the number of fish living in the river will be drastically reduced. I worry that some of the larger species won’t be here for five years.”

Severn Trent Water said it was working closely with community scientists, but the one-off tests were not always reliable.

“All our spill data is shared with the Environment Agency and we continue to be fully open and transparent as we continue to reduce spills and improve river health,” the spokesman said.

Concerns have been raised that phosphates are not being removed from waste at the treatment plants in Diglis

A huge sewage treatment plant. There are several large ring dams, factories and other buildings. — Concerns have been raised that phosphates are not being removed from waste at the treatment plants in Diglis

The company added that it was set to spend £100m improving its 23 sites in Worcestershire.

“We are rapidly reducing our impact on the River Severn as we invest more and grow faster than any other water company,” the spokesman continued.

“While the health of the river depends on many factors, we have invested heavily in phosphate removal at our sites which flow into the River Severn and are investing a further £24m specifically for our treatment works at Diglis to increase phosphate removal.”

Activists call on the authorities to take measures against people and companies that pollute rivers, lakes and seas.

Environment Minister Steve Reid says he “shares the public’s anger over this issue”.