Wastewater treatment information request
At Severn Trent we have consistently demonstrated that we are a sector leader on environmental performance, and we have significant resource across our organisation dedicated to reaching global best practice on CSO spills, going well beyond compliance. We have always maintained full transparency regarding our wastewater operations and will continue to do so.
We note Ofwat’s announcement this morning. The Section 203 notices served upon Severn Trent Water and Hafren Dyfrdwy enable Ofwat to request information to ascertain whether or not there has in-fact been any non-compliance in relation to their wastewater treatment processes as part of Ofwat’s sector wide investigation (as announced on 18 November 2021) and ultimately whether any actions are required to ensure compliance on a forward-looking basis. A Section 203 notice does not imply that Ofwat will conclude that there has been any operating licence contravention or that they will pursue formal enforcement action or impose a financial penalty.
It is important to recognise that:
· Severn Trent have committed to going further and faster than anyone else in the sector on tackling the issue of CSO spills. We announced in May our plans to deliver solutions to 900 individual CSOs in this year alone, in addition to over £1 billion of investment included in our PR24 Draft Determination. Our plans take us well beyond compliance as we target reaching global best practice. You can read more in our Annual Report and Accounts and track progress via a dedicated YouTube playlist (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkGZTG5Vk0IstpCU7IDejVY2uT1J9VPCR).
· Ofwat recognises that we are a sector leader in this area. In its press release this morning, Ofwat said, “Severn Trent has recently announced an ambitious programme to significantly reduce use of storm overflow which Ofwat welcomes. The investigation will consider both current and past performance and reflect on the steps companies are now taking in deciding if and what action is needed”.
· In its assessment of PR24 Business Plans, Ofwat identified Severn Trent’s plan as “outstanding”, with specific reference to our performance targets on storm overflows as being “particularly ambitious”.
We will work constructively with Ofwat on this matter and are confident in reaching a resolution as quickly as possible.