The Environment Agency has opened its case against Southern Water relating to permit breaches at some of the company’s wastewater treatment works between 2010 and 2015.
This follows Ofwat’s 2019 £126m penalty package for the company, for significant breaches of its licence conditions and statutory duties caused by failure to operate a number of wastewater treatment works properly between 2010 and 2017 and covering it up.
Southern said: “We will be as open and transparent as possible and are committed to cooperating to ensure a speedy conclusion and resolution of the case.” It also pointed out: “Since he joined in 2017, chief executive Ian McAulay has been driving thorough internal reviews of our wastewater business and is leading a major transformation programme.”
The case was opened in Maidstone Magistrates’ Court and is due to be heard next at Maidstone Crown Court on March 11.