Regulators set out expectations for Pollution Incident Reduction Plans

(by Karma Loveday)

The Environment Agency (EA) and Natural Resources Wales have published detailed guidance for water companies on how to prepare and publish Pollution Incident Reduction Plans (PIRPs). These were made statutory under the Water Special Measures Act. The first batch of plans is required in April 2026, and from 2027, companies also have to produce annual implementation reports demonstrating their year‑on‑year progress to cut pollution incidents.

The plans must set out the specific actions companies will take to cut pollution and must identify and explain the root causes of pollution incidents, to ensure fixes cover long-term prevention as well as short-term remedies.

Annual PIRPs will sit alongside statutory Drainage and Wastewater Management Plans (DWMPs). Defra explained that while DWMPs provide the 25‑year strategic plan and investment pathway, PIRPs and implementation reports should show shorter‑term, operational action on frequent causes of pollution.

• The EA has now classified the plastic beads spillage from Southern Water’s Eastbourne wastewater treatment plant as a Category 1 pollution incident. These washed up along the coast around Camber Sands, including at the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. Amongst other things, this followed pressure from Hastings and Rye MP Helena Dollimore and Sussex Wildlife Trust chief executive Chris Corrigan.