Storm overflows and SUDS make it into Environment Bill amendments

Government amendments tabled to the Environment Bill last week included provisions on storm overflows and sustainable drainage systems.

On the former, water companies will be required to monitor the water quality impacts of sewage discharges and publish this information, along with near real time information on when storm overflows operate. Defra said this will drive companies to “reduce sewage discharges that do the most harm, to better protect the environment and public health”. The Government itself will be obligated to publish a report considering the costs and benefits of eliminating overflows entirely which will inform Government decision-making.

Separately, the Government will undertake a review of legislation which would require Sustainable Drainage Systems to be constructed to ministerial standards on new developments, which would reduce the pressure on the sewage system. Defra said: “This type of ‘blue-green’ infrastructure can deliver a number of benefits – it can prevent water entering foul sewers; reduce surface flooding; improve biodiversity, and improve associated carbon emissions.”

The amendments were part of a package which also included strengthening the duty to set a legally-binding target to halt species decline by 2030, and requiring greater parliamentary scrutiny of any guidance issued by the new Office for Environmental Protection.