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Ofwat today recommended a code of good practice for the water industry as an effective and balanced approach to deal with unpleasant smells from sewage works. It is responding to Government proposals for the control of odour and other nuisance from sewage treatment works in England. Of the four options outlined in the consultation paper, Ofwat considers a code of practice endorsed by the water industry as the best way forward. It would be quick to implement and it would establish a national benchmark for the standard of service expected from companies in controlling odour nuisance. Options involving a change in the law may lead to unnecessary high costs imposed on the sewerage companies – costs that would have to be paid for by customers in higher bills. A code of practice would ensure that this did not occur, and would provide best value for money. The success of such a code could be judged after a reasonable period. If evidence showed that companies were not following the code, Ofwat would like to see the code reinforced through use of the Local Air Pollution Prevention and Controls (LAPPC) regime. This would require sewage treatment works over a certain size to have a permit that sets down what are the best available techniques for the control of odour for the relevant processes. Publishing Ofwat's response, Philip Fletcher, Director General of Water Services, said: "Unpleasant smells from sewage plants can cause distress to people living close to them. Ofwat expects sewerage companies to do their best to ensure that in operating their treatment works they avoid producing odours that are a nuisance to local people. "If, despite efficient management, there are still problems then we must recognise that solving them may be costly. Any obligations that arise from a change in the law are likely to represent new duties for the companies. And these are likely to lead to higher prices for customers. "Ofwat considers that a code of good practice should be developed. This option represents a measured response to a problem that affects a small number of customers. "The industry is well used to operating to such codes, and they have worked successfully. A code of practice would build on the consensus approach that has resulted in considerable levels of investment to deal with odours from sewage works. It would strike a proper balance between the cost of reducing persistent odours from sewage operations and their impact on customers' bills." Ofwat would also like to see sewage pumping stations included in the code of practice pursued by the Government. There are considerably more pumping stations than treatment works, they are more likely to be situated near residential developments and they too can produce unpleasant smells. Note to Editors: 1. The Director General of Water Services is the economic regulator of the water and sewerage industries in England and Wales. He exercises his powers in a way that he judges will allow them to carry out their functions properly, and finance them. Customers' interests are represented by WaterVoice. 2. Copies of Ofwat's response paper will be available from the Ofwat website on www.ofwat.gov.uk or from the Ofwat library on 0121 625 1373. 3. Defra's consultation paper, 'Proposals for the Statutory Control of Odour and Other Nuisance from Sewage Treatment Works – Consultation', can be viewed at www.defra.gov.uk/environment/noise. The closing date for responses to the consultation is 28 March 2003. 4. Joint research into customers' views, commissioned by Ofwat and other stakeholders as part of the 2004 Periodic Review, included questions about services in need of improvement. It found that: · Over half of the 2,000 respondents rated their current level of service in dealing with smells from sewage treatment works positively; · Half of the sample felt it was either not worth paying more or worth paying 'very little more' for improvements; · One in six were critical of the level of service from their sewerage company in dealing with unpleasant smells; and · 22% of the sample felt smells from sewage works were worth paying 'more' or 'a lot more' to improve, and these varied regionally from 29% (Northumbria) to 14% (Wessex, South West and Yorkshire). MEDIA ENQUIRIES TO OFWAT PRESS OFFICE ON: 0121 625 1442/1416/1496 Out of hours enquiries to pager: 08700 555 500 water 503/509. Ofwat publications and press notices can be found on Ofwat's website at: www.ofwat.gov.uk  | ||||||
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