Overview

This bill aims to improve water quality in England and Wales by reducing sewage discharges from storm overflows. It introduces stricter monitoring requirements, financial penalties for non-compliance, and mandates the publication of a comprehensive strategy to significantly reduce these discharges by 2030.

Description

The Water Quality (Sewage Discharge) Bill introduces several key measures:

• Enhanced Monitoring: It mandates the implementation of existing water quality monitoring provisions from the Environment Act 2021 by October 1st, 2023.
• Stricter Discharge Targets: It amends the Environment Act 2021 to require a 90% reduction in sewage discharges from storm overflows by December 31st, 2030, based on a 2021 baseline. This includes consideration of the impact on local economies.
• Financial Penalties: Automatic financial penalties will be introduced for sewage discharges from storm overflows and sewage disposal works, as well as for non-compliance with monitoring requirements. A tariff system based on the number and duration of discharges will be established.
• Comprehensive Strategy: The Secretary of State must publish a strategy by October 1st, 2023, outlining targets, economic impact assessments, locations of discharge points, and proposals for cost recovery from sewerage undertakers without increasing charges or reducing infrastructure investment. Annual parliamentary reports on implementation will be required until 2031.
• Consultation with Wales: The Secretary of State must consult with the Welsh Ministers on the bill's impact on Wales and may make adjustments for coordination with Welsh legislation.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify exact figures for government spending. However, it will likely involve costs associated with implementing and enforcing the new regulations, including monitoring, penalty administration, and the development and publication of the reduction strategy. Further costs may be incurred by water companies in meeting the new targets.

Groups Affected

• Water companies (sewerage undertakers): These companies will face significant costs in meeting the 90% reduction target and will be subject to financial penalties for non-compliance.
• Environmental groups: These groups will likely see this bill as a positive step toward improving water quality and reducing pollution.
• Local communities: Communities affected by sewage discharges will potentially see improved water quality and reduced environmental damage. However, the bill does note the need to consider the impact on local economies.
• Taxpayers: Ultimately, taxpayers may bear some of the costs associated with implementing the bill's measures, either directly through taxes or indirectly through potential increases in water bills (although the bill seeks to avoid this).

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