Sewage Discharge Incident at Chesham Treatment Works Sparks Outrage and Calls for Action
Sewage Discharge Sparks Outrage in Chesham Following Recent River Visit
Chesham, April 24, 2024 — A significant sewage discharge from the Chesham Sewage Treatment Works managed by Thames Water has raised alarms among local residents and environmental advocates. The discharge, which began at 7:45 AM and ceased by 2 PM on April 23, occurred just one day after Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey and Chesham MP Sarah Green waded into the River Chess to highlight ongoing environmental concerns.
During their visit on April 22, Davey expressed frustration over the negligence of water companies, stating, “We shouldn’t be in a position where campaigners and volunteers are having to clean up the mess that incompetent water companies are leaving. From pumping filthy sewage into our rivers to losing millions of litres of water every day, water companies are continuing to let everybody down, and it’s unacceptably negligent.”
This latest incident marks the third sewage discharge from the Chesham facility in just three months. Previous discharges occurred on February 26, with one lasting over four hours and another for half an hour. The River Chess Association, dedicated to preserving the chalk stream’s delicate ecosystem, took to social media to voice their concerns, especially as many volunteers had recently dedicated time to improving the river’s health.
Thames Water has acknowledged the issue, attributing the discharge to exceptionally high groundwater levels resulting from one of the wettest years on record. A spokesperson stated, “While all untreated storm discharges are unacceptable, the sewage system was historically designed to prevent sewage backing up into people’s homes. We have clear and deliverable plans to upgrade 250 of our sites across the region to increase treatment capacity and reduce the number of untreated storm discharges.”
The company emphasized its commitment to transparency, noting that it was the first water provider to publish a real-time data map on its website, which has garnered over 350,000 views in its first year. However, local residents and environmentalists remain skeptical, calling for more immediate action to protect the River Chess, home to vital wildlife such as water voles and brown trout.
As the community grapples with the implications of this discharge, the River Chess Association and other environmental groups continue to advocate for sustainable practices and greater accountability from water companies. The recent discharge has reignited discussions about the urgent need for infrastructure improvements and the protection of local waterways.
For more updates on this developing story, visit Bucks Free Press.