The Isle of Wight council voted to stop all sewage discharges into the sea and watercourses by 2030 at its meeting on 15th May 2024. The motion, proposed by Councillor Sarah Redrup of Wootton Bridge, received support across the chamber.
In her opening speech Councillor Redrup highlighted that sewage had been released into Island waters for over 38,648 hours during 2023, which she called “completely unacceptable”. She also pointed out that Boxing Day swimmers, who raise money for charities every year by braving the cold waters, went into the sea unknowingly where there had been a sewage spill the night before.
“Positive and proactive leadership”
The motion called on the Isle of Wight council to take “positive and proactive leadership” on the issue of sewage spills by bringing together stakeholders and supporting community groups to conduct water testing in their local area. The motion also highlighted the importance of installing Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems in managing surface water runoff to prevent the sewage systems from getting overwhelmed.
Change in rainfall patterns
The Isle of Wight has traditionally experienced constant relative humidity levels between 79% and 83%. Rainfall patterns on the Isle of Wight are usually variable, ranging between 24mm in the summer months and 63mm in the winter months.
In 2023, this has dramatically changed with 110 mm in August, 64 mm in September, 250 mm in October, and 200 mm in November. This accounts for an increase of rainfall by 100%. Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDs) such as slow draining water butts can help slow the flow of this rainfall and surface water run-off; when water drains away quickly and in large volumes this is when Southern Water must release storm overflows.
Jarman: Protect all waterways
Councillor Chris Jarman, of Totland and Colwell, proposed an amendment to the motion to highlight that it is not just in our seas that sewage is released, but also in our watercourses which can have harmful impacts on wildlife.
Alongside the motion, Councillor Michael Lilley of Ryde Appley and Elmfield, started a petition calling on the Isle of Wight Council to declare an emergency on the issue of flooding and sewage.
The petition, which has 955 signatures, highlights that Islanders living on the East and the South have experienced hardship and anxiety after seeing their homes affected by flooding and landslides.
Redrup: Lots of little actions and collaboration
Councillor Sarah Redrup, said,
“I recognise that there isn’t just one magic wand we can wave, a singular remedy that will stop this from happening. It requires lots of little actions and collaboration between different agencies and individuals. There is already a lot of good work happening to tackle this including significant investment in Wootton Bridge from Southern Water who installed slow draining water butts. I hope that together the Isle of Wight Council, the Environment Agency, Southern Water, Surfers Against Sewage and other community groups can work together to improve this year on year.”
Ellis: It’s our responsibility to safeguard our environment for future generations
Councillor Suzie Ellis, who seconded the motion said,
“I welcome this resolution to address the deeply concerning issue of sewage discharge into our rivers and seas, especially given our status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
“The sobering statistics regarding wastewater discharge highlight the urgent need for action to protect both wildlife and human health.
“As an Island community, it’s our responsibility to safeguard our environment for future generations. I thank the Council for recognising this obligation and taking proactive steps to address the problem.
“By working together with stakeholders and supporting community initiatives, we can strive towards the goal of zero sewage releases into the rivers seas and watercourses by 2030, ensuring cleaner and healthier waters for everyone.”
Lever: I deplore the fact it’s needed
Councillor Joe Lever, who helped to write the motion said,
“I’m pleased to see this motion pass but – as with many of the issues our communities face – I deplore the fact it’s needed.
“Whilst the council doesn’t have the powers of central government, we still have a responsibility to act and there are vital actions we can take. Recently (and finally) moving the draft Island Planning Strategy along is a fantastic milestone in this regard.
“I think this motion acts as a great reminder of the Councils responsibilities, it re-focusses minds, and it directs us into new, proactive avenues to engage with communities and partners. The cross-party support for this motion shows there are issues that go beyond party politics and I thank Councillor Sarah Redrup, Councillor Suzie Ellis, and Chani from Surfers Against Sewage for keeping a spotlight on this issue.
“Frustratingly, it appears our MP still hasn’t got the memo, having ‘consistently voted against improving environmental water quality’ (quoted from theyworkforyou.com).”
Courtney: There is real potential to use this political will
Chani Courtney, Isle of Wight Representative of Surfers Against Sewage said,
“I am super excited by the result of the Isle of Wight Council, passing a sewage motion at this month’s full council.
“I feel there is real potential to use this political will to get practical solutions installed to manage our surface water better preventing sewage releases into our waterways and seas.
“We deserve not have clean seas and this is a fantastic step to achieving and end to sewage pollution.”
News shared by Sarah, in her own words. Ed
