A CAMPAIGN group said 'we won't stop yet' in response to United Utilities announcing it is planning to make £156 million of improvements to sewage outlets in Windermere.
This is in addition to previous plans to invest more than £41 million to reduce sewage spills from four storm overflows in the Windermere catchment.
Save Windermere is a campaign group founded two years ago that has been critical of United Utilities for discharging sewage into the lake.
"It’s clear to us at Save Windermere that our campaigning has led to this proposed investment but UU have another thing coming if they think we’re stopping now," founder Matt Staniek said.
"I’m sure they’re hoping this announcement takes our attention away from the exploitation of our lake, the irreparable damage that they have done, the dividend returns to their shareholders and the actual solution for Windermere which can only be the complete removal of sewage.
"This is a win for Windermere, but we won’t stop yet. We implore everyone to join Save Windermere’s fight to end sewage pollution once and for all so our lake can never be exploited again."
READ MORE: Lake District: United Utilties plans to invest into Windermere
Storm overflows spill to prevent flooding in the sewer system. Water companies are legally allowed to spill after periods of 'exceptional' rainfall.
The funding proposed for 2025 and beyond would see improvements to wastewater treatment sites at: Ambleside; Far Sawrey; Ferry House; Grasmere; Hawkshead; Langdale; Near Sawrey; Outgate; and Troutbeck.
Improvements to each of the six storm overflows will reduce spills to an average of 10 per annum per overflow, it is claimed.
The investment will improve treatment processes for phosphorus, ammonia, suspended solids and biological oxygen demand across those sites, the company says.
Andrew Kendall, wastewater business lead for United Utilities in Cumbria, said: “Over the last two decades, we have invested millions of pounds upgrading our wastewater treatment sites, pumping stations and sewers around Windermere.
"The steps we have taken so far, and the investments proposed today demonstrate our commitment and ambition to helping to improve the environment across Windermere and beyond.
The enhancement to our treatment works, and its associated infrastructure, will treat wastewater to even higher standards across Windermere, reducing the amount of phosphorus entering the lake.
“Together with the investment at all six overflows to reduce spills, we are making a step change to tackle the current challenges and deliver outcomes that benefit the environment and our communities for both today and the future.”
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