Yorkshire Water fined over £730k for repeated pollution at Chesterfield country park
It comes after three sewage spills in less than a year at Pools Brook Country Park
Yorkshire Water has been fined £733,333 for polluting a beauty spot in in Chesterfield three times within a year.
The Environment Agency launched an investigation into repeated sewage spills at Pools Brook Country Park, with the company admitting three offences in January 2024.
The pollution incidents in 2018 and 2019 led to damage, including the killing of fish and river insects.
All occurred due to a burst sewer pipe, a blockage caused by wet wipes and a failed joint coupling.
Environment Agency Chair, Alan Lovell, commented: “Polluting the same stream three times in less than a year is unacceptable and we’re pleased Yorkshire Water has now been dealt with by the courts following our investigation."
"We expect full compliance and are committed to taking robust enforcement action where we see serious breaches.
This year we are on track to complete 10,000 inspections of water company assets, and with more staff, better data and increased powers, we are determined to hold water companies to account."
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds stated: "This repeated sewage pollution by Yorkshire Water is appalling and the £733k fine handed out today sends a clear message that polluters will pay."
"Our water reforms will clean up our rivers, lakes and seas, we have already banned unfair bonuses for water bosses and introduced tough new penalties to crack down on pollution.
And we’re not stopping there. We are creating a new stronger regulator for the industry, with powers to do MOT-style checks on water assets, preventing failures before they happen.”
Yorkshire Water did not attend interviews regarding the incidents.