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Belfast Lough: Environment Department to Be Investigated for Sewage Discharges
The Office of Environmental Protection probes regulatory compliance amid nearly 2,500 combined sewer overflows, with 1-2% raw sewage discharged annually, raising environmental concerns.
- The Office for Environmental Protection opened an investigation into bodies regulating raw sewage discharges to Belfast Lough, examining whether Stormont's DfI, DAERA, and Utilities Regulator met their duties.
- Almost 2,500 combined sewer overflows across Northern Ireland underline the scale of the infrastructure challenge, with a remediation programme paused due to funding and politicians in Stormont ruling out domestic water charges.
- In Greater Belfast many CSOs are recorded as breaching environmental standards; Northern Ireland Water says CSOs prevent household flooding, are costly to replace, and discharges dilute in heavy rain.
- DfI, DAERA and the Utilities Regulator have pledged full cooperation with the OEP inquiry, whose chief executive Natalie Prosser said `The quality of our water is one of the most pressing environmental challenges we face`. The OEP can take court action if unresolved issues arise.
- The probe will contribute to ongoing work and recognises similar wastewater challenges at other rivers and lakes, with the Office for Environmental Protection citing agriculture and wastewater sources as major contributors to nature loss last year.
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DAERA being investigated over Belfast Lough sewage discharges
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is among several authorities being investigated over the regulation of sewage discharges into Belfast Lough. The Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) confirmed today (Tuesday, November 25) that its enquiry will also include the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) and the Utility Regulator. The investigation will determine whether these authorities have failed to comply wit…
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Total News Sources11
Leaning Left2Leaning Right0Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Center
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources are Center
60% Center
L 40%
C 60%
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