Council Raises Concerns Over Alleged Discharge At Norton Pumping Station

Concerns have been raised at Isle of Wight Council over a reported incident at Norton Pumping Station, where a tanker was allegedly seen emptying untreated sewage.

Freshwater South Cllr Becca Cameron brought up the issue at last Thursday’s economy, regeneration, transport and infrastructure (ERTIC) committee meeting, describing it as a “serious matter.” Local artist Anna Keen reportedly witnessed and photographed the incident on 6 July, and told councillors the tanker driver said the waste came from a Lithuanian ship, according to Cllr Cameron.

The pumping station is close to the internationally protected Solent and Southampton Water Ramsar site, raising concerns about potential environmental impact.

Cllr Cameron said:

“A lorry or tanker was recently seen emptying untreated sewage from a ship into the Norton Pumping Station.

"Southern Water has stated in writing that it was pumping chemicals.

"Photographs show the lorry did not have the required signage, and Southern Water has no licence to do this.”

Cllr Julie Jones-Evans, chair of ERTIC, confirmed that council officers have submitted an environmental information request to Southern Water for further details.

She added that water companies in England and Wales are regulated by OFWAT and the Environment Agency.

Results of the request will be shared with councillors once available.

Cllr Chris Jarman, leader of the Empowering Islanders group, told the meeting that he also witnessed a tanker at the station, taking photographs of material later described by Southern Water as chemicals.

He expressed doubts, noting:

“From the overflow running into Yarmouth Harbour, it looked like brown slurry with lumpy bits — not chemicals.

"The tanker driver identified it as effluent from a Lithuanian ship, and we’ve been told similar activity has occurred at three locations on the Island.”

Cllr Jarman also raised concerns that the vehicles lacked Hazchem warning signs, and suggested the matter could involve police and highways authorities if chemicals were being discharged.

Southern Water and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary have been approached for comment.