Southern Water Denies Claims Of Tanker Emptying Sewage At Isle Of Wight Pumping Station

Southern Water has dismissed claims that a tanker was seen emptying “untreated sewage” into one of its Isle of Wight pumping stations, calling the allegations “false and misleading.”

The company’s managing director for wastewater, John Penicud, said the tanker at the Norton Transfer Wastewater Pumping Station was actually delivering chemicals used to reduce odours, not discharging sewage.

The statement follows concerns raised by Empowering Islanders councillor Becca Cameron, who told the Isle of Wight Council’s Economy, Regeneration, Transport and Infrastructure Committee (ERTIC) that a tanker was “recently seen emptying untreated sewage from a ship” into the station.

Cllr Cameron, who represents Freshwater South, cited local artist Anna Keen as having witnessed and photographed a tanker at the site on 6 July.

She claimed the driver told her the load came from a Lithuanian vessel.

In her committee question, Cllr Cameron said:

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

"Will the committee investigate this serious matter and take the appropriate action?”

Responding to the allegations, Mr Penicud said:

“Claims that the Norton Transfer Wastewater Pumping Station accepts trade waste are categorically false and misleading.

"The tanker in question was delivering chemicals to assist in reducing odours and displayed the correct signage for the materials being used.

"This vehicle was not carrying trade waste.”

He added that Southern Water has invited anyone with concerns to visit the site for a tour, to learn more about how its treatment processes work.

The pumping station, located near the Solent and Southampton Water Ramsar site, sits close to an area internationally recognised for its rare wildlife and habitats.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said it would not be providing comment on the matter.