Southern Water Faces Ongoing Environment Agency Objections Over Water Recycling Project

The Environment Agency (EA) has said it still has flood risk and ecology objections to Southern Water’s latest Isle of Wight Water Recycling Project plans.

Consultancy Adams Hendry previously set out changes to the proposal which includes a Water Recycling Plant on land to the south of Sandown Wastewater Treatment Works, a pipeline from the facility to the Eastern Yar and an outfall.

Alterations include amendments to the application site boundary to accommodate power installation works, carry out improvements to the junction of Greenwood Lane and the A3055 Morton Road as well as for a temporary alternative footpath.

The EA said:

“We have reviewed the information submitted and whilst our objection to the maintenance washout can be removed, our objections relating to flood risk and ecology are still applicable.

“We object to the outfall channel proposed as part of this planning application due to insufficient information regarding the proposed protruding lip, which forms a key component of the eel mitigation design.

“While we support the mitigation approach in principle, insufficient detail has been provided to assess whether the protruding lip and associated mitigation measures will function as intended.”

Adams Hendry previously said it is known that outfalls pose a ‘low risk’ to eels, as although they may enter outfall channels they are ‘usually able to navigate in and out’, as they will be able to do in the proposed outfall at Alverstone.

The EA also said there is still a ‘lack of clarity’ regarding the flood risk to the College Close temporary construction compound.

Adams Hendry’s prior statement said the compound will remain ‘operational and safe’ for users in times of flood because the compound would be evacuated in advance of a flood event and would not be used until floodwaters recede.

County Hall’s public consultation on proposal 25/01619/FUL runs until August 21 and a decision is due on October 26.