‘Deep concern’: Councils call for combined sewer outfall ban

Councils in Oxfordshire have called for an end to the release of untreated sewage into rivers, following repeated pollution incidents in the area.

At a full meeting of councillors last week, West Oxfordshire District Council approved a motion calling on the government to ban combined sewer outfalls (CSOs).  Outfalls are intended to stop sewers overflowing in emergency situations, though critics have said that they activate far too frequently and that the Environment Agency is not taking sufficient enforcement action.

Cabinet member for the environment Cllr Norman MacRae said: “Dumping sewage in our beautiful rivers is unacceptable no matter what the weather or the circumstances are. Clearly this practice puts residents’ health at risk and prevents them from being able to swim and fish as and when they want to and that is why it should be stopped as soon as possible.”

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