Exmouth Town Council reviews South West Water sewage outfall plans

Exmouth Town Council is preparing to respond to an Environment Agency consultation regarding a proposed sewage outfall by South West Water near Straight Point. The company has applied to change its environmental permits to allow for the permanent use of a new outfall, which would be located approximately 300 meters south of the current site.

The proposed outfall is designed with a larger capacity than the existing pipe to discharge treated wastewater and, during heavy rainfall, dispersed settled storm sewage. While the Environment Agency has granted conditional temporary permission to mitigate pollution risks to Exmouth Beach and the Exe Estuary, South West Water must still prove the permanent proposal meets environmental standards for wildlife and designated sites.

A public meeting with the Environment Agency is scheduled for September 10 to allow residents and councillors to address concerns before the consultation period closes on September 22.