South Lakes MP demands answers from United Utilities over ‘environmental vandalism’ to the River Eea in Cark

Local MP Tim Farron has written to the Chief Executive of United Utilities after it was revealed that that the company discharged more sewage at Cark-in-Cartmel than anywhere else in the North West.

Cark-in-Cartmel pumping station in Cumbria discharged sewage into the River Eea for more than 6,471 hours in 2023, according to data published by the Environment Agency.

This is an increase of 46% from 2022 when the site spilt for 4,420 hours.

According to the Cark River Group, United Utilities had begun to provide tankers to take away spillages caused by Cartmel Races or other events which use chemical toilets.

In his letter to the water company’s chief executive, Louise Beardmore, Mr Farron asked if United Utilities would “commit to using tankers as opposed to simply using the River Eea as a dumping ground”.

Tim Farron said: “The level of sewage being discharged into the River Eea is simply unconscionable and cannot be seen as anything other than environmental vandalism.

“United Utilities must keep their promise they made to local people by using tankers, rather than polluting our precious river.”

A United Utilities spokesperson said: “We are already taking action at Cartmel-in-Cark, to date we have installed new pumps which help push forward flows, and re-lined parts of the network to help stop water ingress. We are also proposing to make further investment of £1.5 million which will double the treatment capacity.

“In addition, we have been working with the owners of Cartmel Racecourse to put in place a care plan whereby tankers are brought in to remove the additional commercial flows we see around race days.

“The area has an unusually high water table which means groundwater and rainfall can affect the sewer system in the area. With 2023 being one of the wettest years on record, groundwater levels have remained high all year and sewers have been fuller for longer with both groundwater and rainwater and so we are also working with local stakeholders to look at how groundwater and rainwater can be managed more effectively in this area.

“We understand and share people’s concerns about the need for change when it comes to the use of storm overflows and that’s why we are proposing a £3 billion programme to tackle them across the North West between 2025 and 2030.”