THE PLAN TO
SAVE WINDERMERE
With a new government in place, now is the time to increase the pressure on Westminster and hold the politicians to account.
This is Save Windermere's 10-point plan to save England's largest lake from sewage.
THE PLAN
Short Term Goals
(Achieved in next 5 Years/First Term):
Effective Regulation
Existing legislation must be enforced whilst providing the regulator new powers to enhance protection of the environment and the customer purse. The funding gap left by the Conservatives must be filled to restore public trust in regulatory actions.
Transparent Investment Reporting
Provide a clear breakdown of infrastructural investment to ensure public funds are spent efficiently and appropriately.
Data Transparency
Ensure full transparency of data from both the water company and the Environment Agency, including asset capacity.
Real-Time Monitoring
Reform current measurement practices by implementing precise monitoring of effluent at sewage outfalls, both treated and untreated, to measure nutrient levels and sewage volume, with data accessible in real-time via a public portal.
Permit Reviews
Update all United Utilities permits so they are fit for the 21st Century and align with the 1994 Urban Wastewater Directive, allowing Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) to discharge only in exceptional circumstances.
Tighten Discharge Limits
Set phosphate, nitrate and ammonia discharge limits to a protective level and enforce capped limits rather than assessing compliance based on annual averages.
Prosecution for Illegality and Non-Compliance
Enforce compliance and financial deterrents for all pollution incidents and non-compliance to prevent profiteering from pollution. Require all investment up to compliance to be funded by the water company. Restore fear/accountability in the industry.
Long Term Goals
(Achieved in next 10 Years):
Greater Protection
Focus on achieving ‘High’ ecological status for Windermere under the Water Framework Directive.
Complete Sewage Removal
Commit to the complete removal of all United Utilities sewage inputs into Windermere and its catchment.
Private Treatment Work Reforms
United Utilities to take ownership of the most significant septic tanks and package treatment plants under Section 101a of the Water Industry Act 1991 and the First Time Sewerage scheme.
Additional Measures
Long Term Monitoring
Implement robust monitoring framework, with pre-defined objectives to prove return on investment and demonstrate improvements in ecosystem health, including fish populations, water quality, and algal blooms.
Enhanced Protection
Advocate for a Rights of Nature approach, recognising Windermere as a legal entity with the right to maintain its ecological integrity, surpassing current SSSI and SAC designations.
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Thank you for supporting the campaign to save our lake.