‘Tougher action’ needed as sewage dumped in Oldham rivers

Cllr Sam Al-Hamdani, on Oldham Council, has hit out at United Utilities over new data that paints a stark picture for the borough.

It shows that the water company discharged sewage 97,537 last year across the country, which is a 41 percent rise on 2022.

And in the borough, a storm overflow in Greenfield released sewage for 2,748 hours last year – an increase on 2,300 in the previous year.

River Tame running through Mossley (Image: Google Street View)

The Lib Dem councillor said that another nearby storm drain overflowed for 1,372 hours, the equivalent of raw sewage being discharged into the river for 171 days.

He said there were other major overflows in Dobcross and Delph, as well as further along the River Tame in Mossley.

“It is a complete scandal that filthy sewage is being pumped into our area’s rivers and waterways,” said Cllr Al-Hamdani.

“Our community should not be forced to put up with this any longer yet time and again this Conservative government has voted against tougher action on sewage dumping.”

The councillor for the Saddleworth West and Lees ward added: “We need to see a ban on bonuses for water company bosses whose firms have pumped filth into our waterways and our local community is protected from this filth.” 

One measure he has suggested is replacing regulator Ofwat with another body, as he said the rules should be tougher.

River Tame running through Delph (Image: Google Street View)

However, United Utilities wastewater services director Mark Garth told The Oldham Times that last year was "one of the wettest years on record in the North West" which contributed to a rise in "storm overflow operations".

He said: "Whilst the current system is designed to activate during rainfall I understand and share people’s concerns and the need for change, and that’s why we are proposing a £3 billion programme to tackle storm overflows in the North West between 2025 and 2030. 

“For the first time, we are now monitoring all 2,264 storm overflows in the North West, giving us the best visibility of their performance we have ever had. 

"This data is crucial as we prioritise our record investment plans over the coming years to transform how the region’s sewerage system operates."

Mr Garth explained that the process will involve "re-plumbing" the North West which will "take time" but has already started.

There has however, been a reduction of sewage dumped in rivers by 15 percent since 2020.

He continued: “This is thanks to our voluntary investment in our Better Rivers Programme, improved operational processes and an early start on our proposed £13.7 billion business plan.

"Not only will this bring improvements to the environment, we expect this huge programme will boost the North West economy with an additional 7,000 jobs.

"We are determined to deliver the step change that we all want to see."