The Environment Agency launched a public six-week consultation on Tuesday (August 4th) regarding an environmental permit application by SWW. The application covers: Maer Lane Wastewater Treatment Works and Storm Tanks, Phear Park Pumping Station, and Maer Road Pumping Station. One of the more controversial proposal is to use the new sewage outfall pipe near Orcombe Point to permanently discharge treated wastewater and, during times of heavy rain, settled storm sewage.
In theory, the new pipe’s location should mean that pollution of Exmouth beaches and the Exe Estuary will be avoided in the future. However, it has not been tested and it is also not known if there could be pollution caused to Sandy Bay, Budleigh Salterton, and the shellfish beds nearby in Lyme Bay.
The TARA Committee encourage you to respond to this online consultation which can be accessed on the Environment Agency website at consult.environment-agency.gov.uk The closing date for comments is 22nd September 2026.