‘An Utter Disgrace’: 90% of England’s Most Precious River Habitats Blighted by Raw Sewage and Farming Pollution

THE OBSERVER: Observer investigation reveals the shocking state of the country’s protected freshwater sites of special scientific interest

The River Eden in Cumbria has 35 stretches of water that are protected habitats, but none of them are in favourable condition. Photograph: John Morrison/Alamy
More than 90% of freshwater habitats on England’s most precious rivers are in unfavourable condition, blighted by farming pollution, raw sewage and water abstraction, an Observer investigation reveals.

None of the approximately 40 rivers with protected habitats in England are in overall good health, according to an analysis of government inspection reports. These include the River Avon in Hampshire, the Wensum in Norfolk and the Eden in Cumbria. » | Jon Ungoed-Thomas and Maximilian Jenz | Saturday, August 12, 2023

Should we be surprised? When a government puts profit above all else, why should we be surpised when that government turns the country shitty? There’s one simple solution: Kick the turds out of office! – © Mark Alexander

Sewage in Sea: French Appeal to EU over UK Discharges of Waste

A file photo shows untreated sewage flowing into a river | GETTY IMAGES
BBC: The UK is threatening health and marine life on the French coast by allowing raw sewage to be dumped in the Channel and North Sea, say three Euro MPs.

Pollution warnings have been issued for almost 50 beaches in England and Wales, after heavy rain caused sewage overflow to be diverted into rivers and the sea.

The French MEPs accuse the UK of neglecting environmental commitments and risking marine life and fishing.

British water companies have said they are investing in solving the problem.

Since its departure from the European Union, the United Kingdom had neglected its environmental commitments, the MEPs said in a letter calling for legal or political action from the European Commission.

A UK government spokesperson said their allegation was "simply not true".

Despite no longer being bound by EU laws, the UK was still a signatory to relevant United Nations conventions on protecting shared waters, the MEPs argued. » | Elsa Maishman, BBC News | Thursday, August 25, 2022