Local Liberal Democrats are urging East Cambs District Council to press the Environment Agency to take firm action over the emptying of sewage from ‘sea toilets’ into the Great Ouse.

Cllr Kathrin Holtzmann (Lib Dem, Ely East) successfully got East Cambs District Council to agree to write to the Environment Agency calling on it to introduce a by-law against the practice of emptying sewage from ’sea toilets' in 2024. They wrote back to the Council in early November stating a by-law was not necessary. Meanwhile sewage continues to be emptied into the river.

The Council has not challenged the Environment Agency’s reply. Now Lib Dem councillors have put pressure on the Conservative leadership at the Council to respond and take the matter further.

Cllr Kathrin Holtzmann said: 

“The response from the Environment Agency said that a by-law was not necessary because there was already legislation in place to protect fish, spawning grounds, and aquatic habitats. 

These are important matters, but the Environment Agency made no mention at all of the risk to public health of swimmers, paddleboarders, rowers, and all who use and enjoy our river.

Furthermore, their response suggested that local councils should pick up the tab for installing more pump-out facilities, on a river whose management is the Agency’s responsibility.”

Cllr Lorna Dupré (Lib Dem, Sutton) who seconded Cllr Holtzmann’s proposal to the Council, added:

“The District Council needs to continue to press the point with the Environment Agency that the current position is unacceptable. The Agency has powers to introduce a local by-law to maintain the health and safety of this important river, and I believe it should now introduce a by-law to do this.”