Following extensive pressure from local councillors in Camberley and Michael Gove MP, Thames Water's current permit to import sludge at the Camberley Sewage Treatment Works has been revoked by the Environment Agency.
This announcement comes following Michael's visit to the site today (Thursday 17th August) with Surrey Heath Borough Council Environmental Health Officers and the Councillors for St. Michael's and Watchetts.
During the visit, Thames Water outlined how they are currently in the process of removing the excess sludge at the site that has been the source of the foul odour, with the depth of sludge having fallen to below 3.5 metres. This work is expected to be completed by the end of the month.
With Thames Water's permit for the site being changed from the start of September, this will mean that sludge imports will be no longer permitted as part of the site operation, preventing any similar incidents in future.
Commenting, Michael said:
"Further to my virtual meeting last Friday with representatives from Thames Water, I visited the site today with local councillors from Watchetts and St. Michael's, together with Environmental Health Officers from Surrey Heath Borough Council for an update on the situation and the efforts being made to process the extra sewage sludge and to reduce the odour that has been plaguing Camberley residents for the past few weeks.
"Thames Water recognises its communication with residents has been extremely poor and I was informed that a letter providing an update for residents will be sent out shortly to approximately 5,500 addresses around the perimeter of the site.
"I am also pleased to report that Camberley STW’s site permit from the Environment Agency is changing in September, meaning that sludge imports will be no longer permitted as part of the site operation, preventing any similar incidents in future."
Pictured, Michael Gove MP at the Camberley Sewage Treatment Works
