Question reference: S6W-10932
- Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 7 September 2022
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Current status: Answered by Mairi McAllan on 26 September 2022
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what impact assessment it has undertaken regarding storm overflows and their impact on public health.
Answer
The independent Scottish EPA is required by law to identify unsatisfactory CSOs, primarily for water quality or sewage related debris impacts, in order to reduce those impacts on the water environment. SEPA also identifies unsatisfactory CSOs that impact on bathing water quality classification at the 87 designated Bathing Waters to reduce the risks to public health. Between 2010 and 2021 Scottish Water invested £335m improving 279 CSOs previously classed as unsatisfactory. The Scottish Government takes very seriously the issue of sewage spills, and my statement in Parliament last December set out comprehensive plans to reduce sewage spills over the coming decade.