Dear Thames Water,
As you will know the Beech Hall Crescent sewer overflow (CLCR.0032) discharged to the River Ching 67 times in 2023, 61 times in 2022, 116 times in 2021 and 48 times in 2020. This triggers an investigation under the water industry Storm Overflow Assessment Framework (more than 40 spills on average over three years, as recorded by your monitors). London Waterkeeper has observed sewage pollution along the banks of the Ching, just downstream from where the outfall discharges to the river.
Citing the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 I would like to request the following information:
1) In a previous reply to London Waterkeeper you said hydraulic capacity was the reason for the high number of discharges, what percentage are caused by rain at this site? 2) When do you expect to complete an aesthetics Impact Assessment score for the overflow; an Invertebrate impact score for the overflow; a water quality impact score for the overflow? 3) In a previous reply to London Waterkeeper you said that a natural drainage or SuDS option had been developed for this site and costs look to be too costly, but you are exploring all options. When do you expect to have finished this process? 4) Ofwat has now said you can’t have all the money you want for investment, will this delay improvements at this site?
The above information will help us understand how sewer overflows are being managed in the River Ching. Transparency is fundamental to this process. Electronic answers to the above questions are fine.
Yours faithfully,
Your name