The Environment Agency is investigating a sewage spill by South West Water.

A burst pipe on December 30 caused South West Water to transport sewage in tankers so the burst area is clear for its teams to focus on making a repair. 

South West Water says it initially had to tanker to Maer Road Pumping Station because of flooding on the route to Maer Lane Sewage Treatment Works but since this route has become clear they have been transporting the waste to Maer Lane.

A power outage at Maer Lane Sewage Treatment Works earlier in December resulted in what the Environment Agency called “non-compliant spills,” and another burst pipe in Exmouth on December 12 which also required tankers to transport sewage.

South West Water previously indicated to customers that the use of tankers would stop on Wednesday January 3 as they planned to complete the installation of a replacement temporary sewer pipe. However, the new pipe is still not yet in operation due as South West Water have confirmed yet another burst on the original pipe and say the challenging weather conditions in recent days have hindered progress. As a result, the tankers continue to disturb local residents day and night, which is unacceptable.

South West Water says a permanent solution will be in place within months which involves a new pipe being installed to replace the burst pipe. The company also committed to upgrades of its Maer Lane Sewage Treatment Works.

The Environment Agency confirmed their investigation has started with a full team planning to visit the site of the damaged pipe as a matter of urgency.

It said: "We are aware of the issue at Exmouth pumping station. We are investigating what has happened. Officers have attended site and are closely monitoring activity, as well as working with South West Water to ensure the pumping station is back in operation as quickly as possible."