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Water firm fined for sewage spill Water firm fined for sewage spill
(about 16 hours later)
Northern Ireland Water has been fined £2,000 for discharging untreated sewage near a County Down beach.Northern Ireland Water has been fined £2,000 for discharging untreated sewage near a County Down beach.
The offence happened in August 2007, when the pollution in Belfast Lough, near Ballyholme Beach, was detected by the NI Environment Agency.The offence happened in August 2007, when the pollution in Belfast Lough, near Ballyholme Beach, was detected by the NI Environment Agency.
The sewage was found to be coming from a pumping station at Luke's Point.The sewage was found to be coming from a pumping station at Luke's Point.
NI Water had temporarily diverted the sewage flow to a storm tank during maintenance work at the station, but this had overflowed.NI Water had temporarily diverted the sewage flow to a storm tank during maintenance work at the station, but this had overflowed.
The Environment Agency said it had been particularly concerned about this incident as it occurred close to an identified bathing water area.The Environment Agency said it had been particularly concerned about this incident as it occurred close to an identified bathing water area.
Northern Ireland Water admitted the offence at Bangor Magistrates Court. The company was fined £2,000 plus court costs of £25.Northern Ireland Water admitted the offence at Bangor Magistrates Court. The company was fined £2,000 plus court costs of £25.
Disturbing
North Down DUP assembly member Peter Weir said that the natural environment had to be protected from pollution.North Down DUP assembly member Peter Weir said that the natural environment had to be protected from pollution.
"It is particularly disturbing that a body such as NI Water, which is connected to the government, is guilty of such an offence," he said."It is particularly disturbing that a body such as NI Water, which is connected to the government, is guilty of such an offence," he said.
"I am however glad to see that the courts have taken such resolute action against these polluters."I am however glad to see that the courts have taken such resolute action against these polluters.
That the matter was pursued by the Department of the Environment to a successful prosecution shows that the system is working, and that no-one is above the law."That the matter was pursued by the Department of the Environment to a successful prosecution shows that the system is working, and that no-one is above the law."
NI Water said the pumping station was more than 70 years old, which had contributed to the spill.NI Water said the pumping station was more than 70 years old, which had contributed to the spill.
"NI Water has invested over £145,000 to address the problems caused by the ageing infrastructure at Luke's Point," a spokesman said."NI Water has invested over £145,000 to address the problems caused by the ageing infrastructure at Luke's Point," a spokesman said.
"Additional improvement work to the station is also planned within the company's capital works programme."Additional improvement work to the station is also planned within the company's capital works programme.
"NI Water is also investing £3.3m in the sewer infrastructure in the Bangor/Ballyholme area which will improve the water quality in the rivers discharging to Ballyholme Bay."NI Water is also investing £3.3m in the sewer infrastructure in the Bangor/Ballyholme area which will improve the water quality in the rivers discharging to Ballyholme Bay.
"NI Water takes its responsibility to the environment extremely seriously and is working to reduce these occurrences.""NI Water takes its responsibility to the environment extremely seriously and is working to reduce these occurrences."