Anglian Water on site of second sewage leak in Benfleet

Andrew Sheldon, Essex County Councillor responsible for South Benfleet, has branded it a "big worry" that there has been a second sewage leak. The leak, yesterday morning, saw sewage spill onto Watlington Road where the Benfleet Sewage Treatment Works is based. The first leak, at the end of April, occurred after a value failed due to a build-up of fat, rubbish, and wet wipes which caused it to spill over onto the road.

This second leak is due to a damaged sewer pipe, according to Anglian Water. Mr Sheldon said the infrastructure needs a "major investment" as this is a "big worry". He said: "There is a new sewage leak by Benfleet Sewage Plant.

"There was some concern that Network Rail may have had to shut the c2c line track as the spill was approaching the line, but I made it clear that would be an utter disaster. "Thankfully Anglian Water managed to deactivate a pumping station and re-divert the sewage to another line going into the plant. "I have made it clear that when the problem is fixed, I expect Anglian Water to cleanse the site as thoroughly as if it was open to the public for the sake of the wildlife.

"This is the second big sewage leak around Benfleet Sewage Plant in the space of a week, and obviously this is a big worry." Despite the concern about Network Rail potentially having to shut the c2c line track due to the spill, Network Rail has said lines are running normally at this time. Anglian Water bosses did also confirm they are dealing with a damaged sewer pipe and are currently in collaboration with both Network Rail and UKPN, to carefully plan the work needed.

A spokesman said: "We are currently dealing with a damaged a sewer pipe in our Water Recycling Centre in Benfleet. The leak has been stopped and the wastewater diverted through another pipe on site. "We take our responsibility to the environment very seriously, and our teams are working closely with the Environment Agency to ensure we minimise the any impact on the adjacent land and environment.

"The repair is complicated due to the close proximity to railway and the presence of underground cables, so we are working in collaboration with both Network Rail and UKPN, to carefully plan the work needed."

References

^ Basildon soft play centre to re-open after suspected arson attack - here's when (www.echo-news.co.uk)