By KLTV Newsdesk –

Funds to support environmental restoration projects following enforcement action by Environment Agency

The Environment Agency has secured £2.35 million from Yorkshire Water to fund environmental improvements following a series of pollution incidents across the region.

Seven enforcement undertakings have been agreed after separate incidents involving wastewater treatment works and sewer infrastructure.

These legally binding agreements allow companies to make amends for environmental harm without court proceedings.

Record funding secured amid tougher crackdown

The £2.35 million forms part of a record £8.5 million secured from water companies nationwide for environmental restoration projects, reflecting a strengthened crackdown on pollution and poor performance in the sector.

This marks a significant rise compared to £5.8 million the previous year — a 47% increase — and just under £2 million in the 2023/24 financial year.

Sewage discharges affected major Yorkshire rivers

The Yorkshire Water incidents occurred between 2019 and 2023 and involved unauthorised sewage discharges into several rivers and watercourses, including the Ure, Dearne, Aire and Calder.

Funds secured through the enforcement undertakings will be directed to environmental charities to support projects such as nature reserve improvements, wetland habitat creation and floodplain restoration.

Breakdown of payments to environmental charities

Yorkshire Water has agreed to make the following contributions:

• £500,000 to Don Catchment Rivers Trust for the failure of a storm tank at Lundwood Wastewater Treatment Works in Barnsley, which led to sewage entering the River Dearne
• £500,000 to Don Catchment Rivers Trust for a burst rising main at Stainforth Huddle Grounds in Doncaster
• £350,000 to Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust following a discharge from Leyburn Sewage Treatment Works into the River Ure
• £300,000 to Aire Rivers Trust for three discharges from Knostrop Wastewater Treatment Works in Leeds
• £300,000 split between Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and Calder and Colne Rivers Trust for a discharge into the River Calder at Sowerby Bridge
• £250,000 to Calder and Colne Rivers Trust for a collapsed sewer in East Bierley, Kirklees
• £150,000 to Yorkshire Wildlife Trust for a discharge at Athersley South in Barnsley

Repairs and upgrades already carried out

In addition to the financial payments, Yorkshire Water has undertaken remedial work at each affected site.

This includes repairing and upgrading infrastructure, installing new monitoring systems, commissioning ecological surveys and improving operational procedures.

The company will also cover all Environment Agency investigation costs.

Environment Agency: ‘Real benefits for people and wildlife’

Jacqui Tootill, Water Industry Regulation Manager in Yorkshire, said: “While we continue to prosecute and sanction the most serious offences, Enforcement Undertakings allow companies to put right what went wrong and channel money directly into the environment.

“This £2.35 million will be invested back into the local area to enhance the environment, delivering real benefits for people and wildlife.

“We are continuing to drive meaningful improvements in water company performance, hold persistent offenders to account and ultimately create a cleaner water environment.”

Inspections step up to improve compliance

Enforcement undertakings require companies to prevent repeat offences and repair environmental damage, often through payments to charities delivering local improvements.

The announcement comes as the Environment Agency revealed it carried out more than 10,000 inspections of water company assets in the past year.

These checks ensure infrastructure such as treatment works, pumping stations and storm overflows operate within legal limits and help drive improved compliance across the sector.

The Agency said it remains committed to tackling breaches through a range of measures, from guidance and warnings to prosecutions, alongside local interventions aimed at addressing root causes and reducing environmental impact.