Agenda item

The Chair welcomed Sarah Robinson, Corporate Affairs Manager and Emma Brown, Manager of Strategic Partnerships from Yorkshire Water (YW).

 

Members of the Committee had previously submitted a number of questions, which the presentation would address. Members were advised that a written response may be required for any additional questions raised at the meeting.

 

Brawby scheme update

 

·       The progress made in separating surface water from the combined system and the creation of a new surface water pumping station with a new delivery date set for winter 2025.

·       Significant progress has been made, including the installation of a pumping station and a new rising main.

·       Delays were caused by site circumstances requiring a complete redesign of the scheme. The new delivery date was set for winter 2025, with significant work planned for the summer period.

 

Bathing water quality

·       Improving bathing water quality is complex due to multiple factors such as sewage system impact, agricultural runoff, trade effluents, birds, tidal conditions, weather patterns, and natural UV. Yorkshire Water works closely with the Environment Agency and local authorities to address these challenges.

·       Yorkshire Water plans to invest over £100 million in Scarborough over the next five years to reduce discharges from storm overflows, in line with the Environment Act requirements.

 

Growth and planning

·       Yorkshire Water reviews new development requests on a case-by-case basis, led by their town planning function. They work closely with developers and North Yorkshire Council planners to promote sustainable water management and minimise the impact on the existing sewer network.

·       Conditions are set to minimise the impact on existing infrastructure, often related to flow rates and discharge rates. A full desktop review and collaboration with local operational teams help identify pinch points and risks within the existing catchment.

 

Combined sewer overflow programme

·       The £1.5 billion programme aims to reduce spills from storm overflows across the region from 2025 to 2030. The programme includes hydraulic modelling, storage requirements, and surface water separation.

·       Yorkshire Water targets 20% of the programme to utilise nature-based solutions, such as surface water separation and attenuation, to reduce environmental impact.

 

Wastewater tankering

·       Tankers are used as a mitigation plan during sewage asset issues, such as rising main bursts, localised power loss, or site shutdowns for maintenance. The aim is to move effluent to a location where it can be treated and returned to the environment.

·       Efforts are made to minimise the use of tankers due to their high cost and the disruption they cause to the local community. Operational teams and community engagement are involved in managing the impact.

 

Road works and traffic management

·       Traffic management is handled by a specialist team with professional qualifications, while the dig work is done by a separate team with the relevant skills. This division ensures compliance with legislation and safety standards.

·       Coordination with other utilities, such as high voltage electricity cables or gas, can cause delays. Waiting for parts, curing times, or access to other utilities' assets are common reasons for road works appearing inactive.

 

Malton and Norton flood risk:

·       Investigations included CCTV surveys and cleaning significant blockages of fats, oils, and greases. Telemetry was installed in manholes to understand system impacts and support future resilience.

·       Additional hydraulic modelling is being undertaken to understand the impacts on the system and the effects of climate change. This will help create a robust evidence base for long-term solutions.

·       Yorkshire Water attends monthly multi-agency meetings in Malton and Norton to listen to concerns from local residents and councillors. This collaboration drives action planning and solution development.

 

Concerns in Topcliffe, Swinton, and Sessay

·       Topcliffe: A temporary dosing unit was set up in Topcliffe in 2024 to control odour. A permanent solution is being considered, which would involve purchasing and installing permanent equipment.

·       Swinton: Temporary pipework is being used in Swinton, with a trenchless method planned to install a new underground pipe. This work is expected to be completed by August, with two days of tankering required during the transition.

·       Sessay: An infiltration reduction plan is in place to address groundwater and surface water entering the foul network. Investigations and lining work have been done, and further actions are planned to address land drainage and highway drainage issues.

 

In response, Members raised a number of other issues such as:

 

·       Clear and swift communications with residents impacted by major projects, timelines etc

·       Concerns regarding capacity at local facilities such as treatment works to cope with the additional development planned, due to ambitious housing targets. Members were concerned at the possible impacts of developments on pollution incidents, particularly considering a recent legal case on the protection of river ecosystems and the implications that raised when granting or refusing planning applications

·       Concerns regarding traffic management during road works, coordination with other utilities etc.

·       Members discussed land drainage concerns, if it is possible to enforce the direction of ploughing adjacent to the highway

·       Sustainable land management, natural flood management and grey infrastructure for the future

·       Water quality on the Scarborough, Filey and Hunmanby coast

 

Members also praised the schemes undertaken in local villages across the committee’s area.

 

Actions

1.     YW will arrange a meeting with all Councillors and the appropriate NYC officers to explain their development management processes and how YW works with local authorities.

2.     Councillors to submit examples of roadworks that appear to be poorly managed.

3.     YW to provide details of the permanent solution for Topcliffe

4.     Councillors to provide YW details of those community groups which may be interested in updates from a local perspective

5.     YW to feedback to Councillor Sam Cross on the wastewater tankers in Filey

6.     Share the link to the real time CSO discharge information

 

The Chair thanked the officers for attending and for the comprehensive update provided.