Target: Philip Duffy, Chief Executive of UK Environment Agency
Goal: Stop unchecked release of raw and environmentally detrimental sewage into rivers.
The United Kingdom’s top environmental department was recently taken to task for reportedly allowing the release of raw sewage into regional rivers an average of 800-plus times a day. The agency vehemently denied the charges and claimed it was enforcing sewage discharges in good faith. Yet a year later comes a disturbing new report alleging sewage releases have increased by 105 percent.
Constant discharges of untreated sewage build up algae in waterways, which essentially deprives any living beings that rely on the water of oxygen. The toxins released by the sewage also pose an imminent risk to any being – human or animal – that comes into contact with the water. While advocates have long called for sewage releases to occur only during periods of exceptionally heavy rainfall, for years the discharges have gone well beyond this criteria.
Sign the petition below to demand regulators finally honor their pledges to curtail the sewage crisis that is causing environmental disasters on a wide scale across the UK.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Mr. Duffy,
The past year marked the worst on record for pollution resulting from sewage overflows. The River Irwell alone endured 12,000 sewage spills. These numbers come in the wake of a public declaration from this agency that pledged to end the sewage crisis and that claimed its enforcement laws were rigorous and strong.
More action is clearly needed. Please back up your promises with clear and decisive policies that better regulate and, more importantly, enforce sewage discharges.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Ian Roberts
