Welsh Water is asking the High Court to determine whether it must install costly public sewers in two villages near Abergavenny and Wrexham.
Powys-based Welsh Water (Dwr Cymru Cyfyngedig) is challenging a decision by the Welsh Environment Agency that it must install public sewers in Llantilio Pertholey, near Abergavenny, and in the village of Coedpoeth, Wrexham, at a projected cost of up to £330,000 over a period of 60 years.
The company claims that its alternative solution to the problems arising from the existing cesspools would cost less than £220,000 over the same period, and would save up to £130,000 on the initial capital expense. It has also suggested that its proposal would cause less environmental damage.
Welsh Water argues that the agency’s decision was irrational, and maintains that its policy against cesspools is inflexible, since it refuses to consider the factors that make cesspools the appropriate solution in this case. Such factors include the small number of affected properties, the limited environmental disadvantages in these two areas and the disproportionate cost of installing public sewerage.
R (on the application of Dwr Cyrnru Cyfyngedig) v Environment Agency of Wales (Harrison J) 13 February 2003.
References: PLS News 14/02/03
