An investigation by the Environment Agency found that the burst resulted in an unauthorised discharge of treated chlorinated water and silt.
Northumbrian Water submitted an Enforcement Undertaking to the Environment Agency, which has now been accepted.
An Enforcement Undertaking is a voluntary offer made by companies or individuals to make amends for their offending, and usually includes a payment aimed as securing benefit or improvement to the environment.
The water main is part of a larger network that supplies water to households in Washington, Sunderland, South Shields and Jarrow, with this pipe supplying 8,500 properties in Sunderland.
In August 2020 Northumbrian Water reported to the Environment Agency that the water main had burst, polluting the watercourse with silt and chlorine.
An environment officer attended the following day and saw extensive deposits of silt on the banks and bed of Monkton Burn, with pollution affecting more than 500metres of the burn, to where it meets the River Don.
After the incident, Northumbrian Water repaired the section of pipe and installed temporary pollution control and remediation measures. It also purchased hand-held equipment to measure chlorine levels. There has been no long term impact on the watercourse.
Pollution in Monkton Burn
Money invested back into local area
Environment Agency Land and Water Team Leader Graham Siddle said:
Water companies have a responsibility to avoid unpermitted discharges to protect the local environment, and we will take action when pollution occurs.
We always consider enforcement options on a case by case basis and Enforcement Undertakings allow companies to put things right and contribute to environmental improvements and outcomes.
This £50,000 payment will be invested back into the local area to enhance the environment for people and wildlife.
Plan for Water
Water Minister Robbie Moore said:
This penalty paid by Northumbrian Water shows how those who damage our natural environment will be held to account. The £50,000 will be channelled back into improving the local environment for the benefit of residents and visitors alike, as well as protecting local wildlife.
Through our Plan for Water we are delivering the changes people want to see: more investment, stronger regulation and tougher enforcement on water companies. This includes our proposals to ban water company executive bonuses if the company has committed serious breaches and a fourfold increase in water company inspections.
Tyne Rivers Trust will use the donation on two projects which will improve the Tyne catchment, including changes to land management practices and work to improve water quality.
