The Environment Agency has been piloting an online incidents reporting system included testing in the Penrith area that the Environment Agency has now rolled out nationally.
Those wishing to report an environmental incident from reporting sewage pollution, odours, flooding and wildlife concerns can now either phone the Environment Agency on its 24/7 helpline free on 0800 80 70 60 or, go to https://www.gov.uk/report-smell
The new online system is available 24 hours a day and can be accessed through mobile phones, tablets or computers to submit reports.
“This will allow people, including those not too keen to use a direct phone line, access to the EA’s reporting system. Some may find it easier, and more convenient, than making a phone call,” said Jeff Thomson of the Fresh AIR for Penrith campaign who has welcomed by the new system launch.
He believes the added reporting method will contribute significantly to helping identify the source, and a solution, to Penrith’s long running odour pollution problem, the Penrith ‘pong’.
Over the past couple of years there have been over 1000 odour report complaints annually to the EA from the Penrith area via the 0800 80 70 60 number, Mr Thomson claims.
“The online system will allow fuller details to be submitted by complainants. Hopefully, this will give more information to the EA to allow them to investigate, and take any necessary action, based on much more detailed intelligence,” said Thomson.
Pete Connolly, deputy director of incident management digital services, added: “This development is part of a series of digital improvements within the Environment Agency that will advance how we respond to incidents and modernise our services for the public. We’re future proofing our capabilities to manage the growing demands on our services, particularly as the effects of climate change intensify. For example, next year we will launch a new flood warning service following extensive work to replace the existing 20-year-old system. We’re also making increased use of artificial intelligence to enhance our wider incident management service.”
Through the current helpline, the agency receives an annual total of about 100,000 reports of environmental incidents or other concerns from across the country.
Markus Campbell-Savours, MP for Penrith and Solway, said: “Jeff Thomson has worked hard for a number of years to ensure local residents know the best ways to raise concerns of odour nuisance issues in Penrith. The new online reporting tool was one of the first things I discussed with the Environment Agency following my election in July last year, and I hope that this helps the authorities build a clearer picture of the impact the issue has in Penrith.”
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