The Environment Agency said on 4 August 2026 that it had opened a seven-week consultation on permit changes for a new long sea outfall from Exmouth sewage treatment works, sited around 300m south of Straight Point. South West Water has applied to change its environmental permits so it can use the outfall permanently, following conditional temporary permission to operate.

The agency said the outfall discharges treated wastewater and may also discharge settled storm sewage during periods of heavy rainfall. It said the temporary permission was granted because the outfall reduces the risk of pollution to Exmouth Beach bathing water and the Exe Estuary. South West Water must show its proposals meet environmental standards, comply with agency policy and protect people, wildlife and designated sites, including shellfish waters, bathing waters and conservation areas.

Comments can be submitted through the consultation website or by email to PSCpublicresponse@environment-agency.gov.uk. The consultation closes at 11.59pm on Tuesday 22 September 2026. The agency said it normally places comments on the public register, including names but not personal contact details, and that respondents can ask for their response not to be made public.