What a Sett to

Many residents will have noticed the badger sett close to Shorefield. Many will also have wondered why, despite weeks of disruption and the constant procession of tankers (8 yesterday morning) there still appears to be no visible repair work taking place on the main sewer below Shorefield.

The answer lies underground — and it is important to make one thing clear from the outset: this is not Shorefield’s sewage. The tankering operation is intercepting and transporting sewage from the wider Milford network because the damaged main sewer cannot currently be repaired safely or legally.

Protected by Law

Badgers are among Britain’s most strictly protected wild animals. Under the Protection of Badgers Act, it is a criminal offence to intentionally damage, destroy, or obstruct access to a badger sett, or to disturb badgers while they are occupying it.  That protection has major implications for any engineering work taking place nearby.

In addition to legal protection, there are strict operational limits on construction activity around an active sett. Heavy machinery is prohibited within 20 metres of the tunnels because of the risk that vibration or weight could collapse the underground network and trap or injure the animals.

Why Southern Water Cannot Simply Dig

The burst sewer pipe lies in extremely close proximity to the active sett. That means Southern Water cannot simply excavate the area and begin repairs in the normal way. Before any major works can proceed, Southern Water must first obtain a wildlife mitigation licence from Natural England. This licence sets out exactly how, when, and where engineers are permitted to operate in order to protect the badgers and their habitat.

To secure that approval, ecological surveys must first map the extent of the sett and determine how repairs can be carried out without harming or trapping animals underground. These surveys take time and must meet strict evidential standards.

Timing Matters Too

The current season adds another complication. At present, badger cubs are beginning to emerge from the sett. Wildlife licensing during breeding periods is particularly sensitive, and additional safeguards are usually required before any intrusive works are authorised.  Until Natural England approves the ecological protection plan, Southern Water is legally restricted in what it can do on site.

Why the Tankers Continue

This is why the tankering operation remains in place. With the main sewer unable to operate normally, Southern Water must continue intercepting and transporting Milford’s sewage by tanker while awaiting the necessary environmental permissions to begin permanent repairs.

It is far from ideal for residents, but the delay is not simply administrative inertia. It is the consequence of balancing urgent infrastructure repairs with legally protected wildlife and environmental responsibilities. Meanwhile, keep your dogs and children out of the Danestream.