SEWAGE has flooded into Weston Mill creek in Plymouth from Camel's Head treatment works.

The leak happened at about noon yesterday after an aeration pump failed.

South West Water said sewage would have to be taken by tanker to other treatment plants "over the coming week".

An Environment Agency spokesman said the leak was caused by the failure of an aeration pump.

"That failure resulted in a discharge of sewage to Weston Mill Creek. The sewage is visible in the creek and can be smelt in the air," he said.

"We are investigating the incident and exactly what the cause was – and what steps South West Water is taking to minimise the impact on the environment.

"Luckily there has been a fair amount of rain so this should help to disperse any material." He said there had been no reports of fish deaths in the Tamar.

"We have an officer on the site, taking samples, and we'll be monitoring the situation."

South West Water said the "screened sewage" had gone through an overflow pipe and into the Sound. He said it was too early to tell how much had been discharged.

Earlier, a South West Water spokeswoman said that they were "currently experiencing operational problems at Camels Head sewage treatment works in Plymouth.

"During this period the works will continue to treat its normal flows. However, effluent quality may be below our usual standards.

"We are in contact with the Environment Agency regarding these works and additional samples have been taken.

"Tankers are being used to take sewage to other treatment plants to ease the pressure on the works.

"This is being done during daytime hours and is likely to continue over the coming week.

"South West Water would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused to any customer during these essential works."

Cllr Tudor Evans, the Labour group leader on Plymouth City Council, said: "I have asked for a meeting with council officers because this is the latest in a number of failures that have caused distress for the community.

"We need to discuss a way forward given that the Camels Head treatment works is so close to the North Prospect regeneration project."

People living in Keyham, near the treatment works, have been plagued for years by the pong.

Mr Evans said: "Before Christmas there was a failure of the masking aerosols at the treatment works, which caused endless problems for local residents."