Claims today by the National Rivers Authority of a fall in major pollution incidents during 1994 will mask a disturbing increase in the number of certain types of pollution. Friends of the Earth have pointed to the significant increase in pollution in some regions caused by agriculture, industry, sewage and oil.

For instance, in the Southern Region despite the claim that the number of major incidents has fallen, the overall number of pollution incidents under the categories of agriculture, industry and sewage has risen by between 29 and 85 per cent. In Wales there was an overall 11 percent increase in the number of pollution events [1].

Over the country as a whole the number of oil related pollution incidents has risen by 8 per cent from 6,373 to 6,908, making it the most significant source of pollution.

Roger Lilley, Friends of the Earth's Industry and Pollution Campaigner said:

"The rise in the underlying incidence of pollution demonstrates the persistent threats that our rivers are faced with. Only the enforcement of tough legal standards will ensure that rivers have the protection they need."

"The Government has shamefully reneged on its promise to legally protect our rivers and Mr Gummer has moved with all the enthusiasm of a rider in a slow bicycle race."

Friends of the Earth have accused the Government of continuing to break its long-standing promise to provide legal protection for rivers. The establishment of Statutory Water Quality Objectives (SWQOs) was promised in 1989 when the water industry was privatised. They were described by the NRA's Chief Scientist as the 'essential cornerstone of the NRA' s water quality responsibilities [2].'

Even though the NRA made recommendations for SWQO designation back in 1993 [3], the Department of the Environment (DOE) has so far failed to make any selection of rivers. At the beginning of February 1995, the Environment Secretary John Gummer announced that consultations would begin on the standards for a pilot scheme but to date the consultation process has stalled. Even if the pilot scheme does go ahead it is believed that as few as six rivers will be chosen.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

[1] Southern Region Pollution Incidents (figures from NRA Press Release 24.7.1995)

SOURCE 1993 1994 % Increase

Agriculture 68 126 85

Industrial 203 262 29

Sewage/Water 227 393 73

Wales Region Pollution Incidents (figures from NRA Press Release 24.7.1995)

SOURCE 1993 1994 % Increase

Overall 2,945 3,264 11

[2] Dr. Jan Pentreath, NRA Chief Scientist in proposals for Statutory Water Quality Objectives. NRA (December 1991) Water Quality Series no.5.

[3] Priority Catchment Areas for SWQOs

Anglian -Cam -Gipping/Stour

Northumb./Yorks -Tyne -Tees -Yorkshire/Derwent

North West -Yarrow -Cumbria Derwent

Severn Trent -Worcs. Stour -Cole/Blythe/Bourne

Southern -Test -Medway

South West -Hampshire Avon -Upper Bristol Avon

-Exe -East Devon Rivers

Thames -Kennet -Loddon

Welsh -Conwy -Cleddau