Archived press release

Water quality

17 August 1995

Friends of the Earth (FOE) has accused the National Rivers Authority (NRA) of today being economical with the truth by excluding certain kinds of pollution in its assessment of river quality[1]. The new glossy picture of improvement in the country's rivers falls short of reality. FOE also strongly criticised the Government for persistently failing to introduce legal minimum standards for river quality, known as Statutory Water Quality Objectives (SWQOs)[2].

Figures released recently by the National Rivers Authority confirm the relentless rise in pollution incidents[3]. Regionally, only North West, Severn Trent and Southern regions showed small falls in the number of reported incidents. The report also reveals that in 1994, only 33 convictions were secured against polluters involved in 229 Category 1 incidents, the most serious classification of pollution. Incidence of oil, industrial and sewage pollution has increased nationally[3].

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

"The persistent rise in the number of pollution incidents demonstrates the threats facing our rivers. There is an urgent need for tough legal standards to protect streams and rivers. Actions speak louder than words - in spite of increases in pollution incidents the prosecution record of the NRA shows that too many polluters are being let off the hook."

FOE points to examples of UK rivers where fundamental and alarming problems of pollution exist:

the Doe Lea in Derbyshire where despite extremely high levels of dioxin pollution the NRA have failed to act to stop further contamination of the environment by these toxic dioxins. the Trent where this summer's massive fish kill as a result of a combination of pollution and high temperature has demonstrated that the river is on the brink of ecological disaster.

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].'

Roger Lilley continued:

"The introduction of legal protection for rivers has been like a slow bicycle race. It is vital that action is taken urgently to give rivers the protection that they need."

Even though the NRA made recommendations for SWQO designation back in 1993 the Department of the Environment 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] FOE is critical of the use of changed base line figures for the length of rivers analysed by the NRA. They also argue that the results of the recent survey present only a very partial picture of the health of UK rivers leaving many questions unanswered. The parameters monitored by the NRA in assessing river quality are limited and include only biochemical oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen and ammonia. No consideration is made for the vast majority of contaminants. [2] Dr. Jan Pentreath, NRA Chief Scientist in proposals for Statutory Water Quality Objectives. NRA (December 1991) Water Quality Series No.5. [3] Figures from NRA Water Pollution Incidents in England and Wales 1994 pub.24.7.1995 and previous annual reports show:

Total number of Reported Pollution Incidents England and Wales:

1981 12,600 1982 13,100 1983 15,400 1984 18,635 1985 19,994 1986 21,404 1987 23,257 1988 26,926 1989 25,499 1990 28,143 1991 29,372 1992 31,673 1993 34,296 1994 35,291

Oil pollution incidents from 4,783 in 1987 to 6,908 in 1994 Industrial pollution incidents from 2,792 in 1987 to 5,309 in 1994 Sewage and water industry pollution from 4,178 in 1987 to 7,019 in 1994

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust