River Churnet (Pollution)

HC Deb 25 July 1978 vol 954 cc664-5W

Mr. Knox

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a Statement about pollution in the River Churnet.

Mr. Denis Howell

In the 1975 river pollution survey, the lengths of the River Churnet in the different quality classes were approximately—Class 1 (unpolluted) 4 miles; Class 2 (doubtful quality) 6 miles; Class 3 (poor quality) 6 miles and Class 4 (grossly polluted) 5 miles. This was an improvement on the situation shown in the 1970 Survey. The Severn-Trent Water Authority has proposals for extensions to the Leek sewage treatment works starting in 1980 to improve further the quality of the river.