§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many prosecutions have been taken for pollution incidents in rivers as a result of agricultural activities in 1986 and so far in 1987.
§ Mr. MoynihanA report published by the Water Authorities Association in August this year, "Water Pollution from Farm Waste 1986: England and Wales", indicated that 128 prosecutions were brought in 1986 in respect of farm pollution incidents. A copy of this report is lodged in the Library of the House. Figures are not yet available for 1987.
§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has recently commissioned research into alternative methods of sewage sludge disposal; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoynihanYes. The Department does commission research directed to safer sludge treatment and disposal. Current research projects in this category are:
The effects of sludge applications on the long-term structure and fertility of soils.
Investigation of techniques for the removal of pathogens from sludge.
Appraisal of full-scale sludge treatment processes for the destruction of pathogens in sludge.
The effects of heavy sludge applications on prominent grassland.
The effects of pH variation on the uptake of metals by different crops grown on sludge-amended soils.
Effects of sea disposal of sludge on the concentration of contaminants in sediments, benthic fauna and crustaceans.
Study of the cycling of sludge particles in the marine food chain.
The mobility of organic compounds in sludge applied to agricultural soils and their rate of uptake by crops.
Study of the growth of algae in coastal waters close to a site for sea disposal of sludge.