Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he takes to ensure that the United States Air Force management of RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk complies with standards set by Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution in regard to off-site discharges of(a) raw sewage into the river Lark, (b) chlorinated solvents, (c) mercury, and (d) cadmium; and if he will make a statement on off-site discharges of polluting chemicals from RAF Mildenhall in relation to EEC environmental directives.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonThe management and operation of the RAF Mildenhall sewage treatment plant is the responsibility of the Property Services Agency. Discharges from the plant are checked by both the PSA and the National Rivers Authority to ensure compliance with standards agreed between both parties. Mercury and cadmium are not used at the base, and any chlorinated 509W solvents are collected after use and are not discharged into the sewers. It is the Government's policy to ensure that the requirements of EC environmental directives are fully complied with. Discharges from RAF Mildenhall meet these requirements.