§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what initiatives he is taking to deal with the problems associated with eutrophication, with particular reference to the spread of algal blooms. [4502]
§ Angela EagleLocalised adverse effects from eutrophication in inland waters are being addressed by requiring the installation of phosphorus removal at 41 sewage treatment works discharging into 29 designated eutrophic Sensitive Areas in England and Wales, as part of the implementation of the EC Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
The Environment Agency is currently monitoring some 150 additional potentially sensitive inland waters for the first review in 1997 of Sensitive Area designations under the Directive. As a result of this review, additional water bodies may be designated resulting in new requirements for phosphorus removal at sewage treatment works.
This year we shall also review the position regarding eutrophication problems in coastal waters as part of the implementation of this Directive and the Nitrate Directive. The Environment Agency is currently monitoring 40 potentially eutrophic sites in coastal waters for this purpose.