§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what analysis he has carried out where MTBE has been found in ground water and aquifers; and if he will make a statement; [93666]
(2) what assessment he has made of the extent of ground water contamination by MTBE; if he will list those sites where MTBE contamination has been detected; and if he will make a statement. [93665]
§ Mr. MullinAt the request of my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment, the Environment Agency is undertaking a research project to establish the incidence of MTBE in England and Wales, the results of which are expected in the first half of next year. The Environment Agency has already monitored for MTBE at 300 sites in its Thames region. MTBE was found at the sites listed although my advice is that the observed concentrations are all below the level at which it has been suggested that health hazards may arise.
525W
Location Date Observation (ug/1) Loudwater, Railko 12 May 1998 0.13 Hillingdon, Blue Dragon Laundry 13 May 1998 0.13 Reading, Battle Hospital 15 May 1998 0.12 Bray, PS 16 September 1998 0.12 Watford, Bushey Hall 17 March 1999 0.12 Underground NCRS 15 April 1999 0.12 Kenley PS 25 February 1998 0.11 Watford, Eastbury PS 17 March 1999 0.11 Binsted, Hawbridge Farm 20 May 1998 0.1