§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
What plans they have to improve the aesthetic quality of the Connswater River in East Belfast. [HL4771]
§ Baroness AmosFurther to my Answer of 28 January 2003(WA 141), the Urban Pollution Management Study for the Connswater area is currently being undertaken by the Water Service of the Department for Regional Development and is due for completion in early 2004. This study will inform any improvements to the sewer system needed to meet the required water quality standards. This is the first major review of the impact of urban pollution on the Connswater system. It will identify potential solutions to control discharges of storm sewage and problems with sewage related litter in the Connswater River, with the aim of achieving improved water quality in the future.
In the mean time, the Water Service has installed screens on the Connswater Road pumping station. These have resulted in a significant reduction in the amount of sewage related debris coming from this particular source.