§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will take steps to ensure that the Connswater(a) river and (b) riverbanks are made free of litter and dumped materials. [126217]
§ Angela SmithThe removal of large items of litter, such as shopping trolleys, is the responsibility of the owner of the property through which the river flows. However, if the debris is restricting the flow, the Rivers Agency of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, as the body responsible for maintenance of the Connswater River as a drainage channel, will take action to remove the obstruction.
With regard to sewage related litter from sewage overflows into the river, the Water Service of the Department for Regional Development has recently installed screens at the Connswater Road pumping station to help prevent sewage related debris from this source.
In addition, the Water Service, in conjunction with Department of the Environment's Environment and Heritage Service, is at present undertaking a detailed Urban Pollution Management Study of the area associated with the Connswater River, based on a previously completed Drainage Area Plan. This work is examining the sewage collection system in the Connswater area, as well as how sewage is treated, and 465W will identify potential solutions to control discharges of storm sewage and related litter into the Connswater River. The study is due to be completed in early 2004.