HC Deb 16 July 1991 vol 195 cc122-3W
Mrs. Ann Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he is taking to ensure the reduction of pentachlorophenol concentrations in rivers in the constituency of Rossendale and Darwen.

Mr. Heseltine

Environmental quality objectives have been set for all inland waters in relation to discharges of dangerous substances, including pentachlorophenol and its compounds. So far as is practicable, those objectives must be achieved at all times.

Applications and reviews relating to consents for trade effluent discharges containing PCP to sewers have to be referred to me for my determination. On the advice of Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution, conditions are being set requiring the use of the best technical means available to minimise as soon as practicable the adverse effects of such discharges.