§ Mr. TylerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what plans he has to designate new areas as high natural water dispersal areas;
(2) how many areas are designated as high natural water dispersal areas in other EU member states;
(3) when those areas currently designated as high natural water dispersal areas were given that designation;
(4) how many areas in the United Kingdom are designated as high natural water dispersal areas under the EC urban waste waters directive; and if he will list them;
(5) what criteria are used for designating areas as high natural water dispersal areas;
(6) what research is currently being conducted into high natural water dispersal areas.
§ Mr. AtkinsHigh natural dispersion areas will be identified on the basis of criteria adopted following a public consultation exercise in the United Kingdom in March 1992.
No areas have yet been formally identified in the United Kingdom. An announcement will be made in due course. We do not have any information on other member states' intentions.
Once the high natural dispersion areas have been identified, the comprehensive studies required by the directive will be carried out to demonstrate that primary treatment will have no adverse environmental effect in these areas.