HC Deb 21 March 1994 vol 240 cc112-3W
Mr. Tyler

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made as to the cost implications for Government and the water industry if an area is designated as a high natural water dispersal area; and what is the timetable for changes in designation.

Mr. Atkins

For a high natural dispersion area to be identified, the waters must meet the criteria set out for less sensitive areas in the urban waste water treatment directive. The cost implications for water industry discharges into waters identified as HNDAs will, in each case, depend on the actual arrangements made for the treatment of sewage and the discharge of the treated effluent. The directive requires the identification of these areas to be reviewed at intervals of not more than four years.