HC Deb 14 May 1996 vol 277 cc436-7W
Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to the letter of Dr. D. M. Holloway of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency eastern region of 2 April about the River Almond(a) what action he is taking to reduce ammonia concentrations elevated to levels toxic to aquatic organisms, (b) what action is available to him in respect of the deposition of sewage solids on the bed of the river, (c) what help he is giving with the construction of a trunk sewer from the Almond catchment area to Edinburgh and (d) if he will bring responsibility for abandoned minewater drainage within the control of SEPA. [27932]

Mr. Kynoch

[holding answer 13 May 1996]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has identified the River Almond as a sensitive area under the Urban Waste Water Treatment (Scotland) Regulations 1994. This means that discharges of urban waste water from agglomerations with a population equivalent greater than 10,000 must by 31 December 1998 receive further treatment than either secondary or equivalent treatment in order that directive requirements may be fulfilled in respect of the watercourse. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has responsibility for the regulation of discharges to controlled waters and will monitor discharges to ensure compliance with the regulations.

The East of Scotland Water Authority, however, intends that discharging into the River Almond should cease and that the proposed River Almond valley trunk sewer should take these discharges direct to Edinburgh sewage treatment works. There should then be a rapid improvement in the biological and chemical quality of the river and, in particular, a reduction in ammonia concentrations and deposition of sewage solids. The authority is at present considering using the private finance initiative to fund this project. The tendering process is likely to commence in June 1996.

Owners or operators of existing abandoned mines have a statutory defence against prosecution for permitting water from an abandoned mine to enter controlled waters. However, the Coal Authority is working closely with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency on developing a programme of projects for the treatment of minewater discharges. Discharges from mines abandoned after 31 December 1999 will be subject to regulatory control by the agency.