HL Deb 03 March 2003 vol 645 c90WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 28 January (WA141) concerning Connswater River, when the study of pollution management will be completed; and what steps they propose to take in the interim. [HL1387]

The Lord Privy Seal (Lord Williams of Mostyn)

Discussions are under way between the Environment and Heritage Service of the Department of the Environment and the Water Service of the Department for Regional Development to agree the scope of the proposed urban pollution management study on the Connswater sewerage system. It is hoped to begin the study in the near future and it is expected to take up to two years to complete.

In the interim, the Water Service has improved the screening of storm discharges at the Sydenham pumping station by installing 6mm fine screens. This work should address the problem of sewage-related debris from the pumping station.