Written question asked by Joan Walley (Labour) on Wednesday, 28 October 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 2 November 2009. It was answered by Huw Irranca-Davies (Labour) on Wednesday, 4 November 2009 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

River Trent: Pollution

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps he is taking in respect of the discharge of cyanide into the River Trent in October 2009; what discussions he has had with Severn Trent Water on the incident; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: The Environment Agency is investigating the cause of the incident with a view to prosecuting those responsible. It is having on-going discussions with Severn Trent Water and is inspecting the company's records to establish how its sewage works were disrupted by the effluent it received.A suspension notice was served by the Environment Agency to prevent a company in Stoke-on-Trent discharging effluent to the sewer system. This notice will remain in force until the Environment Agency is satisfied that the risk of pollution has been removed.

Secondary information