Written question asked by Joan Walley (Labour) on Thursday, 25 October 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 6 November 2001. It was answered by Michael Meacher (Labour) on Tuesday, 6 November 2001 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make a statement in respect of the requirement on manufacturing industries to prevent the release of hazardous substances into water and the policy of OfWAT in respect of contaminants penetrating underlying aquifers to significant depths.

Answer: Ms Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement in respect of the requirement on manufacturing industries to prevent the release of hazardous substances into water and the policy of Ofwat in respect of contaminants penetrating underlying aquifers to significant depths. [11383] Mr. Meacher: Under various powers contained in the Water Resources Act 1991, the Water Industry Act 1991, the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and regulations made under the Pollution Prevention and Control Act 2000, discharges from manufacturing industries to sewer and controlled waters require written authorisation from, respectively, the sewerage undertaker and the Environment Agency. Conditions in these authorisations are set in order to protect receiving waters from polluting substances. The Agency also has powers to prevent polluting activities. Ofwat has no direct responsibilities for discharge consents or associated standards.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 11383; 374 c149W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Codes of practice Hazardous substances Ofwat Pollution Manufacturing industries Pollution control Water
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk