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Written question asked by Bill Wiggin (Conservative) on Tuesday, 14 July 2020, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 July 2020. It was answered by Rebecca Pow (Conservative) on Tuesday, 21 July 2020 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

River Wye: Phosphates

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has plans to investigate the Environment Agency with reference to (a) phosphate levels in the River Wye catchment and (b) that Agency's supervision of Welsh Water on that matter.

Answer

Defra has no plans to investigate the Environment Agency with reference to phosphate levels in the River Wye catchment.

The Environment Agency regulates the water industry and is working with Welsh Water to reduce phosphate levels in the catchment through existing and future investment plans. The Environment Agency and Natural England have a Nutrient Management Plan in place for the River Wye Special Area of Conservation.

The Environment Agency is part a wide group of organisations (including Natural Resources Wales, water companies and farming support organisations) that are working to address the causes and impacts of high phosphate levels in the Wye Catchment. This is through a combination of advice and guidance, regulation and the delivery of projects to reduce phosphate inputs.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
73732
Session
2019-21
Grouped for answer
Yes
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Phosphates Welsh Water River Wye
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk