Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 11.5
Total number of
water pollution incidents in
England and Wales, 1981-
97: (A) and distribution of
substantiated pollution
incidents in 1997 classified
by type (B) and by source
(C).
Source:
Environment Agency
1997a, b.
Classification of pollution by source (Figure
11.5C) showed that the sewage and water industry,
especially as a result of uncontrolled discharges
from sewerage systems, accounted for the highest
percentage of all substantiated incidents, but
industry was responsible for the greatest
proportion of Category 1 contamination.
A range of UK and European legislation affects
water policy in England and Wales and protects
the river environment from pollution (Table 11.8).
It is an offence to cause or knowingly permit
polluting matter to enter rivers, groundwaters and
other water bodies without permission (UK
Department of the Environment, Transport and
the Regions 1998). The Environment Agency
grants consents, which set conditions regarding
concentration, volume and other aspects, in order
to control the discharge of effluents into the fluvial
system and to prevent pollution. If pollution
occurs, including the breaking of a discharge
consent, the polluter may be prosecuted, fined and
made to clean up the contamination. In 1997, for
example, the Environment Agency brought
prosecutions relating to sixty-seven incidents, and
during the year a further 104 cases from 1996 were
also heard, and the highest fine imposed was
£12,000. Considerable efforts are also made by
the Environment Agency and others to prevent
pollution occurring in the first place. These
included advice given through codes of practice,
