Title: River Deben (Suffolk) pollution prevention project 2001/2
Author: Environment Agency
Document Type: Monograph
Abstract:
This project is based on the upper catchment of the River Deben, Suffolk. With a downstream limit at Brandeston Bridge it covers approximately 100km2 of predominantly arable and rural catchment. The river is one of the top 40 low flow rivers in the country and has been the subject of significant agricultural and natural pollutions in the past. In 1997 it also suffered the devastating effect of a near zero % dissolved oxygen over a 15 km stretch for several weeks. This project was designed to reduce the risk of pollution incidents, raise awareness in the community and provide a database to aid Environment Agency officers in future investigations. An experienced external contractor was employed to provide the initial data from fieldwork. The data handling, letters and follow-up work was carried out internally. Approximately 110 premises were investigated during the project. This covered all agriculture, industry and business in the catchment, excluding retail outlets in towns and villages and domestic properties. A satisfactory standard of pollution prevention was found at only 24% of the premises inspected. 52% of the inspected sites were provided with advice to raise them to a satisfactory standard. Of the remaining 24% that required improvements 58% of these had requirements that were enforceable with legislation. Discussion is provided on the methodology. The findings and potential impact of the project is discussed along with a comparison with past pollution incidents. The project has provided a database on the catchment for internal use. The information gathered during the period of this work will become inaccurate over time and addenda may be added to the report to reflect known changes.
Publisher: Environment Agency
Publication Date: 2001
Publication Place: Bristol
Subject Keywords: Rivers; Water pollution; Pollution prevention; Agricultural pollution
Geographic Keywords: EA Anglian; Deben (river); East Suffolk catchment
Extent: n.p. [29]
Permalink: http://www.environmentdata.org/archive/ealit:1310
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