Title: Investigation into the impact of Henstridge sewage treatment works on the River Umber, North Devon
Author: J. Bartlett
Document Type: Monograph
Annotation: EA additional title info: Devon Area internal report February 1998
Abstract:
A request was received from South West Water Services Limited (SWWSL) through Devon Area Environment Protection to investigate any impact Henstridge Sewage Treatment Works (STW) may be having on the River Umber. The hamlet of Henstridge is located in North Devon about 2 km south-east of Combe Martin. Henstridge STW is situated at NGR SS 5912 4472, access is along a steep, unsurfaced track with hairpin bends and is not suitable for road vehicles. The works discharges primary treated sewage into the headwaters of the River Umber which is located approximately 65m away down a densely wooded, steeply sloping hillside. On entering the works sewage travels through the inlet pipe to a stone septic tank which is connected via an underground clay pipe to a sludge lagoon soakaway. The overflow pipe connected to the stone tank was blocked several years ago. The works was constructed in 1929 by a local farmer for his own personal use, but was later also used by nearby properties. The current resident population connected to the sewer is 22, the peak holiday season tourist population increases to 30. In 1995 SWWSL took over the running of the works and the Environment Agency issued it with a descriptive consent. SWWSL recently proposed carrying out improvements on the works and requested an investigation to determine the extent of improvement needed. The River Umber rises at NGR SS 5807 4468 south of Combe Martin and flows in a northerly direction through the village where it discharges into the Bristol Channel.
Publisher: Environment Agency
Publication Date: 1998
Publication Place: Exeter
Subject Keywords: Sewage treatment; Water quality; Environmental impact; Pollution control; Biological surveys; Rivers
Geographic Keywords: Umber (Devon); Combe Martin; North Devon catchment
Extent: n.p. [13]
Permalink: http://www.environmentdata.org/archive/ealit:603
Total file downloads: 314
Download PDF Display PDF in separate tab
