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Chalk Streams: Sewage Discharge
08 October 2024
Lead MP
Victoria Collins
Harpenden and Berkhamsted
Lib Dem
Responding Minister
Emma Hardy
Tags
Taxation
Word Count: 4683
Other Contributors: 10
At a Glance
Victoria Collins raised concerns about chalk streams: sewage discharge in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
I call on the Government to take urgent action to protect these precious chalk stream habitats before it is too late. We need comprehensive measures to improve water quality and ensure sustainable infrastructure investments are made regardless of financial concerns.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
I am concerned about the severe pollution of chalk streams in Harpenden and Berkhamsted. The River Ver, one of four chalk streams in my constituency, has seen over 2,500 hours of sewage discharge pollution. Chalk streams are unique habitats that support a diverse array of flora and fauna but have been severely threatened by pollution, road runoff, and sewage.
Clive Jones
Lib Dem
Wokingham
My constituency's River Loddon is rich in biodiversity but faces persistent sewage discharges. I urge the Government to ensure infrastructure investments proceed regardless of Thames Water's financial position.
Danny Chambers
Lib Dem
Winchester
Farmers around the River Itchen are considering nature protection measures. The speaker raised concerns about flea and worm treatments overprescribed by veterinarians, containing neonicotinoids that harm chalk stream ecosystems.
Freddie Van Mierlo
Lib Dem
Henley and Thame
I highlighted that over-engineering of chalk streams can lead to flooding and proposed nature-based solutions as a better approach to manage river flow in my constituency.
Helen Maguire
Lib Dem
Epsom and Ewell
The Hogsmill River, an important ecological and cultural heritage site, has seen over 30 hours of sewage overflow in September. Swift action is needed to protect our chalk streams from degradation.
Jessica Brown-Fuller
Lib Dem
Chichester
In Chichester, water companies have been abstracting from the River Ems since the 1960s, moving the flow downstream. The speaker called for sustainable solutions to ensure future water supply.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
I commend the hon. Lady for bringing forward the debate on sewage discharge in chalk streams, noting that limestone rivers in Northern Ireland share similar importance to environmental health.
Lee Dillon
Lib Dem
Newbury
We should base the requirement for sewage treatment works not only on population size but also on the importance of the waterways they protect, such as the Lambourn and Kennet chalk streams in my constituency. I asked where the Government stands on introducing a sewage tax on water company profits and about supporting an 8-metre buffer zone around rivers to prevent soil runoff into chalk streams, impacting wildlife such as wild brown trout.
Liz Jarvis
Lib Dem
Eastleigh
I thank my hon. Friend for introducing the debate and raise concerns about Southern Water dumping sewage into Shawford lake stream, which affected over 1,000 schoolchildren in Eastleigh's YMCA Fairthorne Manor.
Olivia Bailey
Lab
Reading West and Mid Berkshire
The Pang River in my constituency has phosphate levels three times what they should be, impacting water quality severely. I call for urgent action from the Government to protect our chalk streams after previous governments failed them. The hon. Friend was thanked for the Government's actions to clean up rivers and streams, asking if chalk streams will be part of this plan.
Sarah Green
Lib Dem
Chesham and Amersham
I suggested the need for a recognised special status and designation for chalk streams to ensure they receive necessary protections given their rarity and unique ecological importance. The Minister was praised for individual projects but criticised for lack of a national strategy for chalk streams, urging the designation and special status for all chalk streams to avoid piecemeal treatment.
Government Response
Emma Hardy
Government Response
Stressed the importance of chalk streams and acknowledged concerns about water quality, pollution from sewage discharges, and over-abstraction. Highlighted government actions including £88 billion investment for cleaner rivers and seas through Ofwat, introduction of Water (Special Measures) Bill, commitment to a statutory plan under Environment Act 2021, and initiatives such as the species survival fund providing £25 million for conservation projects. Emphasized ongoing regulatory reviews and stakeholder consultations for comprehensive water system reform.
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Assessment & feedback
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.