asked the Minister for the Environment the way in which he intends to deal with local authorities who pollute our rivers and lakes.
Written Answers. - Local Authority Polluters.
43.
I have recently asked all local authorities to ensure that the services and facilities provided by them are properly managed and maintained so as to obviate any risk of pollution that might arise from these sources. I have asked them to pay particular attention to the operation of sewerage treatment works and to carry out regular examinations of such works with a view to ensuring that the effluent discharged does not adversely affect water quality in the receiving waters. Local authorities have also been advised that special care should be taken to protect watercourses from accidental spillages of chemicals and any discharges of residue from water treatment plants. To assist them in their task, my Department have issued general guidelines to local authorities for distribution to all staff concerned.
Considerable capital is being devoted to investment in sewerage schemes which make provision for the treatment and disposal of effluent and thereby abate pollution. In 1988 alone, approximately £30 million will be spent on such schemes.
Local authorities who pollute rivers and lakes are liable to prosecution under the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act, 1959, but I would hope that recourse to such action will not be necessary in the future.