Maria Miller, MP for Basingstoke, has been keeping up the pressure on the Environment Agency on how they plan to tackle the phosphate pollution levels in the River Loddon and achieve Good Ecological status for the River under the European Water Framework Directive.
The Environment Agency has now confirmed that they are to consider new phosphate consent limits for Chineham Sewage Treatment Works.
Maria said: “I have raised residents’ concerns about excessive phosphate levels in the Loddon with the Environment Agency. It is important that there is now agreement to consider reducing the phosphate consent limit for Basingstoke’s main sewage treatment works. This would be an important step in helping to improve water quality of the River Loddon.”
Maria added: “With the Borough Council currently consulting on the draft Local Plan, it is vital that we take full account of the impact on our environment that continuing high levels of housebuilding will have. This includes the increase in sewage having to be treated at the Chineham works.”
The Environment Agency is working with a range of partners to carry out options appraisal work for the Water Framework Directive and need to identify all options for achieving Good Ecological status by December 2013. This will be followed by a process involving cost benefit analysis and public consultation, before measures are implemented.