Response to Environment Agency Standard Rules Consultation No 7

 

Submission from Ewan Larcombe, 67 Lawn Close, Datchet, Berks SL3 9LA

Tel 01753 544302

8 July 2011

Very briefly, I live in the Lower Thames Valley downstream of Windsor and am concerned that the Standard Rules do not appear to take into account the special ground conditions and groundwater flows and levels in my area.

In particular I am concerned that the Standard Rules do not appear to prohibit the storage of slurries in, on or over gravel beds with high water tables and lateral groundwater flow.

For example the current rules refer to ‘activities shall not be carried out within’

10 metres of any watercourse

50 metres of any spring or well or any borehole used to supply water for domestic or food production purposes

Groundwater Source Protection Zone 1

My concern is that stinking slurry has been imported in vast quantities and stored on a closed gravel quarry site adjacent to The Thames that is sandwiched between a Groundwater Protection Zone, a SSSI and a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone.  I do not know what the material is, but I feel that it should not have been just poured from tankers into bunded silos created for the purpose.  The majority of the area consists of old water-filled gravel pits, and there are two sailing clubs, one diving club and a water-ski centre nearby.  Many of the pits are fished and any leachate from slurry operations is bound to end up in the Thames eventually.

Can you please consider modifying the Standard Rules to take these special site conditions into account?  If you need further information please contact me.

Thanks

Ewan Larcombe