Rivers: Pollution Control
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help tackle agricultural pollution in rivers; and if he will take steps to launch a review into this issue.
Answered by Emma Hardy
Cleaning up our rivers, lakes and seas is a priority for the Government. We are working with farmers to reduce agricultural pollution is key to delivering against this priority.
Under the Environment Act 2021, a legally binding target was set to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment from agriculture entering the water environment by 40% by 2038.
We have completed the rapid review of the Environmental Improvement Plan.
The Government will develop a revised Environmental Improvement plan to protect and restore our natural environment, supported by delivery plans to meet each of our ambitious Environment Act targets. This includes cleaning up our waterways.
We are taking action to tackle agricultural pollution and deliver the Environment Act target through a suite of proportionate and effective regulations, advice and incentives.
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