Controls on Pollution

Effluent disposal from both domestic and industrial sources is the major cause of river pollution in the catchment. The River Calder is significantly affected by low levels of organic chemical residues from large chemical manuafacturing works and the textile industry. Most effluent is discharged to sewage treatment works (STWs). However, some chemicals may pass through the system and enter the river.

The Environment Agency issues 'consents' for all discharges into the river. These control the quality of the discharges entering the river. The consents are being adjusted to meet River Quality Objectives (RDOs).

The quality of rivers is subject to a number of European directives and national laws.

European Directives

1975 Directive on quality of surface drinking water.
1976 Directive on dangerous substances discharged into the aquatic environment.
1978 Directive on the quality of freshwaters for fish.
1980 Directive on drinking water quality.
1980 Groundwater Directive
1991 Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
1991 Nitrate Directive

UK Legislation

1974 The Control of Pollution Act.
1990 The Environmental Protection Act.
1991 The Water Resources Act (requires setting of RDOs).

The UK Strategy for Sustainable Development was published in 1994.