Paul Jennings, Chairman of The River Chess Association, tells us there is more cause for concern regarding the river
The threat of sewage litter in the River Chess is very real again. The good news is that Thames Water have admitted that river pollution is their responsibility although the Environment Agency are washing their hands of it.
“Last month we saw another increase in sewage litter” says Paul, “ n 2014 untreated sewage was discharged over four months into the Chess in quantities equivalent to oil spilled during the BP Macondo disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. Thames Water blamed the problem on the prolonged rainfall and a high water table but have now conceded sewage litter is their responsibility. The Environment Agency are under resourced and don’t want to flag up any problems they have to deal with. We are disappointed with their inactivity, but are pleased that a Thames Water work programme aimed at eliminating littering has started. We will continue to monitor the effluent and hope to work more closely with Thames on all River Chess issues in future. “
At the end of the day Chesham Sewage Treatment Works would function more efficiently if there was less sewage to process. Litter includes a high proportion of sanitary towels, tampons and nappies. The message is don’t flush it, bag it and bin it.
The second worry is that HS2 could ruin our rare chalk stream.
“The chalk aquifer (water-bearing permeable rock) makes up of 70% of the water supply for the south of England” explains Paul, “The water sits like a tank filling up and it’s a relatively controlled source through springs fed by rainfall. It is extremely clean and fresh because it is filtered through the chalk and alkaline and is a haven for lot of species.
We have great concerns about HS2’s plan is to drive large bore tunnels through the aquifer over many kilometers. Without understanding the aquifer there is a danger that the tunnels will interfere with migration paths in the chalk, causing damage to the supply of water to both our chalk streams – the Misbourne and Chess are connected. Another worry is that tunneling may introduce chemical and biological pollution into the aquifer. We feel strongly that HS2 should commission studies to fully understand the aquifer, the pollution risk from drilling activity and to map the migration paths of water through the chalk that flow out into our rivers.
Affinity Water, who provide all our local drinking water, are so concerned about HS2 drilling through the aquifer they have negotiated a £70 million Government indemnity tp cover potential loss of this water resource, We clearly have reason to be worried”
Volunteers are always needed at The River Chess Association as River Rangers, Flow and level monitors, Water Vole Monitors, Project workers and Data Administrators.
email riverchess@tiscali.co.uk for info