Title: The Mersey estuary : a report on environmental quality
Author: National Rivers Authority
Document Type: Monograph
Abstract:
The Mersey Estuary is widely regarded as one of the most polluted estuaries in Europe. It drains an area of 5,000 square kilometres which includes the major conurbations of Liverpool and Manchester. Pollution of the Estuary is a long standing problem with its roots going back to the days of the Industrial Revolution and the birth of the British chemical industry. The Mersey basin continues to be a focal point for a wide range of manufacturing activities, and retains its status as a major port. The Estuary is important in terms of leisure and recreational pursuits, as well as a large area being classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. In recent times, the extent of pollution from discharges into the Estuary has been reduced as a result of multimillion pound investment in sewage treatment, the sewerage
infrastructure, and by industry. After more than 200 years of neglect, much of the Estuary still has poor water quality and will remain unsatisfactory for some time to come. However, through the participation of industry, the North West Water Company and the public, significant improvements have been made and
the tide of pollution has clearly turned.
Publisher: National Rivers Authority
Publication Date: 1995
Publication Place: Bristol
Subject Keywords: Estuaries; Water pollution; Water quality; Industrial pollution; Sewage; Nature conservation
Geographic Keywords: Mersey Estuary catchment; Mersey
Extent: 40; + appendices
Permalink: http://www.environmentdata.org/archive/ealit:4093
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