Response from Mr D G Wood (Individual)
1. Mr D G Wood (Individual) : 13 Dec 2017 19:54:00
Before completing this online representation please tick the box to show that you have read the guidance notes accompanying this consultation.
I have read the guidance notes
Policy Reference
AS12 - Water quality, sewerage and sustainable drainage
1.1 Do you consider the AONB DPD to be legally compliant?
Yes
1.3 Do you consider the AONB DPD to be sound?
Yes
1.5 Please give details of why you consider the DPD is not legally compliant or is unsound or fails to comply with the Duty to Cooperate. Please be as precise as possible.
If you wish to support the legal compliance or soundness of the DPD or its compliance with the Duty to Cooperate, please also use this box to set out your comments.
As a Civil Engineer with a whole career spent dealing with sewage I feel that the DPD, while generally sound in dealing with above ground elements, is not sound in setting out requirements for sewage disposal.
The natural drainage area between Arnside Knott and Warton Crag has no public sewers and all properties have either cesspits, septic tanks or a handful of package treatment plants. Every day an estimated 300,000 litres of liquid flows into the ground - varying from crude sewage to treated effluent. This contaminates ground water which ultimately reaches the Bay. The population discharging in this area continues to grow, mainly through increases in caravan numbers.
To date, Lancaster City Council and the Environment Agency seem unconcerned about this situation. Almost all new building is allowed to proceed even though the regulations on sewage disposal are not enforced and in many cases cannot be achieved. It appears that there is a lack of understanding of the requirements.
In particular my comments on AS12 are
• Any development will overload almost all existing infrastructure which generally does not meet current standards.
• Upgrade of septic tank is a suggested option – this is not acceptable under current regulations.
• Consideration of impact due to proximity – not done now and generally not achievable. This is essential to achieve satisfactory treatment.
• The Councils must from now on enforce the points made in 4.9.2, 4.9.4 and 4.9.6.
Until steps are taken to properly deal with sewage disposal in the area and reduce ground water contamination then no further development should be allowed.
2.1 If your representation is seeking a modification, do you wish to participate at the oral part of the Examination?
No, I do not wish to participate at the oral examination
