Runoff from heavy rain enters rivers and streams. Protesters claim that in certain locations, such as the area directly downstream from where The Great British Bake Off is filmed, it causes “absolutely horrific” harm.
The main road network in England has around 18,000 drains or outflows.
The network is managed by National Highways, which claims to be making improvements.
The Environment Agency is in charge of keeping an eye on water pollution in England.
In response to a freedom of information request from BBC News, the agency stated that while it tested for road pollution as part of its routine water monitoring, it did not routinely monitor run-off.
According to the Environment Agency (EA), runoff from roads and cities is a “serious issue” that contributes to 18% of water quality problems in England and is the third most harmful cause of water pollution after sewage and agriculture.
Campaigners conducted their own tests and reported to the BBC what they discovered in automobile tyres: carcinogenic substances, heavy metals, dangerous chemicals like arsenic, and microplastics.
Prof. Alex Ford of the University of Portsmouth, who specializes in the effects of water pollution on aquatic animals, stated that certain toxins have the ability to harm DNA, affect the nervous system, and result in cancer.
“We don’t fully understand the impact these contaminants have as a cocktail but we know they can be toxic to aquatic life and potentially contribute to the poor ecological status of some rivers,” he stated.
Permits for operations that have the potential to produce pollution can be issued by the Environment Agency. They can also establish guidelines that polluters must abide by in order to minimize harm to the environment.
MPs have already pushed the EA to provide licenses for sewage outfalls, which are now permitted. However, the EA has decided against stating that it “would not result in reduced pollution”. It did state that “possible benefits of using permits for some of the most polluting outfalls” were being considered.
