EDC DEMONSTRATION PROGRAMME IN THE UK - ANGLIAN WATER?S APPROACH

Abstract

The environmental impact of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) has been intensively researched over the last 10 years in the academic field. One of the observations highlighted has been the relationship between feminization of male fish (known as intersex) and the discharge of steroid estrogens from sewage treatment works (STWs). Compounds that act like estrogens found in certain industrial chemicals have also been blamed for such an effect. Given the long-term effect this may have on fish population, it is anticipated that EDC removal may be imposed in the future discharge consent to ensure the concentration not exceeding a Predicted No Effect Concentration (PNEC), taking into account the dilution capacity in the receiving water. Currently, there is a lack of understanding as to how the steroid estrogens and other EDCs are removed through various wastewater treatment processes. To ensure that future policy decisions are well founded, the Environment Agency (EA) and Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) have instigated a Demonstration Programme, which involves collecting baseline data at 17 STWs across the UK and investment to achieve EDC reduction at 2 full-scale STWs. This paper focuses on the baseline data element of the Demonstration Programme. Given the complexity of the programme, and the technical issues to be resolved it was seen as beneficial to trial the protocol at one or two sites to inform the remainder of the Demonstration Programme. Having a strong analytical capability, Anglian Water Services (AWS) has agreed to take this leading role.