For annual data on reported emissions to water from the Workington mill please see the Incada Environmental Declaration.
The diversity and abundance of species in the area around the pipe is documented. The outcome is liable to fluctuate over the long period of the study. Factors considered are the mill effluent quality in addition to naturally occurring predators, deposits of sand, other industrial activities and general meteorogical conditions.
The study documents the diversity and general abundance of species recorded on the shoreline as well as looking for any specific toxic effects.
The shoreline ecology has been reported as being healthy in terms of the diversity of recorded species and general status. There are no indication of any specific toxic effects.
The Solway coastal environment is relatively shallow and has mobile sand bed. Recent extreme and sustained weather has had a large effect on the west coast shoreline in general. It is anticipated that the immediate shoreline ecology will be effected, although currently unquantified.
Impact assessment is currently a discussion with the local authorities as part of the evolving industry BREF discussions.