To match an exact phrase, use quotation marks around the search term. eg. "Parliamentary Estate". Use "OR" or "AND" as link words to form more complex queries.


Keep yourself up-to-date with the latest developments by exploring our subscription options to receive notifications direct to your inbox

Written Question
High Speed 2 Railway Line: Construction
Tuesday 12th January 2021

Asked by: Lord Randall of Uxbridge (Conservative - Life peer)

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of any damage caused by the construction of Phase 1 of HS2 on chalk aquifers; and what estimate they have made of the costs related to any such damage.

Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

Where construction activities occur within a chalk aquifer, or any other designated aquifer, HS2 Ltd works closely with the Environment Agency and relevant third parties to ensure that any risks are identified and that the design and delivery of the scheme causes no damage to the aquifer. The Environment Agency, as the regulatory body responsible for managing groundwater resources, will not provide the necessary approvals for work to commence until it is satisfied that there will be no detrimental impact to the aquifer.

In order to provide all necessary protections and to mitigate identified risks, HS2 Ltd has produced comprehensive and detailed risk assessments for its activities which affect aquifers. The HS2 project is funded to ensure that works can progress with minimal impact on the water environment and no interruption to the continued provision of high-quality drinking water from aquifers. Protective measures include the selection of the cleanest tunnelling technologies and the enhancement of water treatment and supply capabilities.


Written Question
High Speed 2 Railway Line: Water Supply
Tuesday 12th January 2021

Asked by: Lord Randall of Uxbridge (Conservative - Life peer)

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of any impact of the construction of Phase 1 of HS2 on the cost of public water supply.

Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

There will be no increase in the cost of public water supply as a result of HS2 works. The HS2 project is funded to cover the cost of any actions required to ensure that the provision of high-quality drinking water is maintained. HS2 Ltd, not water companies or their customers, will therefore cover the costs of any mitigation or risk reduction measures that are implemented to maintain public water supplies.