River Irk outfall survey

• To understand the diffuse pollution pressures on the 3 water bodies that make up the River Irk catchment.

• To build capacity within the Irwell catchment partnership to gather local information about water quality pressures.

• To develop a model and approach that can be used in other urban watercourses within the Irwell catchment and beyond.

Next steps• Enter field data and photos of outfalls to

Environment Agency catchment walkover tool.

• Identify sites that need water quality testing.

• Identify opportunities to develop projects to tackle diffuse pollution sources along the River Irk.

• Evaluate the methodology and approach.

• Plan further survey work along the River Medlock.

River Irk divided into survey stretches. A detailed survey form was completed for each outfall

observed from the riverbank.

Project GoalsMethodology

Why the River Irk?• 3 water bodies in the River Irk catchment identified as requiring further

investigation during earlier studies.

• Contribute to wider understanding of pressures and opportunities within the River Irk catchment being developed through restoration plan for the river.

• Contribute to development of a wider vison for the River Irk and significant development proposals.

• Contribute to the development of the River Irwell catchment management plan.

A wide variety of outfalls were recorded during the survey, including managed assets, pipes within bankside masonry and leachate from areas of greenspace.