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 Goals Methodology 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.