Out of our depth: A social constructionist evaluation of the problematisation and regulation of English waterway pollution

This project employs a case study into English waterway pollution to investigate and inform theoretical literature on the social construction of environmental problems. Specifically, it will explore the construction and regulation of pollution from three sources. Identified by DEFRA as the leading pressures on water bodies failing to achieve good ecological status, these are: agriculture, combined sewage overflows, and urban diffuse run-off. Employing an adapted framework of the Natural History of Social Problems, the project conceptualises these three forms of water pollution as successful or unsuccessful constructions of deviance. Specifically, it will draw attention to such constructions as dynamic processes whereby a problem is defined and controlled by rule creation and enforcement. In doing so, it will employ social constructionist and regulatory literature.

While regulations exist to protect English waterways from pollution, with targets for all rivers to reach 'good ecological status' by 2027, only 14% of rivers hold this status currently. Waterways are threatened by a 'rapidly diversifying chemical cocktail' of agrochemicals, plastics, sewage, and excess nutrients. Once in watercourses, pollutants are compounded, wherein the effects of singular chemicals may be exacerbated or concentrated in contact with others. Non-point sources of pollution are extremely challenging to monitor, let alone control. Due to their fluidity, pollutants can become diffuse, and be carried across administrative boundaries, posing fundamental regulatory challenges.

By framing deviance as a process of construction, the research traces how decisions regarding the defining and translating of water pollution into a regulatable problem holds implications for enforcement and administration practices. This will be considered alongside practical challenges for regulation and enforcement. The project aims to identify and explore the 'sticking points' along this process which allow water pollution to be insufficiently controlled - including but going beyond the privatisation debate.

This project will be conducted at a key time for water quality regulation. While waterbodies are set to be placed under significant stress in the wake of climate change, emerging pollutants, such as PFAS, are proliferating under slow and reactive regulation. Different sources of water pollution appear to be treated unequally by regulators; road runoff accounts for 15% of rivers failing to achieve good status in 2021 but attracts little media or regulatory attention. Contamination from major infrastructure developments, such as HS2, have also been overlooked by regulatory bodies. The project is well-positioned to explore how policymakers can best conceptualise new pollutants and therefore deliver effective regulation and enforcement. Findings will hold relevance for other environmental issues at a time of growing environmental degradation.

Following a systematic literature review, the project will investigate these processes using an exploratory case study research design employing mixed methods. Semi-structured interviews will be conducted with 'expert' and 'elite' members from three broad organisational types: government, non-government, and civil society. These types have been selected to capture the spectrum of stakeholder involvement. Participants will be asked to identify opportunities and challenges regarding the definition of water pollution, associated rule creation and enforcement mechanisms. Scientists and legal personnel working within these sectors will also be approached for interview. Quantitative secondary analysis will be performed on publicly available data from governmental and non-governmental sources regarding pollution monitoring and enforcement across England. Interviews will likely flag new datasets for exploration and sensitise the researcher to opportunities to investigate the framing and management of pollution.