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<p>The Environment Agency (EA) does not have a remit to tackle illegal use of drugs
but is involved in a number of initiatives which may help reduce their entry into
the River Thames.</p><p> </p><p>The Thames Tideway Tunnel, which is currently in construction
and will be operational by 2023, will significantly reduce the frequency and volume
of discharges of storm sewage and improve water quality in the tidal Thames. This
will reduce levels of associated chemicals in the tidal river.</p><p> </p><p>The EA
is working with Thames Water and other water companies to undertake extensive investigations,
to assess a wide range of chemicals entering rivers through wastewater treatment works.
The investigations have shown that wastewater treatment works significantly reduce
the concentrations of many chemicals before they are discharged to rivers. Although
cocaine is not part of these investigations, it is likely that it will be similarly
affected by wastewater treatment.</p><p> </p>
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