Download Significant Water Management Issues for the TRBD

Appendix 2 – Significant Water Management Issues for the TRBD
1. River Basin Planning Objectives
River Basin Planning is a new approach to managing our water environment. It is a
key element of the Water Framework Directive, which aims to manage and improve
all our rivers, lakes, groundwater, estuaries and coastal waters as a single whole. To
do this, the Directive identifies specific environmental objectives for each water body.
The Environment Agency’s job is to produce a plan to achieve these objectives in
partnership with others. Identifying significant water management issues is a key step
in this process.
We want to see over time:
Clean water for drinking,
bathing, communities and
economic uses
Protecting water from point source pollution, including
discharges from sewage treatment works and large
industries and nitrates from farming.
Protecting the environment from metals and toxic
pollutants from large industry
Drive wiser sustainable use of
water
Create better habitats for
wildlife that live in and around
water
Limiting damage caused by abstraction and other artificial
flow pressures
Reinstating rivers, estuaries and shoreline where they
have been damaged by navigation, flood defences and
the legacy of our industrial past
Limiting damage caused by abstraction and other artificial
flow pressures
Protecting ecosystems from the damage caused by the
introduction of alien plant and animal species
Reducing pollution generally associated with farming
activities
To protect and enhance our
native wildlife
To protect the natural
landscape, promoting the
value of recreation
Protecting and improving characteristic and valuable
landscapes and recreational amenities.
2. What are the significant issues and how will they be tackled?
Working together, the members of the Thames River Basin District Liaison Panel
have developed a list of significant water management issues. These can be
summarised as:
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Flow problems
Physical modification
Diffuse pollution – Rural
Urban development
Diffuse pollution – Urban & Transport
Alien species
Point Source Pollution
To do this, the Panel assessed a list of potential issues, which have arisen from
human activity now (for example the presence of nitrate and phosphate in rivers. due
to run-off from agricultural land); from human activity in the past (for example
contamination of rivers from metals usually associated with abandoned mines); or
from development for the future (for example increasing abstraction to satisfy
demand for public water supplies).
The Panel then explored what more needed to be done, working on the basis that,
however important an issue may be, if there are already measures in place to deal
with it effectively it would not be described as a ‘significant water management issue’.
For the consultation on the draft River Basin Management Plan next year, the Panel
will consider all of the water management issues which still need solutions in more
detail, even if it did not identify them as a significant water management issue.
The Panel will then need to work together to create a comprehensive range of
successful measures to tackle these water management issues. New or modified
measures might need existing mechanisms such as legislation and economic
instruments to enforce them, or they could be voluntary and rely on local initiatives
and partnership work.
As well as the significant water management issues identified above, there are also
wider environmental issues within the Thames River Basin District, which may
influence or be influenced by the River Basin Management Plan. These are
identified through the Strategic Environmental Assessment scoping work and may
include issues such as energy consumption or carbon emissions. The Strategic
Environmental Assessment scoping document is intended to be out for consultation
from 24 July 2007 to 28 August 2007.
2.1. Low flow and depleted groundwater due to abstraction (Flow problems)
Significant water management issues: Abstraction and other artificial flow pressures;
Organic pollution; Physical modification (rivers or lakes); Physical modification
(estuaries or coastal waters); Sediment; Recreation.
Our demand for water for use in the home and for industry continues to put pressure
on the water environment. The high population and the comparatively low rainfall
makes this a particular problem in the Thames Basin.
The issue of low river flows due to abstraction has been recognised for some years
and the water industry, being the largest abstractors in the river basin district, have
been working to address situations where there has been a clear impact of
abstraction. These are principally situations where abstractions have been
legitimately in operation for many years following the granting of ‘licences of right’ to
abstractors in 1963. This occurred at a time when far less attention to the
development of abstraction sources for water supply was paid to the potential for
abstraction to have an adverse impact on the environment.
Abstraction alone is not always the main cause of flow problems, the management of
the river can also influence flows. Many rivers in the Thames Basin have been
physically modified over the years for reasons such as navigation, fishing and flood
defence often resulting in over wide channels (See 2.2). It is also important to
distinguish between low flows that occur due to droughts and low flows where the
river flow is diminished due to the effects of abstraction.
Seasonal issues are also important. ‘Winterbourne’ or ‘groundwater fed’ rivers have a
flow regime that varies naturally with rainfall patterns and groundwater levels. In
these cases the ecology may be adapted to these variations and even to extreme
drought. In cases such as these, where natural seasonal flow variations may be
further influenced by abstraction, the key issue is often not only the ecological
impacts during a drought but also whether the ecology is able to recover after dry
periods.
Nutrient levels can also increase (see 2.3 and 2.5) as concentrations increase with
low flows. This may lead to eutrophication (the enrichment of waters by nutrients
causing excess plant/algal growth) problems in rivers and lakes. Periods of low
rainfall are expected to be more frequent in the future and this will lead to an
increased frequency of flow related problems.
Where does it occur
Approximately 16.5% of rivers and 36% of
groundwaters in the Thames district are at risk
or probably at risk from failing Water Framework
Directive objectives as a result of the effects of
abstraction.
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River Mimram, Hertfordshire
Some abstraction licences have been
identified through the Review of Consents
for Habitat Directive sites.
AMP investigations have identified licences
in the Kennet and Upper Lee catchments.
Options for amending these licences are
being considered
Abstraction reduction schemes are being
implemented at a number of sites such as
the River Darent in Kent and the River Pang
in Berkshire
What we already do about this
 Regulation through abstraction licensing (Water Resources Act 1991, Water Act 2003)
 Review through the Habitats Directive and CROW Act
 Implementation of low flow alleviation schemes where appropriate
 Implementation of the Restoring Sustainable Abstraction Programme (RSA) which
prioritises and progressively examines sites which may be at risk from unsustainable
abstraction and works towards resolving these concerns
 Development of Catchment Abstraction Management Strategies (CAMS) to show where
water is, or is not, available for abstraction.
 Promoting the use of Water Cycle Strategies and resisting development where these have
not been done.
 Development of Water Resource Plans by the Water Companies
Additional measures we can put in place
 Continued and additional monitoring – to confirm impacts
and causes prior to determining whether action is
necessary
 Implementation of river restoration schemes to improve
habitat and maximise the benefit of the available flow
 River augmentation where appropriate
 Implementation of further low flow alleviation schemes
where appropriate.
 Relocation of abstraction where appropriate.
 Development of more winter storage
 Reduction of water wastage e.g. through increased
leakage reduction
 Minimisation of water demand through improved water
efficiency with associated benefits of metering and tariff
development.
 Ensure the need for Water Cycle Strategies is included in
regional and local plans.
Sectors involved
 Water supply
 Power Supply
 Industry
 Fish farming
 Navigation
 Agriculture
 Recreation
 Regulators
2.2. Impact of Physical Modification (Physical modification)
Significant water management issues: Abstraction and other artificial flow pressures;
Physical modification (rivers or lakes); Physical modification (estuaries or coastal
waters); Other pollutants: metals; Sediment.
Physical alterations to a river, lake, estuary or coastal water can damage habitat
quality and reduce the capacity of a water body to support a healthy ecology.
Modifications may include channel straightening, bunding, bank re-profiling,
installation of hard bed or banks and dredging for flood prevention, drainage or
navigation purposes, as well as the creation of new channels for mill leats or
irrigation. Weirs, sluices and other impoundments in the river network may restrict the
migration of fish such as eels, salmon and trout, impede sediment movement,
promote siltation, and disrupt the interconnections between habitats. Many lakes and
reservoirs in the Thames River Basin District have also been subject to significant
physical alteration through the installation of dams, and the artificial manipulation of
the levels. Some of these alterations can exacerbate the problems caused by low
river flows (see 2.1).
In the tidal waters of the basin, "land claim" (the creation of land behind or in front of
existing defences, walls or piers, reducing the area of aquatic or inter-tidal habitat),
shoreline reinforcement, navigation dredging, aggregate dredging and the placement
of dredged material can be the main pressures. Weirs or tidal sluices can also limit
the migration of fish, restrict sediment movement, promote siltation, and prevent
natural mixing between fresh and saline waters. Commercial fisheries and shellfish
harvesting activities may also result in physical habitat damage.
The greater proportion of water bodies in the Thames River Basin are significantly
impacted by physical modification. Key drivers operating in the basin relate to
ongoing economic activities and to activities which were historically important,
including urban and industrial development, flood defence, land drainage and
historical river realignment and impoundments to service mills and water meadows.
Where does it occur
The water bodies of the Thames Basin have
been extensively modified, largely due to flood
protection and urbanisation. All estuary water
bodies and around three-quarters of our rivers
are impacted by physical modification.
The River Wandle, South London
Examples include the Lower River Lee and
tributaries such as the Salmons Brook, the River
Wandle, the Lower Mole and the Thames tidal
defences
Many of the chalk rivers of the Chilterns and
North Wessex Downs, for example, are
impacted by the historic legacy of mills and
water meadows with various in-stream
obstructions affecting flow and sedimentation.
What we already do about this
 Influencing Planning Policy Guidance, regional and local development plans, so that
regeneration and redevelopment are used as an opportunity to provide space for recreating
‘natural’ river corridors.
 Protecting habitats through the Salmon & Freshwater Fisheries Act, and Wildlife and
Countryside Act.
 Use and enforcement of bespoke licenses, consents and permits under current legislation
(e.g. Water Resources Act, Environmental Protection Act, etc.)
 Developing Flood Management Plans that set the future direction for sustainable flood risk
management.
 Implement River Restoration Strategies to re-instate degraded river habitats in both urban
and rural catchments.
 Implement the Regional Fisheries Strategy that highlights improving fish habitats as a priority
action.
Additional measures we can put in place
 Development of a strategy for managed realignment in
tidal waters and development set back along river
corridors.
 Working with the industry to agree a strategy for
sustainable shellfish harvesting.
 Implement new Fisheries legislation expected in the
Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act review of 2000.
 Expansion of current river restoration strategies across the
river basin with clearer definitions of timetables, locations,
costs, funding streams and appraisal techniques.
 Development of sustainable dredging strategies
 Education campaigns and voluntary agreements to reduce
damage to river banks
 Production of Codes of Practice to address specific issues
such as developing land adjacent to watercourses
 Move towards the implementation of Catchment Flood
Management Plan policies to produce sustainable flood
risk management
Sectors involved
 Environment Agency
 Agriculture
 Fisheries
 Ports
 Inland navigation
 Local Authorities
 Industry
2.3. Impact of changing agricultural and land management practices on the
water environment (Diffuse pollution – rural)
Significant water management issues: Abstraction and other artificial flow pressures;
Organic pollution; Phosphorus; Physical modification (rivers or lakes); Physical
modification (estuaries or coastal waters); Nitrates; Other pollutants: metals;
Sediment; Priority and priority hazardous substances; Pesticides.
Run-off from land is often a source of nutrients (such as nitrate and phosphate) which
can cause eutrophication, leading to excess plant/algal growth and undesirable
effects on the ecology, quality and uses of the water. Nitrates and pesticides can also
contaminate groundwater, making it unsuitable for public supply. In standing fresh
waters, toxic blue-green algal blooms can occur and pose a hazard to humans
involved in water sports and to animals that drink the water.
Organic pollution reduces the amount of oxygen dissolved in waterbodies, which
can have major impacts on aquatic life. It can run off yard areas or fields and
growing areas when slurry, manure, sewage sludge or manufactured fertilisers are
applied. Intensive livestock rearing can also contribute to organic pollution.
Nationally, pesticide pollution in rivers has declined owing to a combination of
regulation and voluntary adoption of best practice, but it can still cause serious
damage to plant and animal life. Pesticides and other pollutants can enter
waterbodies more easily when washed of land with sediments, which itself can be
physically harmful to the aquatic ecology.
Nutrients also arise from discharges from sewage treatment works and industry.
Because these ‘point sources’ are easier to identify they can, in comparison, be
easier to control (See 2.7) Pollution from land run-off is generally not amenable to
direct regulatory solutions, and measures to protect water quality from diffuse
pollution must be flexible to allow for localised differences. These factors make a
strong case for a non-prescriptive approach and one based on information and
advice, especially on resource management.
It is recognised that much remains to be done as there are important areas of low
awareness and bad practice that need to be addressed. At the same time there are
opportunities to build and improve on projects that are already in place and running,
such as the Catchment Sensitive Farming initiative.
Where does it occur
Areas of agriculture, particularly on hills and
near water courses.
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22% of rivers impacted by nutrients
(phosphate) from land
12% of rivers impacted by pesticides from
land
41% of lakes impacted by nutrients
(phosphate) from land
22% of groundwaters impacted by nutrients
(phosphate) from land
The Kennet Chalkstream Restoration
Project, for example, has shown that
nutrient levels (from diffuse and point
sources), temperature and residence time
can lead to high densities of algae. In the
Kennet algal levels can affect the taste and
smell of drinking water as there are
abstraction points further downstream.
What we already do about this
 Cross compliance measures
 Agri-environment schemes
 Introduction of the Single payments scheme resulting in greater environmental care and
enhancement
 Common Agricultural Policy reform resulting in less actively farmed land in the coming years
 Changing attitudes to fertiliser and pesticide use as well as increasing cost of these products
 Voluntary initiative for pesticides
 Regulation – eg Nitrate Vulnerable Zones, Agricultural Waste Regulations, etc.
 Field Buffer Zones and margins
 Catchment sensitive farming projects
 Farm assurance schemes/ integrated farm management standards e.g. LEAF marque.
Additional measures we can put in place
 Extended use of Catchment Sensitive Farming advice
 Develop policies for fairer food prices for farmers
 Extension of voluntary initiative for pesticides
 Develop a strategy for considering the impact of land not
registered as farm land
 Local water storage in flood planes especially where
abstraction is creating low flow problems
 Encourage take up of Agri-Environment schemes and
lobby for further funding for Agri-environment schemes
 Government led integrated management scheme
 Expansion of current river restoration strategies across the
river basin with clearer definitions of timetables, locations,
costs, funding streams and appraisal techniques.
Sectors involved
 Agriculture
 Water industry
 Industry
 Regulators
2.4. How future development can assist in achieving the Water Framework
Directive’s objectives (Urban development)
Significant water management issues: Abstraction and other artificial flow pressures;
Organic pollution; Phosphorus; Urban and transport pollution; Physical modification
(rivers or lakes); Physical modification (estuaries or coastal waters); Nitrates; Other
pollutants: metals; Sediment; Priority and priority hazardous substances; Pesticides;
Recreation.
Future development could have a wide range of impacts on virtually all aspects of the
Water Framework Directive. Without careful consideration as to how the impact of
future development is integrated into the directive, many of its objectives and
achievements could be cancelled out by increased growth.
The Thames River Basin District has historically been heavily affected by the
pressure from urban development and today is one of the most densely populated
areas of Europe. This trend is set to continue. The East of England Plan, the South
East Plan, the South West Plan and the London Plan propose significant urban
development in London and the South East with an annual increase in the Thames
RBD of almost 60,000 homes predicted for the next 15 years. The capacity of the
environmental infrastructure, such as water supply, treatment and drainage, to
support this growth needs early consideration to ensure no deterioration in
environmental quality.
The regional strategies include a series of measures to improve water quality and
promote good ecological status of the water environment. Once adopted, these
plans will provide the regional framework to steer future development within the
Thames catchment over the next 20 years. It will normally be a matter for local
planning policy (through Development Framework documents) to cover more detailed
policies relating to development on the ground.
The region’s ability to accommodate this predicted level of growth whilst maintaining
and improving water quality and quantity must be considered along with the potential
impact of climate change. It is predicted that London and the South East is likely to
experience some of the most severe effects of climate change in the UK, with hotter
drier summers and warmer and wetter winters and an increased possibility of severe
weather.
We have the opportunity to use the proposed development in the river basin district
to benefit the water environment, examples include remediation of contaminated
sites, new installation of structures to control run-off and the development of
brownfield sites.
Where does it occur
Most of London except Green Belt and open
spaces, Thames Gateway, Reading, Aylesbury,
Didcot, Basingstoke, Swindon, Harlow,
Stevenage, Hatfield/Welwyn Garden City,
Luton/Dunstable, Stansted, Southend, Thurrock,
Hemel Hempstead
Key points:
 Population growth in the Thames RBD
estimate at greater than 1 million by 2026
 Projected housing growth is approximately
55,000 units per year within the RBD
 Growth requires infrastructure for, amongst
others, transport, water and waste
management.
 The demand for water based recreation is
likely to increase.
 Major developments include the Olympics,
Crossrail, Heathrow Terminal 5, Stansted
expansion, London Gateway Port and new
reservoirs
London’s Population Growth 19912003
(Source: London Plan Further Alterations – Appendix 1)
What we already do about this
 Influencing planning policies on the regional and local level are already addressing potential
River Basin Management Plan requirements. They promote resource (in particular water)
efficiency, water quality and biodiversity enhancements, infrastructure requirements,
sustainable construction and design, etc.
 Promoting the use of Water Cycle Strategies and resisting development where these have
not been undertaken.
 Various studies: Water Resource and Quality Studies, Strategy for Environmental
Infrastructure in the South East, Housing Needs and Urban Potential Study
 Monitoring in association with various EU Directives (e.g. Urban Waste Water Treatment
Directive, etc.)
 Promotion of Sustainable Drainage through the planning process
 Promotion of River Restoration (North and South London Strategies)
 Use and enforcement of bespoke licenses, consents and permits under current legislation
(e.g. Water Resources Act, Environmental Protection Act, etc.)
 Inclusion of urban drainage impacts in Catchment Flood Management Strategies
Additional measures we can put in place
 Implementation of policies on the basis of implementation
and action plans
 Potential review of policies in the light of completed River
Basin Management Plans
 More practical Guidance/Best Practice for Planners, e.g.
Guide demonstrating specific adaptation measures in the
field of water management including water reduction, reuse
and recycling as well as flood risk management and
SUDS.
 Influence ongoing review of Building Regulations e.g.
Ensure that future development has adequate supply and
is water efficient.
 More public awareness raising on the need to change
behaviour that contributes to environmental pressures
 Increased funding for river restoration schemes
 Ensure the need for Water Cycle Strategies is included in
regional and local plans.
 Explore the possibility of alternative water treatment
options and/or discharge locations.
 Develop Codes of Practice with key sectors.
 Long term water quality planning leading to a greater ability
to plan for growth.
 Local Action including local environmental partnerships
Sectors involved
 Local Authorities/Spatial
Planners
 Water Industry
 Industry
 Urban &Transport
 Environment Agency
 Regulators
2.5. Impact of Urban Run-off, including Flood Risk Management (Diffuse
pollution – urban and transport)
Significant water management issues: Organic pollution; Phosphorus; Urban and
transport pollution; Nitrates; Other pollutants: metals; Sediment; Priority and priority
hazardous substances; Pesticides.
Urban run-off can be described as the increased volume and rate of surface water
run-off to rivers and streams caused by impermeable urban development. Misconnections in urban areas are also a source of contamination. Typical pollutants
include organic waste, pesticides, fertilisers, hydrocarbons, nutrients and sediment.
The situation is made worse as rainfall has the effect of quickly washing urban areas
and roads of debris with little natural vegetation or physical features that would
normally allow such contaminants to settle out or be absorbed. The resulting high
river flows will also disturb potentially contaminated sediments releasing the
pollutants back into the water. The unnatural flow patterns, which tend to be minimal
during dry periods but powerful and fast flowing during storm periods, lead to a lack
of habitat and unsuitable conditions for aquatic flora and fauna. With rainfall finding
its way into rivers much more quickly, the “flashy” nature can add to the potential
flood risk. The result is that most urban rivers have been modified to cope with these
impacts, particularly in relation to containing higher flood flows (see 2.2).
In the Thames River Basin District the issue is acutely experienced in the London
area given the large extent of urban land use. It is also an issue to varying degrees
in most other towns and cities across the basin and is closely linked to the transport
infrastructure, particularly roads.
Many of the larger urban areas of the district are drained using a Combined Sewer
Network. This has resulted in the loss of several tributary streams and the regular
discharge of mixed rainfall and sewage into local waterbodies at times of even
moderate flow.
The Eastern parts of the Thames RBD are underlain by predominantly clay soils
which gives a natural tendency towards these “flashy” catchment responses to
rainfall. The effect of large areas of urban drainage considerably exacerbates this
effect.
Where does it occur
Approximately a quarter of rivers in the Thames
RBD are at risk from failing Water Framework
Directive objectives as a result of the effects of
urban run-off.
Northern Outfall Sewer
Key points:
 Most rivers in the Thames River Basin are
affected, with the worst impacts in London
and the major cities
 The Combined Sewer Network in London
has limited capacity. There are 57 outfalls
one or more of which operate 50 - 60 days
per year. Each year more than 30 million
cubic metres of sewage are discharged to
the Tideway from the sewage overflows.
 We are failing to meet the Urban Waste
Water Treatment Directive.
What we already do about this
 Promotion of Sustainable Drainage through PPS23 and 25
 Promotion of River Restoration (North and South London Strategies)
 Monitoring in association with various EU Directives (e.g. Urban Waste Water Treatment
Directive, etc.)
 The Government has recently announced that a new sewer will be built between now and
2019 to address the problems of combined sewer overflows in London.
 Inclusion of urban drainage impacts in Catchment Flood Management Strategies
 Advise Regional Spatial Strategies on the impact of forecast housing growth and ensure that
the importance of timely provision of sewage treatment and sewerage infrastructure is
recognised.
Additional measures we can put in place
 Additional monitoring – to confirm sub-catchments with
greatest impact
 Further promotion of sustainable drainage
 Consideration of strategic rainwater storage or reed bed
treatment areas
 Expansion of current river restoration strategies across the
river basin with clearer definitions of timetables, locations,
costs, funding streams and appraisal techniques.
 Greater use of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems as
part of new developments and retrofitting where feasible.
 Clarity on areas where sustainable drainage is not
desirable
 The ability to factor the effect of climate change into sewer
design
 Education campaigns
 Develop Codes of Practice with key sectors.
 Long term water quality planning leading to a greater ability
to plan for growth.
 Adoption of the Mayor’s Drain London Proposal
 New General Binding Rules for activities that contribute to
urban diffuse pollution
Sectors involved
 Local Authorities
 Water Industry
 Flood Risk Management
 Road, Air & Rail Transport
 Industry
 Regulators
2.6. Impact of non-native invasive species (Alien species)
Significant water management issues: Abstraction and other artificial flow pressures;
Alien species; Recreation.
The term 'invasive non-native species' (INNS) is applied to a variety of plants and
animals that have been introduced to the UK from outside their natural range and
whose spread threatens our native biodiversity. In terms of the Water Framework
Directive, we are specifically interested in those species that are likely to cause
significant harm to our aquatic ecosystems.
Although the impact of any INNS is species specific, they can cause significant
disruption to ecosystems and drive particular native species to the point of extinction.
This is both a national and international problem, as some of our native species
which are vulnerable to INNS have their global stronghold in the UK e.g. whiteclawed crayfish are designated as globally threatened. Specific problems from INNS
in the Thames River Basin include:
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alteration of the physical and chemical aspects of habitats e.g. mitten crabs
out-competing native populations of plants and animals e.g. Japanese knotweed;
predation of native plants and animals e.g. mink on water vole and grass carp on
aquatic weed;
carrying parasites and diseases which native species have little or no immunity
e.g. signal crayfish carry crayfish plague;
hybridising with native species; e.g. goldfish with Crucian carp
blocking wildlife corridors, preventing the movement of native species e.g.
floating pennywort.
NNIS now form a real and increasing danger to our natural ecosystems and our
fulfilment of the Water Framework Directive.
Where does it occur
 56% of rivers and 11% of lakes are
impacted by the presence on non-native
species
 These species occur right across the basin,
although not all species are present in all
catchments.
 Currently there are 16 main invasive species
in the RBD that warrant consideration
because of their impact on the aquatic
environment.
 95% of watercourses and many still waters
contain signal crayfish and up to 5% of
water bodies have other non-native crayfish.
 Chinese Mitten crabs are found extensively
in the Thames tideway and lower freshwater
reaches of the main river and local
tributaries.
 10% of rivers are known to support zander
populations; these are predominantly found
the River Lee and lower reaches of the main
river Thames and smaller tributaries, for
example the Mole.
Floating pennywort
Hydrocotyle ranunculoides
What we already do about this
 The Environment Agency remove non-native species from specific river reaches for flood
defence and health & Safety reasons.
 Some collaborative eradication works are presently on going e.g. mink trapping on the river
Colne tributaries; topmouth gudgeon at Shalford Pond
 Enforcement of Fisheries and Waste legislation e.g. Import Of Live Fish Act (ILFA), Waste
Regulations, Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act, etc.
 Local Research & Development projects include studies of zander populations in the Lee
and the Thames, signal crayfish trapping mapping distribution, density and effects of
trapping; and studies of the impacts of crayfish on the associated aquatic ecology.
 Limited monitoring of species distribution is gathered as part of other monitoring work
 Influence the planning process to promote the use of native species
Additional measures we can put in place
 Monitoring programmes and data management should
facilitate the monitoring, recording and reporting of nonnative species and support early intervention
 Staff from key sectors should be provided with the
appropriate training and recognition materials
 Increase public awareness of the risks posed by invasive
species and the steps that must be take to help prevent
their introduction and spread
 Produce a multifunctional Regional Invasive Species
Action Plan in line with the Agency National Strategy.
 Encourage and support R&D into methods of management
and/or eradication.
 Increase compliance monitoring with existing alien species
legislation, including visiting the major sources of
distribution e.g. garden centres
 Encourage and support local partnerships in tackling
invasive species
 Investigate the possibility of creating commercial fisheries
for suitable species e.g. signal crayfish and mitten crabs.
Sectors involved
 Industry
- Garden Centres
- Aquaculture
- Waste Management
 Flood Risk Management
 Ports
 Fisheries Management
 Other habitat management
 Agriculture
 Environment Agency
 Natural England
2.7. Impact of Point Source Discharges (Point source pollution)
Significant water management issues: Organic pollution; Phosphorus; Urban and
transport pollution; Nitrates; Other pollutants: metals; Sediment; Priority and priority
hazardous substances; Pesticides.
A point discharge is an emission to a water body from a well-defined location (usually
a purpose built outfall) and is often associated with a particular ‘source’ such as a
factory or sewage treatment works. These discharges are often a source of nutrients
(such as nitrate and phosphate). High nutrient concentrations are the main cause of
eutrophication (the enrichment of waters by nutrients causing excess plant/algal
growth) and leads to undesirable effects on the ecology, quality and uses of the
water. The water uses that can be affected include water abstraction, water sports,
angling, wildlife conservation and livestock watering. In standing fresh waters, bluegreen algal blooms can occur; many such blooms are toxic and pose a hazard to
humans involved in water sports and to animals that drink the water.
Significant progress has been made over the past 15 years in nutrient reduction from
point sources as a result of industry investment. Phosphate removal, for example,
was recently funded for 49 of the 349 sewage works in the Thames Water area.
However, it is likely that more will need to be done to meet the aims of the Water
Framework Directive. The treatment processes required to reduce concentrations of
nutrients further are expensive and can have wider environmental impacts, for
instance through the increased use of chemicals and amount of sewage sludge
produced. These negative aspects need to be balanced with the environmental
benefits of extra treatment when planning action.
The types of point source pollution and their impacts have a number of similarities
with ‘diffuse’ pollution (see 2.3)
Aesthetic impacts, such as sewage derived litter, are also a problem and will often be
worse following a storm. The depletion of oxygen during a storm due to the high
organic loads entering a river can also have a dramatic effect and may result in
significant ‘fish kills’ (see 2.5)
Point source discharges are also a major source of potentially toxic chemicals.
Where does it occur
Approximately a third of rivers and half the lakes
in the Thames RBD are at risk from failing
Water Framework Directive objectives as a
result of the effects of point discharge sources
of phosphates, nitrates, pesticides, organic
pollution and urban sources.
Discharge to Meadlake Ditch
Key points:
 38% of rivers impacted by point discharges
of nutrients
 29% of rivers impacted by point discharges
of sanitary determinants
 Combined Sewer Overflows in urban areas
 High phosphate levels in the Bow Brook
only some of which can be linked to the
local sewage treatment works
What we already do about this
 Regulation through Water Resources Act
 Regulation through Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations
 Monitoring in association with various EU Directives (e.g. Urban Waste Water Treatment
Directive, etc.)
Additional measures we can put in place
 Additional monitoring – to confirm emissions or
environmental conditions prior to determining whether
action is necessary
 change or closure in the associated process to reduce the
load or concentration of emissions
 enhanced treatment of the effluent prior to discharge
 redirection of the aquatic effluent to another medium (eg
emission to air or landfill).
 relocation of the discharge
Sectors involved
 Industry:
 Paper, printing and
publishing
 Chemicals
 Gas, electricity and water
 Food, drink & tobacco
 Metals
 Manufacturing
 Rubber & plastics
 Minerals
 Wood and wood products
 Other mining
 Oil & gas extraction
 Fuel refining
 Water Industry
 Private Sewage
Management
 Regulators
3. Consultation questionnaire
Consultation question 1
a) Have we correctly identified the significant water management issues?
Score
Score 1 to 4, where 1 = strongly agree, 2 = agree
3 = disagree, 4 = strongly disagree.
b) What other significant water management issues do you think we should have
identified?
c) What else would you change, and why?
Consultation question 2
a) Have we correctly identified the types of measures and the sectors involved for
each significant water management issue?
Score
Score 1 to 4, where 1 = strongly agree, 2 = agree
3 = disagree, 4 = strongly disagree.
b) What other types of measures not listed in this document do you think we should
consider? For example, actions that you or your organisation could take?
c) What else would you change, and why?