The Wye Management Catchment - · PDF file1 The Wye Management Catchment . Figure 1 - River...

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The Wye Management Catchment

Figure 1 - River Wye downstream of Symonds Yat rock

A summary of information about the water environment in the Wye management catchment

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We are the Environment Agency. We protect and improve the environment and make it a better place for people and wildlife. We operate at the place where environmental change has its greatest impact on people’s lives. We reduce the risks to people and properties from flooding; make sure there is enough water for people and wildlife; protect and improve air, land and water quality and apply the environmental standards within which industry can operate. Acting to reduce climate change and helping people and wildlife adapt to its consequences are at the heart of all that we do. We cannot do this alone. We work closely with a wide range of partners including government, business, local councils, other agencies, civil society groups and the communities we serve. We have worked closely with Natural Resources Wales to produce this catchment summary document.

Published by:

Environment Agency Horizon House, Deanery Road, Bristol BS1 5AH Email: [email protected] www.gov.uk/environment-agency © Environment Agency 2014 All rights reserved. This document may be reproduced with prior permission of the Environment Agency.

Further copies of this report are available on the e-consultation tool: www.gov.uk/government/consultations/update-to-the-draft-river-basin-management-plans and via our National Customer Contact Centre: T: 03708 506506 Email: [email protected].

mailto:[email protected]


http://www.gov.uk/environment-agency

http://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/update-to-the-draft-river-basin-management-plans



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Contents The Wye Management Catchment ............................................................................. 1

Contents ..................................................................................................................... 3

1 Your views count.................................................................................................. 4

2 The Wye Management Catchment ...................................................................... 7

2.1 Protected areas ............................................................................................. 8

2.2 Status of waters ............................................................................................. 9

2.3 Improvements to how water bodies are assessed ....................................... 10

2.4 Investigating the water environment in the Wye management catchment ... 11

2.5 Challenges and choices consultation 2013 ................................................. 12

2.6 Taking action in partnership......................................................................... 13

2.7 Measures that could improve the water environment .................................. 15

2.8 Economic appraisal and environmental assessment of measures to improve the water environment ................................................................................. 16

2.9 Proposed long term objectives .................................................................... 17

2.10 Links to other management plans ................................................................ 17

3 Operational catchments ..................................................................................... 19

3.1 Arrow, Lugg and Frome Operational Catchment ......................................... 19

3.2 Monnow Operational Catchment ................................................................. 26

3.3 Wye Operational Catchment ........................................................................ 33

3.4 Wye Secondary Devonian (Old Red Sandstone) Operational Catchment ... 40

3.5 Irfon Operational Catchment ........................................................................ 46

3.6 Ithon Operational Catchment ....................................................................... 51

3.7 Trothy Operational Catchment ..................................................................... 56

3.8 Wye H and W - Ithon to Hay Operational Catchment .................................. 60

3.9 Wye H and W U S Ithon Operational Catchment ......................................... 65

3.10 Lugg (Wales) Operational Catchment ......................................................... 70

3.11 Wye H and W D S Lugg Operational Catchment ......................................... 75

3.12 Usk and Wye Southern Carboniferous Limestone Operational Catchment . 79

3.13 Wye Uplands Lower Palaeozoic Operational Catchment ............................ 82

4 What do you think? ............................................................................................ 85

4.1 How to respond ........................................................................................... 85

4.2 What the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales will use the responses for ............................................................................................... 86

4.3 How the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales will use your information ................................................................................................... 86

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1 Your views count Water is essential for life. It allows the natural environment to flourish, and businesses, agriculture and the economy to grow and prosper. The water environment provides many different benefits to society - from supplying drinking water and supporting fisheries to providing an essential resource for business and agriculture, transport routes and a source of recreation that promotes wellbeing. It is critical that this precious resource is managed properly to ensure that the needs of society, the economy and wildlife can be met and maintained in the long-term. Building on years of progress, the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales have worked with a range of partners over the past two years to agree what the main problems are, that are stopping there being a healthy water environment in the Wye, and how it should work with others to address them. The consultations, Working Together and Challenges and choices, have helped inform this final step in updating the river basin management plan for the Severn River Basin District. The ‘Challenges and choices’ consultation set out what the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales had identified as the significant issues facing the water environment. The significant issues were identified using a broad range of information, including the results of investigations, the agreed “reasons for not achieving good status” (previously called reasons for failure) across each catchment and more. We asked if you agreed with these significant issues. The majority of you did but you also raised additional local issues, which will take time to work through with catchment partnerships, to help shape the final river basin management plan. This catchment summary is a support document for the consultation on the draft update to the river basin management plan and for the Catchment Partnerships. It will help you to understand progress with the river basin management planning process so far, at a more local scale. This includes some initial economic appraisal to identify what actions are most cost beneficial. By understanding this information and letting the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales know what you think, you have an opportunity to influence the decisions about what actions will be taken over the next six years, to improve the health of your water environment. The Catchment Based Approach (CaBA) is a Government policy framework that empowers local action to improve the water environment through community partnerships. A renewed focus on the catchment based approach has led to new Catchment Partnerships being set up to drive local delivery. More information is available in the “Taking action in partnership” section or you can contact the CaBA National Support Group:

• www.catchmentbasedapproach.org • Email: [email protected]

The partnerships are working on a wide range of issues, including the water environment but also address other concerns that are not directly related to river basin management planning. The information in this document will inform the work of

http://www.catchmentbasedapproach.org/


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the Wye Catchment Partnership in developing their vision, aims and priorities; it is not intended to duplicate or overarch the important local work. To view the consultation on the update to the Severn River Basin Management Plan, please visit: https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/portal/ho/wfd/draft_plans/consult?pointId=s1405417965041#section-s1405417965041. This is a public consultation and we, the Environment Agency, welcome everyone's views. Figure 2 shows the location of the Wye management catchment within the Severn River Basin District. To help you get the most out of the information provided within this catchment summary, we have provided a glossary to explain some of the terms that are used. The glossary can be found on the e-consultation web pages. There are many ways to respond to this consultation (see How to respond for more details), but if you have any difficulties please call our National Customer Contact Centre on 03708 506 506 or email [email protected]. This consultation runs from October 2014 to April 2015. We will issue a response document in summer 2015. This will summarise the comments we received and what will happen as a result. The updated Severn River Basin Management Plan will be published in December 2015, following approval by the Secretary of State and Welsh Minister.

http://ea.objective.co.uk/portal/ho/wfd/draft_plans/consult?pointId=s1405417965041#section-s1405417965041




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Figure 2 - Map of the Severn river basin district and the management catchments within it

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2 The Wye Management Catchment

Figure 3 - Map of the Wye management catchment and the operational catchments within it

The River Wye drains a large catchment comprising a rich and varied landscape spanning the Welsh and English borders. It rises at Plynlimon and flows south easterly through Hereford and Monmouth to discharge into the Severn Estuary at Chepstow. The Wye is rich in wildlife with a variety of habitats, being recognised as

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such as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

Land is predominantly used for agriculture, with the uplands focusing on pastoral farming. The lowlands have higher quality soils that, together with improvements to irrigation, support a variety of arable, soft fruit, dairy, beef and poultry. Pollution from rural sources, particularly phosphate, nitrates and sediment, are the most significant threat to wildlife and plants in the Wye Catchment. In addition, there are high levels of nitrates in underground water in large parts of rural Herefordshire. Large quantities of water are taken for public water supply and irrigation.

The River Wye is a well-established and nationally significant rod fishery for salmon, brown trout, grayling and coarse fish. The River Wye and its tributary the River Lugg is also highly valued for recreation and navigation.

The Wye management catchment has been divided into 10 operational catchments across England and Wales. The operational catchments have distinct characteristics and pressures, and require a different mix of measures to achieve long-term objectives for the water environment and reduce the risks of flooding.

The Wye Catchment Partnership is well established and active, developing projects to improve the catchment. This partnership is supported by the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales.

There are some issues with the numbers of water bodies shown in the reasons for not achieving good status (RFNAGS) graphs. The reason for this is that while we are still in cycle 1 of WFD, we are currently working on a new water body network for cycle 2. This new network has been used to create the consultation documents; however we are still reviewing these relationships and expect these to change between now and the final updated river basin management plan for cycle 2.

2.1 Protected areas There are areas in the catchment where the water environment is recognised as being of particular importance because of the benefits they provide to society. These benefits include rare wildlife habitats, bathing waters or areas around drinking water sources. These areas are known collectively as ‘Protected areas’. Protected areas are a priority for action and protection to make sure we can all continue to enjoy the benefits they provide into the future, and that the investment that has already been made in protecting them is not wasted. Whether a particular part of the water environment is protected or not, we still assess its status every year to understand whether it is healthy or not and whether it’s getting better or worse. Some areas require special protection under European legislation. These designations are designed to manage water, nutrients, chemicals, economically significant species, and wildlife. The management of these areas has been integrated into the overall framework of river basin planning.

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The table below shows the number of the different types of protected areas in the Wye catchment, and whether they are complying with the standards that are set out for their protection. Protected area type

Numbers Number compliant

Bathing Waters 0 0 Drinking Waters 2 2 Shellfish Waters 0 0 Urban Wastewater Treatment 1 1 More information can be found about protected areas, including how compliance is assessed, in the river basin management planning annex: http://ea.objective.co.uk/file/3078877.

2.2 Status of waters In 2009 this catchment was divided up into 135 river water bodies, 8 lakes, 0 surface water transfers, 1 estuaries & coastal waters and 2 groundwater bodies. We are proposing some changes to the way the catchment is divided up, which are described in more detail below. In 2009 35% of water bodies were classified at Good Ecological Status (GES) or better. Additional classification information by water body type can be found here: http://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning/. Figure 4 shows the classification for the catchment’s surface waters in 2009, when the first river basin management plan was published, and the most recent (2013) status.

Figure 4 - Chart showing the classification of all water bodies in the Wye catchment in cycle 1

http://ea.objective.co.uk/file/3078877

http://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning/

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This consultation is concerned with the health of all the water in the Wye catchment, both surface water and groundwater. The Wye catchment includes the Wye Secondary Devonian Old Red Sandstone (ORS) groundwater body and part of the Severn Vale/Wye Carboniferous Limestone, Forest of Dean North groundwater body. Information on groundwater bodies has not been included within this catchment summary where these water bodies are currently achieving good status. The groundwater bodies are designated as Drinking Water Protected Areas (DWPA) and are used by water companies, private domestic and agricultural abstractors for potable and commercial water supply. The majority of the Source Protection Zones in this catchment are associated with food and drink manufacturing and water bottling. The Devonian ORS Groundwater body has been classified as poor overall with a poor chemical status and a good quantitative status. The Severn Vale/ Wye - Carboniferous Limestone Forest of Dean has been classified as good overall with a good chemical status and a good quantitative status. A number of groundwater supplies from the Old Red Sandstone have had to be abandoned due to high nitrates. High concentrations are present, with rising trends, reducing the future potable use of the aquifer. Associated rivers may start to show quality impacts leading to drop in status. The risk will be managed through nutrient management campaign work in the catchment, although due to large unsaturated zone depths, there will be a delay before any improvements will be seen.

2.3 Improvements to how water bodies are assessed Improvements have been made to the way water bodies are defined and classified since the plans were published in 2009. Subject to consultation, the changes will be adopted when the updated plans are published in 2015. You can find more information about these improvements in the ‘River Basin Management Planning Annex’ at: http://ea.objective.co.uk/file/3078877. The table below shows the status of the different kinds of water bodies in the management catchment based on these new approaches. Management Catchment

Numbers of water bodies at each status or potential in 2013 (using new building blocks)

Water body type

High Good Moderate Poor Bad

Rivers & Canals (including Surface Water Transfers)

2 57 45 24 1

Lakes

0 3 3 2 0

Estuaries and Coastal 0 0 1 0 0


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Management Catchment

Numbers of water bodies at each status or potential in 2013 (using new building blocks)

waters Ground waters

- 1 - 2 -

Invasive non-native species (INNS) are likely to cause a drop in the ecological status of many of our water bodies. Their ability to spread rapidly means that prevention is the most cost effective solution. It is critical that we follow the principles of good biosecurity as outlined in the Check, Clean, Dry campaign, and work with partners to promote this message. All actions to control and manage INNS should follow the national measures in the RBMP and fit within the GB INNS strategy.

2.4 Investigating the water environment in the Wye management catchment

Since the initial assessment of status was made, the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales and their partners have been working to understand the reasons for not achieving good status. Since 2009, the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales have carried out 341 investigations in the Wye catchment. These have helped to determine the reasons why water bodies are failing and the likely causes. The most significant issue contributing towards reasons for not achieving good status in the Wye catchment is diffuse pollution. Sewage discharges and physical modifications, mainly weirs, also contribute to the reasons for not achieving good status. Key sectors where further collaboration is required include agriculture and the water industry.

http://www.nonnativespecies.org/checkcleandry/index.cfm

http://www.nonnativespecies.org/index.cfm?sectionid=55

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Figure 5 - Chart showing the confirmed reasons for not achieving good status of water bodies in the Wye catchment by type and source sector

All reasons for not achieving good status data are available on the catchment data explorer.

2.5 Challenges and choices consultation 2013 In 2013, through the ‘Challenges and choices’ consultation, the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales asked for your views on:

• The significant issues that are limiting the benefits society obtains from the water environment (the challenges) and

• The best way to address these issues and what should be done first (the choices).

In the Wye catchment, the majority of responses received highlighted rural diffuse pollution, particularly relating to phosphate, nitrate and sediment, as a key issue for the catchment. Physical modification and water abstraction were also raised as significant issues in parts of the catchment. Consultees recognised the challenges of addressing these issues in a cross border catchment, but highlighted the need for a consistent approach from all involved in its management. Responders encouraged the use of the catchment based approach, and the adoption of schemes to promote changes to land management practices.

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For further information on the responses submitted during the ‘Challenges and choices’ consultation, please see the consultation response document here: https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/portal/ho/wfd/water/choices.

2.6 Taking action in partnership In June 2013, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) published a policy framework to encourage the wider adoption of an integrated Catchment Based Approach in England to improve the quality of the water environment, which incorporated findings from the pilot phase. The objectives for the Catchment Based Approach are:

• To deliver positive and sustained outcomes for the water environment by promoting a better understanding of the environment at a local level; and

• To encourage local collaboration and more transparent decision-making when both planning and delivering activities to improve the water environment.

Adopting the approach will promote the development of more appropriate river basin management plans (which underpin the delivery of the objectives of the Water Framework Directive) but will also provide a platform for engagement, discussion and decisions of much wider benefits including tackling diffuse agricultural and urban pollution, and widespread, historical alterations to the natural form of channels. The Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales are members of the Wye Catchment Partnership, who are developing a plan to enhance the catchment. This summary has been informed by the Partnership, both formally through the ‘Challenges and choices’ consultation and through the ongoing work to develop measures to protect and improve the water environment. As well as shaping the updates to the river basin management plan, the results of this consultation will be used to inform the work of the Partnership. During the first cycle of the river basin management plan, a range of partners have been working to improve and protect the water environment. Some of the projects, and their costs, undertaken by all partners who received Defra funding during the first cycle, are shown in Figure 7 (please note this does not currently include information for funding in Wales). There will have been many other projects and works undertaken, but this gives an indication of the range of schemes carried out. Projects may cover multiple water bodies, therefore whole project costs within each catchment will be counted for each catchment, and not the proportion within the catchment.

https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/portal/ho/wfd/water/choices

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Figure 6 - Chart showing the money spent on Environment Programme projects in water bodies in the Wye catchment by project type

Figure 7 - Chart showing the money spent on Environment Programme projects in water bodies in the Wye catchment by organisation type

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Investment in the environment in the Wye catchment since 2009 has addressed issues such as nutrient management, invasive species and habitat degradation. Much of this work has focused around farm advisory visits and habitat restoration. The Wye now has a nutrient management plan in place: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nutrient-management-plan-river-wye This plan is divided into three parts and looks at the evidence and supporting information (part one), and options appraisal (part two). Part 3 of the plan is currently being prepared which will consider potential actions that could be put in place to achieve Favourable condition of the Wye Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

2.7 Measures that could improve the water environment Where a failure has been identified, a range of measures have been assessed that would be needed to improve the status of water bodies. The Environment Agency and Natural Rresources Wales have made an assessment of the measures needed to achieve positive benefits for the water environment and society. The measures have been grouped together to ensure the cummulative ‘catchment’ effect is considered. Where possible, climate resilient measures have been chosen. However it is considered unlikely that the measures will be sufficient to address all impacts of climate change and we will be assessing the likely gaps before the publication of the updated river basin management plans: http://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/update-to-the-draft-river-basin-management-plans. As well as the measures needed to improve the status of water bodies, other measures are needed to:

• Protect or improve ‘protected areas’ within the operational catchment • Prevent water bodies deteriorating from their current status.

Some of these measures will benefit more than one water body or catchment and some are very specific. The cumulative effect and benefits of measures for the operational catchment have been considered. The measures proposed for this catchment are:

Improve modified physical habitats • Removal or easement of barriers to fish migration

• Removal or modification of engineering structure

• Improvement to condition of channel/bed and/or banks/shoreline

• Improvement to condition of riparian zone and /or wetland habitats

• Vegetation management

Managing pollution from waste water • Mitigate/remediate point source impacts on receptor

Manage pollution from towns, cities and transport • Reduce diffuse pollution at source

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nutrient-management-plan-river-wye



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• Mitigate/remediate diffuse pollution impacts on the receptor

Improve the natural flow and level of water • Improvement to condition of channel/bed and/or banks/shoreline

• Use alternative source/relocate abstraction or discharge

Manage invasive non-native species • Building awareness and understanding (to slow the spread)

• Mitigation, control and eradication (to reduce extent)

Manage pollution from rural areas • Reduce diffuse pollution at source

• Reduce diffuse pollution pathways (i.e. control entry to water environment)


Manage pollution from mines • Mitigate/Remediate point source impacts on receptor

If the measures put forward in these plans do not deliver the necessary objectives for protected areas (Habitats Regulations for the Lugg/Wye) then additional regulatory measures, for example Water Protection Zones, may be required within this catchment.

2.8 Economic appraisal and environmental assessment of measures to improve the water environment

The benefits that measures will bring to society, along with the cost and any disbenefits (negative impacts) of implementing them, have been assessed in economic appraisals. The appraisals aim to identify whether the measures needed to improve the water environment are cost beneficial, in other words, the benefits are greater than the costs. The effects of the measures on the wider environment are also considered, which helps to inform the environmental assessment. The results of the appraisals will help to decide if it is economically, environmentally and socially worthwhile to implement the measures. Environmental and socio-economic benefits and disbenefits (negative impacts) are considered in the economic appraisals. A monetary value has been assigned to some benefits. For surface waters, this is based on society’s willingness to pay for improvements in the water environment1. For ground waters, values used have been ‘transferred’ from other detailed economic studies2. Other benefits and disbenefits which have not been monetised have been identified and form part of the overall appraisal results. 1Willingness to pay values used are from The Environment Agency’s National Water Environment Benefits Survey (2007, updated 2012). 2 ‘Benefits transfer’ is a recognised way of using benefit values from existing academic studies and surveys. Other benefits which have not been monetised have been identified and form part of the overall economic appraisal results.

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The majority of the costs of measures, assessed in the economic appraisals carried out, are estimates. Costs are from local and national sources, and are based on previous experience of implementing similar measures. Where more accurate, local cost information is available, this has been used in place of national estimates. The economic appraisals have been carried out at the operational catchment scale. If the group of measures to improve all water bodies in the catchment to good status is not considered to be cost beneficial (so the cost outweighs the benefits), or would have significant adverse effects on the wider environment, an alternative group of measures to achieve the most for the water environment has been appraised. Assessing the costs and benefits of improving our water environment is an ongoing process and economic appraisals will need to be updated as new and better information becomes available. Your responses to this consultation will help us gather more and better information about the costs and benefits of the measures needed. The economic appraisals we’ve carried out will be refined before the updated Severn River Basin Management Plan is published. For more information on the approach taken for catchment economic appraisals and environmental assessment, please see the updated Severn River Basin Management Plan https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/portal/ho/wfd/draft_plans/consult?pointId=s1405417965041#section-s1405417965041. An economic appraisal has not been fully completed for this management catchment. The measures to improve the water environment in this catchment maybe cost beneficial but further refining of the appraisal is needed and will be done before the updated Severn River Basin Management Plan is published. Measures proposed in the catchment are to ensure there is no drop in status from the current status of the water environment and to improve or maintain protected areas only.

2.9 Proposed long term objectives In the consultation, we ask for your views on the proposed long term objectives for the water environment, based on preventing drop in status and delivering all improvements which are technically feasible and worthwhile, based on economic appraisal. In the following operational catchment sections, we look at the possible scale of improvement which could happen in the second cycle, based on current knowledge of plans and actions.

2.10 Links to other management plans Achieving the long term objectives for the water environment will require a coordinated approach to making improvements across a number of different planning processes. The Strategic Environmental Assessment Environment Report




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considers the full range of plans that are relevant to the Severn River Basin District and it’s catchments. To see this report go to: http://ea.objective.co.uk/file/3078967. One of the most important links relates to the way flood risks are managed in the catchment. Over the next two years, the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales will be undertaking considerable planning work, culminating in the publication of the updated river basin management plans (RBMPs) and the flood risk management plans (FRMPs). Together, these plans will shape important decisions, direct considerable investment and action, and deliver significant benefits to society and the environment. The two planning processes are working to common river basin district (RBD) boundaries and many key stakeholders have an interest in both. As the plans themselves and the supporting documents/data-sets are complex, we have decided not to integrate them into a single set of consultation documents. Instead we will coordinate the engagement around the planning processes, promoting them together, cross-referencing, and explaining how they relate to each other. We believe this is the best way to make it easy for you to participate in either, or both, consultations. The flood risk management plan consultation coincides with the launch of this consultation. It includes the measures proposed to manage flood risk, and can be found at: www.gov.uk/government/consultations/draft-flood-risk-management-plans


http://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/draft-flood-risk-management-plans

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3 Operational catchments The following sections give an overview of the current state of the water environment in each of the operational catchments; the reasons for not achieving good status; and the measures being proposed to protect and improve the health of the water.

3.1 Arrow, Lugg and Frome Operational Catchment

Figure 8 - River Lugg catchment below Leominster

The Arrow, Lugg and Frome are rural catchments with mixed agricultural land use consisting of livestock, arable and horticulture. The Arrow and Lugg originate in Wales and with the Frome join the Wye below Hereford. This operational catchment relates to England and should be read together with the Lugg Operational Catchment in Wales. The majority of the catchment is within a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone. The Lugg is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and also a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) below Leominster and includes some drinking water protected areas. The rivers support the rural economy and local communities providing water for irrigation, industry and drinking water.

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Figure 9 - Map of the Arrow, Lugg and Frome operational catchment

There are 27 river, 0 lake, 0 estuarine & coastal waters and 0 groundwater bodies in this catchment. The status (health) of the water environment in 2009 was assessed as being generally moderate. In 2014, the status of the water environment had not deteriorated. It can take five to ten years for the positive benefits of actions to be reflected in the ecological status. Our current analysis suggests that 74% of the water bodies in the Arrow, Lugg and Frome catchment should have a long term objective of achieving good status, as shown in Figure 11.

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Figure 10 - Chart showing the classification of all water bodies in the Arrow, Lugg and Frome catchment in cycle 1

For more information on the changes since cycle 1, please see section 4.3 ‘Changes since first cycle (new building blocks)’ within Part 2 (technical annex) of the RBMPs. (http://ea.objective.co.uk/file/3078877)

Figure 11 - Chart showing the classification and long term objectives of all water bodies in the Arrow, Lugg and Frome catchment in cycle 2


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Since 2009, investigations in this catchment have helped to determine the reasons why water bodies are not achieving good status, and the likely causes. These are shown in Figure 12 below.

Figure 12 - Chart showing the confirmed reasons for not achieving good status of water bodies in the Arrow, Lugg and Frome catchment by type and source sector

Measures to improve the water environment have been assessed. Some of these measures will benefit more than one water body or catchment and some are very specific. The cumulative effect and benefits of measures for the operational catchment have been considered. The measures proposed for this catchment are shown in the table below:






Improve the natural flow and level of water • Improvement to condition of channel/bed and/or banks/shoreline



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The main types of measures within the catchment are to address diffuse and point source pollution. There are a small number of measures for flow and physical modification. All of these measures are considered to be needed to improve the water environment to as near to good status as practicable. The costs and benefits of the measures have been considered in the catchment economic appraisal, results of which are shown below. The Wye Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Nutrient Management Plan has been developed and is currently out for consultation. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nutrient-management-plan-river-wye Some of the measures to address diffuse agricultural pollution in this surface water operational catchment, will also address some of the diffuse agricultural pollution issues present in the corresponding groundwater catchment. You can find out more detail on the status and long term objectives by using the Catchment Data Explorer tool at: http://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning/.

3.1.1 Arrow, Lugg and Frome catchment economic appraisal and environmental assessment

An economic appraisal has not been fully completed for this catchment. The measures to improve the water environment in this catchment maybe cost beneficial but further refining of the appraisal is needed and will be done before the updated Severn River Basin Management Plan is published. Measures proposed in the catchment are to ensure there is no drop in status from the current status of the water environment and to improve or maintain protected areas only. The main River Wye is designated a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and is currently deemed to be in unfavourable condition due to phosphates below Hereford. The River Lugg is also designated a SAC and also currently deemed to be in unfavourable condition due to phosphates. The Rivers Arrow and Frome flow into the Lugg and therefore contribute to phosphate levels within both the Lugg and also the Wye where it joins below Hereford. There are a significant number of measures within the Wye, Lugg, Arrow and Frome Water body Action Plans that will, in combination, contribute to both good water body status and favourable status for phosphate (these measures are broadly similar). In order to achieve favourable status objectives in the lower Wye and Lugg we will need to ensure all other relevant




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measures are included in the catchment and will therefore not be subject to cost benefit analysis.

Benefits and costs of implementing the measures proposed for this catchment3 Ecosystem Service Benefits and disbenefits to society

Description Positive or negative impact ˄˄: very positive ˄: positive 0: neutral ˅: negative ˅˅: very negative

Erosion regulation

Buffer strips and improvements to the condition of riverbanks will help to keep our precious soils where we need them rather than them being washed away when it rains.

˄

Freshwater

Improvements to water treatment and restrictions on groundwater abstraction should improve river flows and will increase the enjoyment of the water environment for local communities and improve habitats for wildlife. The farming community will also benefit from an increase in surface water availability.

˄

Food An increase in winter storage reservoirs will improve food production and security in the drier summer months. Society will benefit from increase in local seasonal vegetable.

˄

Water regulation

The use of SUDS and river buffer zones will help hold water back in the catchment and therefore help to reduce runoff and flood risk. Local communities and businesses will benefit from reduced flood risk. There may be some short term disbenefits felt by farmers and developers when work is needed on their land to implement the measures. In the long-term they will benefit from reduced flooding, soil and nutrient loss.

˄˄

Provision of habitat

Buffer strips, improvements to the condition of riverbanks and the creation of fish passes will result in improved habitat for wildlife, and increase the sustainability of fish populations. Benefits to society will include an increase in angling opportunities and

˄

3Improving the water environment has wider benefits than those we have been able to monetise in the appraisals. We have

identified these using wider benefits. An ecosystem service is a ‘service’ that the natural environment provides that improves our quality of life.

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Ecosystem Service Benefits and disbenefits to society

general enjoyment of the spending time by the river.

Recreation and tourism

Improvements to the water quality will make the river an enjoyable place to visit. More visitors to the local area benefiting local business, community and tourists from the increased appeal of the catchment.

˄˄

Aesthetic value

Benefits will be felt by local communities, tourists and local recreation businesses from the environment becoming more attractive.

˄

3.1.2 Possible scale of improvement for the Arrow, Lugg and Frome operational catchment

The information presented so far has focused on the proposed long term objectives for the water environment, based on preventing drop in status and delivering all improvements which are technically feasible and worthwhile. This section focuses on the possible scale of improvement which could happen in the period to 2021, based on current knowledge of plans and actions. In this operational catchment: Have measures been implemented (or are secured for 2014-15) that will deliver improvements that have not yet been reflected in classification results? E.g. Catchment Sensitive Farming, Catchment Restoration Fund Projects

Yes

Are there measures planned to deliver Protected Area objectives that will also contribute to improvements in water body status?

Yes

Has this operational catchment been identified in water company draft business plans as an area for improvement?

Yes

Has this operational catchment been identified as a priority for action under the new environmental land management schemes (NELMS)?

Yes

Have the local catchment partnership identified measures they are likely to secure funding for which will bring about improvement within the 2nd cycle?

Yes

Are any additional improvement measures included in Environment Agency or other statutory plans?

Yes

Based on our understanding of the information above, and our catchment knowledge, we have high confidence that this operational catchment will see an improvement towards the proposed long term objectives by 2021.

26

3.2 Monnow Operational Catchment

Figure 13 - River Monnow at Monmouth

The River Monnow is the Wales England border for the majority of it’s length. The river and it’s tributaries drain the Black Mountains and join the River Wye at Monmouth. It is a rural area, agriculture dominates with arable, dairy and sheep farms on generally sandy silty soils prone to erosion. Monmouth is the only town; however there are a few sizeable villages, which include Peterchurch, Ewyas Harold, Pontrillas and Michealchurch Escley.

27

Figure 14 - Map of the Monnow operational catchment

There are 10 river, 0 lake, 0 estuarine & coastal waters and 0 groundwater bodies in this catchment. The status (health) of the water environment in 2009 was assessed as being generally moderate. In 2014, the status of the water environment had not deteriorated and was showing encouraging signs of improvement. It can take five to ten years for the positive benefits of actions to be reflected in the ecological status. Our current analysis suggests that 80% of the water bodies in the Monnow catchment should have a long term objective of achieving good status, as shown in Figure 16.

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Figure 15 - Chart showing the classification of all water bodies in the Monnow catchment in cycle 1


Figure 16 - Chart showing the classification and long term objectives of all water bodies in the Monnow catchment in cycle 2


29


Figure 17 - Chart showing the confirmed reasons for not achieving good status of water bodies in the Monnow catchment by type and source sector









Improve the natural flow and level of water • Use alternative source/relocate abstraction or discharge

30






The main types of measures within the catchment are to address diffuse and point source pollution. The Wye Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Nutrient Management Plan has been developed and is currently out for consultation. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nutrient-management-plan-river-wye Some of the measures to address diffuse agricultural pollution in this surface water operational catchment, will also address some of the diffuse agricultural pollution issues present in the corresponding groundwater catchment. All of these measures are considered to be needed to improve the water environment to as near to good status as practicable. The costs and benefits of the measures have been considered in the catchment economic appraisal, results of which are shown below. You can find out more detail on the status and long term objectives by using the Catchment Data Explorer tool at: http://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning/. You can find out more detail on the classification status, reasons for not achieving good status and summary reports of water bodies in Wales at: http://waterwatchwales.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk/en/

3.2.1 Monnow catchment economic appraisal and environmental assessment

An economic appraisal has not been fully completed for this catchment. The measures to improve the water environment in this catchment maybe cost beneficial but further refining of the appraisal is needed and will be done before the updated Severn River Basin Management Plan is published. Measures proposed in the catchment are to ensure there is no drop in status from the current status of the water environment and to improve or maintain protected areas only.




http://waterwatchwales.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk/en/map.html?webmap=689b2f9e099248a58e654dff105dabab


31



Erosion regulation


˄

Freshwater


˄


˄

Water regulation


˄˄


Buffer strips, improvements to the condition of riverbanks and the creation of fish passes will result in improved habitat for wildlife, and increase the sustainability of fish populations. Benefits to society will include an increase in angling opportunities and general enjoyment of the spending time by the river.

˄



32



Improvements to the water quality will make the river a nicer place to visit. More visitors to the local area benefiting local business, community and tourists from the increased appeal of the catchment.

˄˄

Aesthetic value


˄

3.2.2 Possible scale of improvement for the Monnow operational catchment


Yes


Yes


Yes


Yes


Yes


Yes


33

3.3 Wye Operational Catchment

Figure 18 - River Wye at Ross-on-Wye

The Lower Wye flows from Glasbury in Wales down through Herefordshire, Monmouthshire and Gloucestershire and joins the Severn Estuary at Chepstow. This is mainly a rural area, with mixed agricultural land use consisting of livestock, arable and horticulture. The river is designated a Special Area of Conservation in recognition of its rich ecology and near natural state. The river below the village of Mordiford is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty due to its picturesque landscape. The river supports the economy and local communities providing water for irrigation, industry, drinking water and is a major feature for encouraging tourism.

34

Figure 19 - Map of the Wye operational catchment

There are 20 rivers, 0 lakes, 1 estuarine water body and 0 groundwater bodies in this catchment. The status (health) of the water environment in 2009 was assessed as being generally moderate. In 2014, the status of the water environment had not deteriorated and was showing encouraging signs of improvement. It can take five to ten years for the positive benefits of actions to be reflected in the ecological status. Our current analysis suggests that 71% of the water bodies in the Wye catchment should have a long term objective of achieving good status, as shown in Figure 21.

35

Figure 20 - Chart showing the classification of all water bodies in the Wye catchment in cycle 1


Figure 21 - Chart showing the classification and long term objectives of all water bodies in the Wye catchment in cycle 2


36


Figure 22 - Chart showing the confirmed reasons for not achieving good status of water bodies in the Wye catchment by type and source sector







Improve the natural flow and level of water • Use alternative source/relocate abstraction or discharge



37



The main types of measures within the catchment are to address diffuse and point source pollution. There are also a number of measures for flow and physical modification. The Wye Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Nutrient Management Plan has been developed and is currently out for consultation. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nutrient-management-plan-river-wye Some of the measures to address diffuse agricultural pollution in this surface water operational catchment, will also address some of the diffuse agricultural pollution issues present in the corresponding groundwater catchment. All of these measures are considered to be needed to improve the water environment to as near to good status as practicable. The costs and benefits of the measures have been considered in the catchment economic appraisal, results of which are shown below. You can find out more detail on the status and long term objectives by using the Catchment Data Explorer tool at: http://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning/.

3.3.1 Wye catchment economic appraisal and environmental assessment

An economic appraisal has not been fully completed for this catchment. The measures to improve the water environment in this catchment maybe cost beneficial but further refining of the appraisal is needed and will be done before the updated Severn River Basin Management Plan is published. Measures proposed in the catchment are to ensure there is no drop in status from the current status of the water environment and to improve or maintain Protected Areas only. The main River Wye is designated a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and is currently deemed to be in unfavourable condition due to phosphates below Hereford. The River Lugg is also designated a SAC and also currently deemed to be in unfavourable condition due to phosphates. The Rivers Arrow and Frome flow into the Lugg and therefore contribute to phosphate levels within both the Lugg and also the Wye where it joins below Hereford. There are a significant number of measures within the Wye , Lugg, Arrow and Frome Water body Action Plans that will, in combination, contribute to both good water body status and favourable status for phosphate (these measures are broadly similar). In order to achieve favourable status objectives in the lower Wye and Lugg we will need to ensure all other relevant




38

measures are included in the catchment and will therefore not be subject to cost benefit analysis.



Erosion regulation


˄

Freshwater


˄


˄

Water regulation


˄˄


Buffer strips, improvements to the condition of riverbanks and the creation of fish passes will result in improved habitat for wildlife, and increase the sustainability of fish populations. Benefits to society will include an increase in angling opportunities and general enjoyment of the spending time by the

˄



39


river.


Improvements to the water quality will make the river a nicer place to visit. More visitors to the local area benefiting local business, community and tourists from the increased appeal of the catchment.

˄˄

Aesthetic value


˄

3.3.2 Possible scale of improvement for the Wye operational catchment


Yes


Yes


Yes


Yes


Yes


Yes


40

3.4 Wye Secondary Devonian (Old Red Sandstone) Operational Catchment

Figure 23 - Goodrich Castle next to the River Wye. The castle is made of old red sandstone.

The Wye Secondary Devonian ORS is a Secondary aquifer and a DWPA. Groundwater flow is largely influenced by topography and drainage. Permeability is limited due to low permeability mudstones, marls and siltstones inter-bedded with the sandstones. The dominant groundwater flow mechanism is via fracture flow and the effective saturated thickness is taken to be 40m, with unsaturated zone depths of around 20m. There are some large Welsh Water and Severn Trent Water Ltd spring and borehole sources, mainly concentrated in the Forest of Dean. About 50% of the groundwater body is covered by a NVZ. The number of water bodies not achieving good status (figure 25 below) is subject to change. As we move from cycle 1 to cycle 2 of the Water Framework Directive assessment, new monitoring information is expected before the final update of the RBMP.

41

Figure 24 - Map of the Wye Secondary Devonian Ors operational catchment

There is 1 groundwater body in this catchment. The status (health) of the water environment in 2009 was assessed as being generally poor. In 2014, the status of the water environment had not deteriorated. It can take five to ten years for the positive benefits of actions to be reflected in the ecological status. Our current analysis suggests that 100% of the water bodies in the Wye Secondary Devonian ORS catchment should have a long term objective of achieving good status, as shown in Figure 25.

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Figure 25 - Chart showing the classification and long term objectives of all water bodies in the Wye Secondary Devonian Ors catchment in cycle 2

For more information on the changes since cycle 1, please see section 4.3 ‘Changes since first cycle (new building blocks)’ within Part 2 (technical annex) of the RBMPs. (http://ea.objective.co.uk/file/3078877) Since 2009, investigations in this catchment have helped to determine the reasons why water bodies are not achieving good status, and the likely causes. Measures to improve the water environment have been assessed. Some of these measures will benefit more than one water body or catchment and some are very specific. The cumulative effect and benefits of measures for the operational catchment have been considered. The measures proposed for this catchment are shown in the table below:


In terms of chemical status, the elevated nitrate concentrations will be managed through nutrient management campaign work. This will include ensuring continued compliance with the Nitrate Directive (Nitrate Vulnerable Zones) and areas with upward trends, working in partnership with Natural England through the New Environmental Land Management Scheme. The measures will also require collaboration with the agricultural community. Due to variable depths to the water table, there may be a delay before any improvements are seen.


43

The chemical status of this groundwater body is ‘poor’. A trend investigation for nitrates has been completed. The monitoring data suggests there is no widespread upward trend across the groundwater body. However there is evidence that there is a significant upward trend with nitrate concentrations above the Threshold Value (42mg/l NO3) now or before the end of 2021 at two monitoring sites. This has caused it to fail the General Chemical Assessment Test. Continued sampling of these boreholes is required to investigate the trend further and NVZ visits in the associated surface water bodies may be an appropriate measure. The quantitative status of this groundwater body is good. The Wye Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Nutrient Management Plan has been developed and is currently out for consultation. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nutrient-management-plan-river-wye All of these measures are considered to be needed to improve the water environment to as near to good status as practicable. The costs and benefits of the measures have been considered in the catchment economic appraisal, results of which are shown below. You can find out more detail on the status and long term objectives by using the Catchment Data Explorer tool at: http://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning/.

3.4.1 Wye Secondary Devonian ORS groundwater catchment economic appraisal and environmental assessment

Results and recommendation An economic appraisal of the proposed measures for achieving good chemical status has been undertaken for a selection of proxy groundwater catchments. This has shown that the proposed measures are not cost beneficial for this groundwater body unless the timescale for improvements are long enough to account for groundwater status recovery times and good status is deferred to be achieved by 2027. Due to variable depths to groundwater, there may be a delay before improvements are seen. The continued rising trend in parts of the groundwater body is likely to relate to a ‘legacy’ nitrate store within a thick unsaturated zone (where downward groundwater migration times to the water table are large). Consequently the objective of returning chemical status to good is to be achieved by 2027. In the medium and long term positive impacts will be apparent as the unsaturated zone becomes less loaded with nitrate, ultimately translating to long term improvement to groundwater quality. When considered with the effects on the wider environment more benefits are realised as NVZ visits for nitrates may be combined with other nutrient management work. In terms of chemical status, the elevated nitrate concentrations will be managed through nutrient management campaign work. This will include ensuring continued




44

compliance with the Nitrate Directive (Nitrate Vulnerable Zones) and areas with upward trends, working in partnership with Natural England through the New Environmental Land Management Scheme (NELMS). The measures will also require collaboration with the agricultural community. Due to variable depths to the water table, there may be a delay before any improvements are seen. The results of the economic appraisal are shown below. The results are based on an economic appraisal carried out for groundwater in catchment.

Benefits and costs of implementing the measures proposed for this groundwater6 Ecosystem Service

Benefits and negative impacts to society

Description Positive or negative impact ^^: very positive ^: positive 0: neutral v: negative vv: very negative

Freshwater

Quality Benefits - Communities (environment) and water industry from reduced treatment costs and water users with better water quality at downstream receptors. Losses - Farmers reducing fertiliser applications possibly leading to loss of yields. However, farming subsidies may be available and in reality no losses in yield are expected as reduced nitrate application is based on agronomist assessment of yield/fertiliser optimisation. The required amount of nitrate will still be applied, but no more than necessary.

^^

This groundwater economic appraisal summary report and the Final Appraisal Report for the Wye Secondary Devonian Old Red Sandstone groundwater economic appraisal provide more detail for these results. This can be requested at [email protected]. Other associated documents are also available upon request.




45

3.4.2 Possible scale of improvement for the Wye Secondary Devonian ORS operational catchment


Yes


Yes


Yes


Yes


Yes


Yes

Based on our understanding of the information above, and our catchment knowledge, we have low confidence that this operational catchment will see an improvement towards the proposed long term objectives by 2021.

46

3.5 Irfon Operational Catchment

Figure 26 - Irfon upstream Nant y Cloddiad

The River Irfon rises on the slopes of Bryn Garw around 540 metres above sea level in the Cambrian Mountains, Powys, Mid Wales. Initially it flows south through the steep Abergwesyn valley to Llanwrtyd Wells where it turns eastwards to join the main River Wye just upstream of Builth Wells. The catchment covers 290km2, the predominant land cover being acid grassland and coniferous woodland in the upper catchment, with improved grassland in the lower part of the catchment. The Irfon is rich in wildlife with the majority of the catchment being recognised as part of the River Wye SAC.

47

Figure 27 - Map of the Irfon operational catchment

There are 9 river water bodies in this catchment. The status (health) of the water environment in 2009 was assessed as being generally moderate. Our current analysis suggests that 44% of the water bodies in the Irfon catchment should have a long term objective of achieving good status, as shown in Figure 29.

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Figure 28 - Chart showing the classification of all water bodies in the Irfon catchment in cycle 1


Figure 29 - Chart showing the classification and long term objectives of all water bodies in the Irfon catchment in cycle 2


49

(Note: In cycle 2 the number of river water bodies reduced by 1 when the small GB109055036700, Irfon from Cledan to Tirbad Dulas, was merged with the downstream water body). The increase in the number of water bodies at good status between the 2013 cycle 1 and cycle 2 classifications is due to:

1) Cledan invertebrate classification changing from moderate to good due to refinement of the invertebrate classification tool (an investigation in 2012 which showed no evidence of impact agrees with that outcome). We do however need to review copper which passes 2013 cycle 2 based on a risk assessment only.

2) Cammarch and Garth Dulas which pass for copper in 2013 cycle 2 based on a risk assessment only (needs review).

3) Chwefru which pass for copper and Zinc in 2013 cycle 2 based on a risk assessment only (needs review). Fish also change from moderate to good due to rationalisation of the number of sites used in the cycle 2 assessments.


Figure 30 - Chart showing the confirmed reasons for not achieving good status of water bodies in the Irfon catchment by type and source sector

The urban and transport ‘sector’ refers to the pressure from acidification. Measures to improve the water environment have been assessed. Some of these measures will benefit more than one water body or catchment and some are very specific. The cumulative effect and benefits of measures for the operational catchment have been considered. The measures proposed for this catchment are shown in the table below:

50


• Reduce diffuse pollution pathways (i.e. control entry to the water environment)


Actions to reduce acidification at source are considered to be needed to improve the water environment to as near to good status as practicable. You can find out more detail on the classification status, reasons for not achieving good status and summary reports of water bodies in Wales at: http://waterwatchwales.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk/en/ You can find out more detail on the status and long term objectives by using the Catchment Data Explorer tool at: http://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning/.

3.5.1 Irfon catchment economic appraisal and environmental assessment

An economic appraisal has not been fully completed for this catchment. The measures to improve the water environment in this catchment maybe cost beneficial but further refining of the appraisal is needed and will be done before the updated Severn River Basin Management Plan is published. Measures proposed in the catchment are to ensure there is no drop in status from the current status of the water environment and to improve or maintain protected areas only. Based on our understanding of the information above, and our catchment knowledge, we think it will take longer than cycle 2 (2021) to reach good status due to the longer timescales required for natural recovery from acidic pollution.





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3.6 Ithon Operational Catchment

Figure 31 - Ithon at Penybont

The River Ithon rises between the slopes of Glog and Kerry Hill around 410 metres above sea level in Powys, Mid Wales. It flows in a southerly direction through Llandrindod Wells to join the main River Wye just below Newbridge on Wye. The catchment, which covers 360km2, is largely rural and predominantly grassland, much of which has been improved. The Ithon is rich in wildlife with the majority of the catchment being recognised as part of the River Wye SAC.

52

Figure 32 - Map of the Ithon operational catchment

There are 14 river water bodies in this catchment. The status (health) of the water environment in 2009 was assessed as being generally good. In 2014, the status of the water environment had not deteriorated and was showing encouraging signs of improvement. It can take five to ten years for the positive benefits of actions to be reflected in the ecological status. Our current analysis suggests that 71% of the water bodies in the Ithon catchment should have a long term objective of achieving good status, as shown in Figure 34.

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Figure 33 - Chart showing the classification of all water bodies in the Ithon catchment in cycle 1


Figure 34 - Chart showing the classification and long term objectives of all water bodies in the Ithon catchment in cycle 2


54

(Note the reduction in water bodies at good status between cycle 1 2013 and cycle 2 2013 is due to refinements in the model used to produce the fish classification) Since 2009, investigations in this catchment have helped to determine the reasons why water bodies are not achieving good status, and the likely causes. These are shown in Figure 35 below.

Figure 35 - Chart showing the confirmed reasons for not achieving good status of water bodies in the Ithon catchment by type and source sector

The ‘Water Industry’ entry refers to Llandrindod Wells sewage treatment works which was identified as the cause of phosphate failures under the Habitats Directive Review of Consents. Nutrient removal is now in place and the water body passes phosphate targets. The ‘unknown’ entry refers to a phytobenthos (microscopic plant) failure on the Clywedog Brook. We think this will pass when assessed using the latest version of the classification tool. The same water body also fails for copper and we need to assess if the levels could impact upon the ecology. Although not causing a current failure, there are also known pressures from diffuse agricultural (sediment) inputs and areas where habitat could be improved. Measures to improve the water environment have been assessed. Some of these measures will benefit more than one water body or catchment and some are very specific. The cumulative effect and benefits of measures for the operational catchment have been considered. The measures proposed for this catchment are shown in the table below.

55




All of these measures are considered to be needed to improve the water environment to as near to good status as practicable. The costs and benefits of the measures have been considered in the catchment economic appraisal, results of which are shown below. You can find out more detail on the classification status, reasons for not achieving good status and summary reports of water bodies in Wales at: http://waterwatchwales.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk/en/. You can find out more detail on the status and long term objectives by using the Catchment Data Explorer tool at: http://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning/.

3.6.1 Ithon catchment economic appraisal and environmental assessment

An economic appraisal has not been fully completed for this catchment. The measures to improve the water environment in this catchment maybe cost beneficial but further refining of the appraisal is needed and will be done before the updated Severn River Basin Management Plan is published. Measures proposed in the catchment are to ensure there is no drop in status from the current status of the water environment and to improve or maintain protected areas only. Based on our understanding of the information above, and our catchment knowledge, while the implementation of some measures could improve the ecology and prevent deterioration, new failures will also have to be investigated and resolved to improve the current situation.

http://waterwatchwales.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk/en/




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3.7 Trothy Operational Catchment

Figure 36 - Fenced and coppiced section of the River Trothy with watergate

The River Trothy rises on Campston Hill around 250 metres above sea level in Monmouthshire South Wales. It flows in a south easterly direction to join the main River Wye just below Monmouth. The catchment, which spans 145km2, is largely rural and the predominant land cover is improved grassland.

Figure 37 - Map of the Trothy operational catchment

There are 5 river water bodies in this catchment. The status (health) of the water environment in 2009 was assessed as being generally good. In 2014, the status of the water environment had not deteriorated (over cycle 1).It can take five to ten years for the positive benefits of actions to be reflected in the ecological status. Our current analysis suggests that 40% of the water bodies in the Trothy catchment should have a long term objective of achieving good status, as shown in Figure 39.

57

Figure 38 - Chart showing the classification of all water bodies in the Trothy catchment in cycle 1


Figure 39 - Classification and long term objectives of all water bodies in the Trothy catchment in cycle 2

(Note the reduction in water bodies at good status between 2013 cycle 1 and cycle 2 is due to the application of new tighter phosphate standards for cycle 2).The long


58

term objective is also being reassessed as it is likely that 4 water bodies may achieve good and 1 water body will achieve moderate status. Since 2009, investigations in this catchment have helped to determine the reasons why water bodies are not achieving good status, and the likely causes. These are shown in Figure 40 below.

Figure 40 - Chart showing the confirmed reasons for not achieving good status of water bodies in the Trothy catchment by type and source sector


Managing pollution from waste water • Reduce diffuse pollution at source

• Reduce point source pollution pathways (i.e. control entry to the water environment)

• Mitigate/remediate point source impacts on receptor

• Reduce point source pollution at source




59

All of these measures are considered to be needed to improve the water environment to as near to good status as practicable. The costs and benefits of the measures have been considered in the catchment economic appraisal, results of which are shown below. You can find out more detail on the classification status, reasons for not achieving good status and summary reports of water bodies in Wales at: http://waterwatchwales.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk/en/ You can find out more detail on the status and long term objectives by using the Catchment Data Explorer tool at: http://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning/

3.7.1 Trothy catchment economic appraisal and environmental assessment

An economic appraisal has not been fully completed for this catchment. The measures to improve the water environment in this catchment maybe cost beneficial but further refining of the appraisal is needed and will be done before the updated Severn River Basin Management Plan is published. Measures proposed in the catchment are to ensure there is no drop in status from the current status of the water environment and to improve or maintain protected areas only. Based on our understanding of the information above, and our catchment knowledge, we have high confidence that this operational catchment could see an improvement towards the proposed long term objectives by 2021.




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3.8 Wye H and W - Ithon to Hay Operational Catchment

Figure 41 - River Wye at Builth Wells

This operational catchment covers the main River Wye from its confluence with the Ithon just below Newbridge on Wye, to the confluence of the Sgithwen Brook below Llanstephen bridge. It also includes the tributaries on the southern side of the river down as far as the Wales / England border at Hay. The area spans 490km2. It is largely rural with predominantly improved grassland cover. The Wye is rich in wildlife with the majority of the catchment being recognised as part of the River Wye SAC.

Figure 42 - Map of the Wye H and W - Ithon to Hay operational catchment

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There are 20 river and 2 lake water bodies in this catchment. The status (health) of the water environment in 2009 was assessed as being generally moderate. In 2014, the status of the water environment had not deteriorated and was showing encouraging signs of improvement. It can take five to ten years for the positive benefits of actions to be reflected in the ecological status. Our current analysis suggests that 40% of the water bodies in the Wye - Ithon to Hay catchment should have a long term objective of achieving good status, as shown in Figure 44.

Figure 43 - Chart showing the classification of all water bodies in the Wye H and W - Ithon to Hay catchment in cycle 1



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Figure 44 - Chart showing the classification and long term objectives of all water bodies in the Wye H and W - Ithon to Hay catchment in cycle 2

(Note the reduction in water bodies at good status between 2013 cycle 1 and cycle 2 is due to:

1) The rationalisation of monitoring sites used in cycle 2, in this case fewer fish sites are used to classify the Sgithwen brook in cycle 2.

2) Changes to the invertebrate classification tool which saw the result on the lower Edw change from good to moderate).


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Figure 45 - Chart showing the confirmed reasons for not achieving good status of water bodies in the Wye H and W - Ithon to Hay catchment by type and source sector

The largest sector driving failure is ‘agriculture and rural land management’ affecting the Llangorse lake (nutrient enrichment), and the Rivers Llynfi, Ennig and Builth Dulas, where elevated levels of phosphate and sediments are an issue. More recent ongoing investigations, not reported in figure 5, also indicate that pollution from waste water is likely to be impacting the Clyro Brook.Two sections of the Wye and the Digedi Brook fail for copper based on risk assessments only. These will need to be reviewed to see if levels are impacting the ecology. Measures to improve the water environment have been assessed. Some of these measures will benefit more than one water body or catchment and some are very specific. The cumulative effect and benefits of measures for the operational catchment have been considered. The measures proposed for this catchment are shown in the table below:







64


All of these measures are considered to be needed to improve the water environment to as near to good status as practicable. The costs and benefits of the measures have been considered in the catchment economic appraisal, results of which are shown below. You can find out more detail on the classification status, reasons not achieving good status and summary reports of water bodies in Wales at: http://waterwatchwales.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk/en/ You can find out more detail on the status and long term objectives by using the Catchment Data Explorer tool at: http://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning/

3.8.1 Wye H and W - Ithon to Hay catchment economic appraisal and environmental assessment

An economic appraisal has not been fully completed for this catchment. The measures to improve the water environment in this catchment maybe cost beneficial but further refining of the appraisal is needed and will be done before the updated Severn River Basin Management Plan is published. Measures proposed in the catchment are to ensure there is no drop in status from the current status of the water environment and to improve or maintain protected areas only. Based on our understanding of the information above, and our catchment knowledge, we have high confidence that this operational catchment will see an improvement towards the proposed long term objectives by 2021. Further benefits may take longer, for example new tighter phosphate targets will be harder to achieve, coupled with the fact that phosphate will remain in the environment long after new sources have been stopped. Also ongoing and new investigations will need to be concluded with remediation measures to be put in place. Then results will take several years to show in the classifications.




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3.9 Wye H and W U S Ithon Operational Catchment

Figure 46 - River Wye upstream of the Tarennig

The River Wye rises on the slopes of Plynlimon around 690 metres above sea level in Powys, Mid Wales. The upper Wye operational catchment covers the river as it flows south-easterly through Llangurig and Rhyader down to the confluence of the River Ithon just below Newbridge-on-Wye. The area spans 440km2, and takes in the Tarennig, Bidno, Marteg and Elan sub-catchments. It is largely rural and predominantly acid grassland higher up, improved grassland lower down, with some coniferous woodland. The Wye is rich in wildlife with the majority of the catchment being recognised as part of the River Wye SAC.

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Figure 47 - Map of the Wye H and W U S Ithon operational catchment

There are 14 river and 9 lake water bodies in this catchment. The status (health) of the water environment in 2009 was assessed as being generally moderate. Our current analysis suggests that 26% of the water bodies in the Upper Wye catchment should have a long term objective of achieving good status, as shown in Figure 49.

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Figure 48 - Chart showing the classification of all water bodies in the Wye H and W U S Ithon catchment in cycle 1


Figure 49 - Chart showing the classification and long term objectives of all water bodies in the Wye H and W U S Ithon catchment in cycle 2


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(Note – the two water bodies classed as high status were not assessed for physical chemical elements and therefore should be moderate status, as they would fail for pH)


Figure 50 - Chart showing the confirmed reasons for not achieving good status of water bodies in the Upper Wye catchment by type and source sector

The main reason for not achieving good status is acidification (represented by ‘Urban and Transport’ in Figure 50). In those water bodies with extensive forest cover, the impacts may be exacerbated. The ‘Water Industry’ sector refers to the modifications to the physical nature and flows from the Elan valley reservoirs. There are also other reasons for not achieving good, not shown in Figure 50, due to historic metal mines near the source of the Wye and Tarennig. Measures to improve the water environment have been assessed. Some of these measures will benefit more than one water body or catchment and some are very specific. The cumulative effect and benefits of measures for the operational catchment have been considered. The measures proposed for this catchment are shown in the table below:

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• Changes to operation and maintenance



• Reduce diffuse pollution pathways (i.e. control entry to the water environment)


Improve the natural flow and level of water • Water demand management

• Control pattern/timing of abstraction


• Use alternative source/relocate abstraction or discharge

Manage pollution from mines • Mitigate/Remediate point source impacts on receptor

All of these measures are considered to be needed to improve the water environment to as near to good status as practicable. The costs and benefits of the measures have been considered in the catchment economic appraisal, results of which are shown below. You can find out more detail on the classification status, reasons for not achieving good status and summary reports of water bodies in Wales at: http://waterwatchwales.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk/en/.

3.9.1 Wye H and W U S Ithon catchment economic appraisal and environmental assessment

An economic appraisal has not been fully completed for this catchment. The measures to improve the water environment in this catchment maybe cost beneficial but further refining of the appraisal is needed and will be done before the updated River Basin Management Plan is published. Measures proposed in the catchment are to ensure there is no drop in status from the current status of the water environment and to improve or maintain protected areas only. Based on our understanding of the information above, and our catchment knowledge, we think it will take longer than cycle 2 (2021) to reach good status due to the longer timescales required for natural recovery from acidic pollution. The historic mining impacts would also need investigation to include feasibility studies for remediation measures.



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3.10 Lugg (Wales) Operational Catchment

Figure 51 - River Lugg in Wales

This operational catchment covers those parts of the Lugg catchment that are within Wales. This operational catchment covers the upper Lugg above Presteigne and the upper Hindwell Brook both of which are within Wales. It should be read with the Arrow, Lugg and Frome operational catchment.

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Figure 52 - Map of the Lugg operational catchment

There are 8 river, 0 lake, 0 estuarine & coastal waters and 0 groundwater bodies in this catchment. The status (health) of the water environment in 2009 was assessed as being generally good. In 2014, the status of the water environment had not deteriorated. It can take five to ten years for the positive benefits of actions to be reflected in the ecological status. Our current analysis suggests that 50% of the water bodies in the (Welsh) Lugg catchment should have a long term objective of achieving good status, as shown in Figure 54.

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Figure 53 - Chart showing the classification of all water bodies in the Lugg catchment in cycle 1


Figure 54 - Classification and long term objectives of all water bodies in the Lugg catchment in cycle 2


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(Note the increase in water bodies at good status between 2013 cycle 1 and cycle 2 is due to fish not being assessed in the Knobley Brook. When that happens, we expect that water body to fail again). Since 2009, investigations in this catchment have helped to determine the reasons why water bodies are not achieving good status, and the likely causes. These are shown in Figure 55 below and illustrate pressure from a sewage treatment works in the Norton Brook and fish passage issues throughout the Lugg catchment (previously unknown).

Figure 55 - Chart showing the confirmed reasons for not achieving good status of water bodies in the Lugg catchment by type and source sector






• Changes to operation and maintenance


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All of these measures are considered to be needed to improve the water environment to as near to good status as practicable. The costs and benefits of the measures have been considered in the catchment economic appraisal, results of which are shown below. To see information on the classifications or reasons for not achieving good status for water bodies in Wales go to: http://waterwatchwales.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk/en/

3.10.1 Lugg catchment economic appraisal and environmental assessment

An economic appraisal has not been fully completed for this catchment. The measures to improve the water environment in this catchment maybe cost beneficial but further refining of the appraisal is needed and will be done before the updated Severn River Basin Management Plan is published. Measures proposed in the catchment are to ensure there is no drop in status from the current status of the water environment and to improve or maintain protected areas only. While measures to address barriers to migration are deemed to be cost beneficial, actions on point source STW may not be. Based on our understanding of the information above, and our catchment knowledge, work with partners across the border will need to continue on barriers to migration to aim for improvements beyond the current proposed long term objectives by 2021.


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3.11 Wye H and W D S Lugg Operational Catchment

Figure 56 - Tintern Abbey

This operational catchment contains Tintern and Mounton Brooks. These water bodies are located in the welsh part of the Wye catchment below the confluence with the Lugg but outside of the Monnow and Trothy operational catchments. The area covers 64km2 and is a mixture of grassland, arable land, coniferous and broad leaved woodland.

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Figure 57 - Map of the Wye H and W D S Lugg operational catchment

There are 2 river, 0 lake, 0 estuarine & coastal waters and 0 groundwater bodies in this catchment. The status (health) of the water environment in 2009 was assessed as being generally good. In 2014, the status of the water environment had not deteriorated. It can take five to ten years for the positive benefits of actions to be reflected in the ecological status. Our current analysis suggests that 50% of the water bodies in the Wye H and W D S Lugg catchment should have a long term objective of achieving good status, as shown in Figure 59.

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Figure 58 - Chart showing the classification of all water bodies in the Wye H and W D S Lugg catchment in cycle 1


Figure 59 - Chart showing the classification and long term objectives of all water bodies in the Wye H and W D S Lugg catchment in cycle 2


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The Tintern Brook is currently classed as good status. Mounton Brook is currently classed as ‘Artificial’ but this is under review and ought to achieve good status. Consequently no improvement measures are required on these water bodies.

3.11.1 Wye H and W D S Lugg catchment economic appraisal and environmental assessment

An economic appraisal has not been fully completed for this catchment. The measures to improve the water environment in this catchment maybe cost beneficial but further refining of the appraisal is needed and will be done before the updated Severn River Basin Management Plan is published. Measures proposed in the catchment are to ensure there is no drop in status from the current status of the water environment and to improve or maintain protected areas only. Based on our understanding of the information above and our catchment knowledge we have high confidence that this operational catchment is at good status and will be reflected in the classifications by 2021.

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3.12 Usk and Wye Southern Carboniferous Limestone Operational Catchment

The Usk and Wye Southern Carboniferous Limestone groundwater body is dominated by a Principal Aquifer and DWPA. The main mechanism of groundwater flow is through fissures and fractures in the limestone. The permeability of the aquifer has been further increased as the fractures have been enlarged through dissolution (karstification) which has resulted in rapid travel times for groundwater within this area. Associated with this are many sinkholes and the watercourses which cross the limestone are known to sink to ground during prolonged periods of dry weather. There are several small groundwater abstractions for domestic and agricultural purposes. However the groundwater body is dominated by one large abstraction by Network Rail which ranges from 30-150 Ml/day and facilitates the dewatering of the railway tunnel running beneath the Severn Estuary. The abstracted water has previously been licensed for use by Dwr Cymru, a brewery and other industrial users. This dewatering has permanently altered the water table, lowering groundwater levels across the groundwater body by at least 10 metres. To reflect the sensitivity of this aquifer to pollution almost the entire groundwater body is designated as a Source Protection Zone 1. Groundwater quantity and quality are both at good status.

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Figure 60 - Map of the Usk and Wye Southern Carboniferous Limestone operational catchment

There are 0 river, 0 lake, 0 estuarine & coastal waters and 1 groundwater bodies in this catchment. The status (health) of the water environment in 2009 was assessed as being generally good. In 2014, the status of the water environment had not deteriorated. It can take 5 to 10 years for the positive benefits of actions to be reflected in the ecological status. Our current analysis suggests that 100% of the water bodies in the Usk and Wye Southern Carboniferous Limestone catchment should have a long term objective of achieving good status, as shown in Figure 62.

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Figure 61 - Chart showing the classification of all water bodies in the Usk and Wye Southern Carboniferous Limestone catchment in cycle 1


Figure 62 - Chart showing the classification and long term objectives of all water bodies in the Usk and Wye Southern Carboniferous Limestone catchment in cycle 2


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3.13 Wye Uplands Lower Palaeozoic Operational Catchment

The Wye Uplands Lower Palaeozoic (GB40902G205100) is a Secondary aquifer and Drinking Water Protected Area. It was created from the split of previous Wye Minor groundwater body (GB40902G204100). Groundwater flow is largely influenced by topography and drainage. Permeability and yield from the bedrock is limited due to low permeability mudstones and siltstones which underlie the area. The dominant groundwater flow mechanism in these areas is via fracture flow. There are only a few licensed groundwater abstractions from the bedrock as most are below the 20m3/day threshold for licensing. There are extensive superficial deposits along the valley floors which can yield significant quantities of water. Dwr Cymru Welsh Water has two public water supply abstractions from river gravels in this groundwater body. One is from gravels associated with the River Lugg at Pilleth and the other from gravels associated with a tributary of the River Arrow at Dunfield. Both have a Source Protection Zone defined around them. Groundwater quantity is at good status. This groundwater body is at poor chemical status due to the effect of discharges from abandoned metal mines on downstream surface water bodies.

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Figure 63 - Map of the Wye Uplands Lower Palaeozoic operational catchment

There are 0 river, 0 lake, 0 estuarine & coastal waters and 1 groundwater bodies in this catchment. The status (health) of the water environment in 2009 was assessed as being generally poor. In 2014, the status of the water environment had not deteriorated. It can take five to ten years for the positive benefits of actions to be reflected in the ecological status. Our current analysis suggests that 0% of the water bodies in the Wye Uplands Lower Palaeozoic catchment should have a long term objective of achieving good status, as shown in Figure 64.

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Figure 64 - Chart showing the classification and long term objectives of all water bodies in the Wye Uplands Lower Palaeozoic catchment in cycle 2

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4 What do you think? In order to produce a river basin management plan and a flood risk management plan, it is important that the people who understand the local area are able to contribute to these plans. The draft update to the river basin management plan provides information on the river basin district and then asks you to consider a number of questions. To help you provide feedback at the level that is most relevant to you, the catchment summaries summarise the river basin planning information at a more local scale.

• To see the full set of consultation questions, please go to: https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/portal/ho/wfd/draft_plans/consult?pointId=s1405417965041#section-s1405417965041

• To see the flood risk management plan questions, please go to www.gov.uk/government/consultations/draft-flood-risk-management-plans

• To see information on the classifications or reasons for not achieving good status for water bodies in Wales go to http://waterwatchwales.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk/en/

Your answers to the questions above will help inform the final plans and ensure that the objectives they contain will help drive the protection, enhancement and improvement of the water environment for all its users. For further information on how to provide your answers to these questions, please go to the “How to respond” section below.

4.1 How to respond The Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales would prefer you to respond online at: https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/portal/ho/wfd/draft_plans/consult?pointId=s1405417965041#section-

Finding out more

• Joint Nature Conservation Committee • Wye and Usk Foundation • Natural England • River Basin Management Plan Annex • Proposed update to the Severn River Basin Management Plan • Strategic Environmental Assessment report • http://naturalresourceswales.gov.uk/splash?orig=/%20%20%20




http://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/draft-flood-risk-management-plans




http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/

http://www.wyeuskfoundation.org/projects/index.php

http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/




http://naturalresourceswales.gov.uk/splash?orig=/%20%20%20

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s1405417965041. This will allow you to manage your comments more effectively, while helping us to gather and summarise responses quickly and accurately. Alternatively, there is a Word response form available for each river basin district which you can download and use to write your response before you submit it online, or you can email it to [email protected]. You can view the consultation documents and consultation questions online. But, if you would prefer a printed version of the document, please call the Environment Agency’s National Customer Contact Centre on 03708 506 506 (local rate). Please return written responses by 10 April 2015.

4.2 What the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales will use the responses for

The Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales will use the responses from this consultation to update the Severn River Basin Management Plan. Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales staff whose role is to work on this consultation will see every response in full. Other staff in both organisations may also see the responses to help them plan future related work. A full summary of the responses will be published on the GOV.UK website.

4.3 How the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales will use your information

All comments (apart from personal information) will be publicly available on the GOV.UK website. This includes comments received online, by email, post and by fax, unless you have specifically requested that your response be kept confidential. Only the names of organisations that respond and not individuals will be published. If you respond online or provide an email address, you will receive an acknowledgement of your response. After the consultation has closed a summary of the responses will be published on the GOV.UK website. You will be contacted to let you know when this summary is available. You will also be notified of any forthcoming river basin consultations unless you request otherwise. Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environment Agency and/or Natural Resources Wales may be required to publish your response to this consultation, but will not include any personal information. If you have requested your response be kept confidential, we may still be required to provide a summary of your response. If you have any questions or complaints about the way this consultation has been carried out, please contact: Cath Beaver, Consultation Co-ordinator Environment Agency, Horizon House, Deanery Road, Bristol, BS1 5AH [email protected]



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