LOWER RIVER WEAR CATCHMENT

ACTION PLAN

Our shared vision for the river and its tributaries Lower River Wear Key facts

Water Framework Directive (WFD) River Basin - Northumbria Water bodies - 25 river water bodies (of which 23 are failing to achieve good ecological status or potential)

Geography Area of Lower Wear – 489km2 Total area of River Wear catchment – 1311mk2 Length of rivers and tributaries – approx 260km Estimated population – 240,000 Land use – mixed (largest proportion is used for arable cereals at 22%)

Statutory Drivers Water Framework Directive Nitrate Vulnerable Zone Nitrates Directive Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive Freshwater Fisheries Directive

Unitary authorities

Durham County Council

Sunderland City Council

Water Company

Northumbrian Water Limited (NWL)

Conservation, Land Designations & Partnerships Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) Sewage Treatment Works Water Supply Three Rivers Local Nature Partnership (LNP) NWL total – 19 Total volume of licensed surface water abstractions (rivers) – over 25million m3 North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Non NWL – 37 Number of licensed abstractions from rivers - 5 Limestone Landscape Partnership Total volume of licensed groundwater abstractions - over 2million m3 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Total - 56 Number of licensed abstractions from ground waters - 10

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Welcome to our plan!

Rivers run through our communities like the veins in our bodies. Their water, like our blood, makes life possible. The healthier they are, the healthier we are. By working together we can help protect and improve our river, ourselves and each other.

Many hands make light work influence others who share our passion for the future our This is our joint plan for working together for a healthier River Wear. river Wear. The plan focuses on the lower part of the river and its tributaries. It is the product of a unique initiative to This document presents the results of this process so far. It bring together people, communities and organisations that sets out what we consider are the main challenges ahead and all have a connection with the river and care about its future. our proposed actions for meeting them.

This has been made possible through the formation of a Let’s get ready for action partnership of passionate and enthusiastic people who have We can all help to make the lower River Wear catchment a developed this plan and a vision to work towards: better place to live for its people and wildlife.

Local people feel strongly about their river. By looking locally and working together we can do more on the ground, and in “BY 2020 DURHAM’S RIVERS WILL the water, across the catchment. RUN CLEAR, TEEMING WITH WILDLIFE AND ENJOYED BY ALL” Whether it’s by sharing this plan, volunteering, disposing of harmful chemicals safely, or changing the way we use water, we can all take part. The more of us that understand our river the more we can do to look after it. We recognise that our vision will only be achieved, if we work with and It’s time for us to step forward and take stand up for our river – to take action!

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Contents

The Lower River Wear catchment ...... 5 Our lives / Our River Wear ...... 7 The flow of history...... 8 The European Water Framework Directive ...... 10 Our Vision ...... 12 Developing our vision ...... 13 Challenges and Opportunities ...... 14 Education and Awareness ...... 14 Water Quality ...... 16 Planning for water ...... 19 Wildlife habitats ...... 21 100 Steps to a healthy river ...... 23 Catchment wide actions ...... 25 Brancepeth Beck ...... 31 Browney (including Pan Burn and Smallhope Burn) ...... 33 Cong Burn (including Twizell Burn) ...... 36 Croxdale Beck ...... 40 Deerness (including Hedleyhope Burn) ...... 42 Lumley Park Burn (including Herrington Burn and Moors Burn) ...... 44 Main River Wear (Croxdale Beck to tidal limit) ...... 49 Old Durham Beck (including Pittington Beck) ...... 54 South Burn and Blackdene Burn ...... 57 Valley Burn ...... 60 Glossary ...... 62 Documents referenced ...... 64

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The Lower River Wear catchment here the river flows south eastwards through Chester-Le-Street draining more urban, lowland centres, passing through the Lambton The River Wear, its tributaries, and the surrounding land are Estate upon where the river becomes tidal, and therefore navigable, i.e. referred to as its ‘catchment’. The Lower Wear forms part of passable to vessels. the river catchment, it is a sub-catchment. The lower Wear area has a strategic location being crossed by 3 major A river runs through it transport routes: the A1(M), A19 and East Coast Mainline. The areas Prior to the creation of ‘Tyne & Wear’, the River Wear was the longest economy is primarily driven by manufacturing, engineering, transport river in England with a course entirely within one county, County and warehousing, and the public sector. Durham.

Rising in the North Pennines several small streams drain from the hills between Killhope Law and Burnhope Seat to form the headwaters of the River Wear. The Wear begins where the Wellhope and Killhope burns merge at Wearhead. The high energy, rocky upland river flows eastwards through Weardale, gradually widening and deepening as it meanders its way through the richer flatter lowlands in the East of the county, finally joining the sea at Wearmouth in Sunderland. From Wearhead to Wearmouth the river is 97km or 60 miles long.

Geography of the Lower River Wear This plan is specifically focused on the Lower River Wear catchment from Croxdale Beck to the tidal limit at Lamb Bridge and its nine major tributaries.

The lower part of the river flows through Durham City which is at the heart of this catchment. From Durham City to Chester-Le-Street the river changes direction repeatedly, flowing south west for several miles passed the medieval site of Finchale Abbey. From Map of the river systems in the lower Wear catchment

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At the heart of the catchment, Durham City, is the economic and cultural hub of the County. Other main towns and centres in the lower Wear include Consett, Stanley, Chester-Le-Street, and Spenneymoor.

Water supply The major aquifer in the region is the Magnesium Limestone which outcrops in the Sunderland area in the east of the catchment and is extensively used for public water supply. The amount of groundwater which is available for abstraction of all types (e.g. farming, drinking water etc) is adequate for current and planned needs but its quality needs to be improved.

Public water supply licences account for 65%, hydropower, 33%, industry 1.5% and agriculture 0.13% of all the authorised surface water abstractions. The flows in the river can be supported from River Tyne via water from the Kielder Scheme.

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It’s a hotspot for tourism and recreation… Our lives / Our River Wear In June each year the Durham Regatta, which predates that at Henley, attracts rowers from around the country to race a course on the river What makes our river special? through the city.

Its history and the journey its waters take help to give us a Informal activities such as walking and cycling take place throughout sense of identify – it’s our River Wear and it’s totally unique, the lower Wear catchment and are often focused on the river as a key just like us. feature in the landscape with relatively easy access. It is also one of the best places in England to catch sea trout and salmon and angling forms The lower River Wear catchment is home to approximately a quarter of a vital component of the local economy. a million people who are dependent upon our river for the provision of key services, such as safe drinking water supplies, industrial water Its natural flora and fauna… supplies, disposal of sewage and industrial effluents, agriculture, The lower Wear contains a diverse range of features of high diversity of wildlife habitats, tourism and economic growth and as a conservation value. There are a number of Sites of Special Scientific source of education and recreation. Interest (SSSIs) which overlap the lower Wear catchment and represent a wide range of habitats including Magnesium Limestone “I have visited and lived in many parts of the world and can say grasslands, ancient woodlands, unimproved hay meadows and acid with certainty that the paths and forests near the river both in grassland. the Durham city peninsula and in the Gilesgate and Maiden Castle are some of the most enjoyable river areas I have seen. It’s not only the beauty of the natural areas but also the rich history English Nature is in the process of developing a ‘Local Nature behind them” Partnership’ which will include the Tyne, Tees and Wear valleys Anon., Lower Wear Pilot Survey, September 2012 and, when formed, will incorporate all of the lower Wear catchment.

Its rich cultural heritage… The lower Wear catchment has a wealth of historic and natural assets The lower Wear catchment also incorporates some sites which are which provide unique opportunities for residents, businesses and important from a geological perspective. The Limestone Landscapes visitors. In the city of Durham the river passes through a deep wooded Partnership is working with people to preserve conserve the landscapes, gorge from which several springs emerge, traditionally used as sources wildlife and heritage of the Magnesian Limestone Plateau and overlaps of drinking water. The river forms a defensive enclosure around the with parts of the lower Wear. Durham Castle and Cathedral and this area is a UN World Heritage Site.

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The flow of history Our history is built into the banks of the river Wear. From castle and cathedrals, to mills and mines: our river makes history happen. Understanding our past can help us understand what we need to do to secure our future.

practices, with livestock farming predominating further west in the “Another river which has shrugged off its industrial past is the upper catchment. River Wear…Work with farmers and industry along the river to reduce polluting discharges to the water, as well as huge The future urbanisation of previously undeveloped land areas or investment in improving the sewerage infrastructure, has lead redevelopment of land has implications for water supply and quality to a dramatic improvement in river water quality.” and it is therefore crucial to work closely with Local Authorities Extract from Environment Agency Press Release, August 2011 through their Development Plans and related strategies.

A growing population Mining legacy As many of the smaller East Durham former mining towns have grown, Much of the river is associated with the history of the industrial so has the demand for improved treatment of sewage. There are revolution as mining and quarrying have been an integral part of the approximately 56 sewage treatment works (STWs) in the lower Wear working environment. The East Durham coal seams in the Lower Wear catchment. Of these 7 serve in excess of 10,000 people which qualify catchment led to a strong mining industry and the landscape is them to have additional phosphate removal measures installed to help characterised by the resulting scattered small settlements. improve water quality. Despite these recent improvements to the treatment of sewage a number of the larger STWs are still impacting As a result of this and limestone quarrying and lead mining further the river Wear and its tributaries. west in the upper catchment, Durham was amongst the first places to see the development of railways. Although the decline in the coal and metal mining industry has led to significant improvements in the water The relatively dense population in the Lower Wear catchment quality of the river, the threat of pollution from these historical sources means that the efficient treatment of sewage is absolutely is still of major concern. fundamental to the maintenance and improvement of water quality and to the delivery of this action plan. Pressure to develop The lower wear is a mix of urban, industrial, and agricultural land. The majority of urban and industrial sites are located in the lower Wear Valley including Washington, Spenneymoor, Durham City and Chester- Northumbrian Water Ltd is in the process of agreeing their customer Le-Street. In the lower Wear arable cereals dominate the farming charging structure for 2015-20 with OFWAT, based upon an agreed environment improvement plan.

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Fisheries A history of flooding As a result of improved water quality large efforts have been made to The River Wear has a long history of flooding property and agricultural improve wildlife habitats and more specifically to help fish populations land, the record of which dates back to 1316. Flooding in the upper part - such as installing fish passes to improve connectivity for migratory of the catchment is flashy and mainly of short duration. In the middle species to be able to complete their life cycle. parts of the catchment the hazard to people changes as properties at risk are fewer and more dispersed.

As the river moves through the lower catchment flooding becomes more of a risk to a larger number of people in the urban areas of Durham, Lanchester and Chester-le-Street. Over the years a number of flood defences have been constructed to reduce the risk of flooding at locations throughout the catchment.

Source Environment Agency angler catch return data, 2012

Consequently the River Wear is now regarded as one of the best rivers in the country for salmon and sea trout and angling forms a vital component of the local economy. However, some of the tributaries still support only limited fish populations reflecting poor river water quality and habitats.

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Why do we need to act now? Our rivers are failing to meet European standards for water quality and ecology. Despite recent improvements 23 of the 25 Water Framework Directive river ‘water bodies’ which make up the Lower Wear catchment are currently failing to achieve water quality standards set by the European Union. catchment scale. This approach has been piloted in 25 river catchments The European Water Framework Directive and involves working with a range of people and organisations to The state of our rivers matters. A healthy water environment brings demonstrate how rivers can be improved. The pilot phase ran until the significant benefits to the economy and is important to the future of our end of December 2012, though the work to deliver improvements will communities and the quality of our lives. The UK’s way of delivering continue beyond this date. wide ranging improvements to waters; including rivers, ground waters, lakes, estuaries and the coast is through the European Water ‘These pilots should provide a clear understanding of the issues in the Framework Directive (WFD). catchment, involve local communities in decision making by sharing evidence, listening to their ideas, working out priorities for action and The Directive is a statutory driver which sets ambitious objectives and seeking to … protect local resources.’ targets for water quality and ecology. The Directive sets out three six Richard Benyon, Minister for Natural Environment and Fisheries, year cycles of ‘River Basin Planning’ which set out in general terms World Water Day, 22 March 2011 how the water environment will be managed to achieve ‘good ecological status’ or ‘potential’. The three planning and action cycles The Lower River Wear Pilot are: In the North East the river catchment chosen is the Lower Wear - centred around Durham. The Lower Wear is part of River Wear  1st cycle – 2009 to 2015; catchment and ultimately the Northumbria River Basin District. For the  2nd cycle – 2015 to 2021; and purposes of the WFD the Environment Agency has divided whole of the  3rd cycle – 2021 to 2027 River Wear into 72 management units (water bodies). The Lower Wear contains 25 of these areas which include a mix of urban and The Environment Agency is the Competent Authority for agricultural land and former mining areas, all with multiple problems implementation of the Water Framework Directive and is responsible to tackle. for producing River Basin Management Plans in the 11 River Basin Districts in England and Wales. This initiative provides a really exciting opportunity to work with communities and organisations to learn more about the pressures Managing our river at a local scale affecting our river and to develop a shared action plan to identify how The management of our rivers has previously been undertaken on a we could improve the Lower River Wear, and ultimately the whole larger regional or “River Basin” scale and government has recognised Wear catchment for people and wildlife. that more needs to be done at a smaller geographical scale - the

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Whilst the plan itself is not a statutory document it is an ideal tool to The Environment Agency is undertaking ‘investigations’ to better help co-ordinate voluntary and official activities in and around the river understand what the problem is and where it is happening. However, and will be to inform actions included in the 2nd cycle River Basin in many places they are not certain of what is causing a lot of this Management Plans produced by the Environment Agency. failure and recognise the need to work with other people to share information to determine what action is needed now and in the future. The plan provides the means for promoting a more integrated approach to managing river catchments through two key aspects: land use planning wider environment - heritage and water quality planning. Pressures impacting river water quality recreation What is impacting the Lower River 35 natural conditions - low flows Wear? 30 flood protection - water level management

Our rivers are failing to due to a range of 25 surface water abstraction pressures, the main ones of which are: flood protection - structures 20 impoundments Point source pollution – inputs of ammonia 15 and phosphate from sewage treatment and abandoned mine 10 combined sewer outfalls and iron and other urbanisation - transport infrastructure metals from former coal and metal mining 5 urbanisation - urban development areas infrastructure 0 sewage discharge (diffuse) Diffuse pollution – inputs of phosphate and contaminated land sediment entering rivers from run-off from

urban areas, including highways drainage, and barriers to fish migration Valley Burn Valley

agricultural land mixed agricultural run-off CroxdaleBeck

BeckBrancepeth wider environment - other

Physical barriers –man-made structures, such Beck Burn as embankments, culverts and weirs which can tidallimit drainage - mixed

stop fish from moving upstream to their Burn incl.Twizell Cong Burn sewage discharge (intermittent) South Burn and Blackdene Burn Blackdeneand South Burn spawning sites, or may alter the natural flow of Burn incl.DeernessHedleyhope

the river. unknown

Old Durham Beck including Pittington Pittington BeckOldincluding Durham

Lumley Park Burn incl. Herrington Burn incl.Herrington Burn Park Lumley Browney incl. Pan Burn and Smallhope Smallhope and Burn incl. BrowneyPan tofrom Beck Croxdale Wear River Main sewage discharge (continuous)

Source: Environment Agency WFD monitoring data, November 2012

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Our Vision

“BY 2020 DURHAM’S RIVERS WILL RUN CLEAR, TEEMING WITH WILDLIFE AND ENJOYED BY ALL”

EDUCATION AND AWARENESS WATER QUALITY  To share information about the river Wear and understand  To improve communication between local, regional and what people value and want to see improved about their national organisations using the river Wear and work in local rivers partnership to improve water quality  To reconnect communities to their local river environment  To make better use of local knowledge to understand the and enable them to access and enjoy the river Wear valley causes of diffuse pollution in the lower Wear catchment and  To support, recognise, and increase opportunities for take action to resolve them volunteering in the river Wear valley  To raise awareness and educate local communities and businesses about the impact of their actions on water quality and what they can do to help

PLANNING FOR WATER WILDLIFE HABITATS  To work with land owners, land managers and planning  To improve the range and quantity of native fish and eel authorities to improve the quality of rivers in the lower wear stocks in the river Wear and its tributaries and promote sustainable development  To provide improved, bigger and better connected wildlife  To promote the incorporation of more green infrastructure habitats in the catchment leading to an increased diversity of to better manage water flow through the catchment native species and protected habitats

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Wear catchment who have contributed to the creation of our shared Developing our vision vision and action plan. This plan describes our vision for the catchment, identifies problems and issues and offers actions that we feel are necessary to resolve them. This is a shared plan owned by the people and organisations who have contributed.

Working in partnership Many groups and organisations are already working hard towards improving the River Wear and that work will continue. This initiative is focussing on where there is potential for organisations to work more closely together, because we recognise working alone is not enough to achieve our vision. But, having a plan is only part of it. We know that if the plan is to be effective we will need to engage and work with more local In December 2011, a partnership was formed of nine organisations to communities, groups, businesses, organisations, authorities and advise, provide direction and co-ordinate work in the Lower Wear individuals in the catchment. By working together we hope we can catchment: the ‘Development Group’. The nine members include: achieve more improvements for the Lower Wear, encourage others to Durham County Council, Durham Wildlife Trust, Durham do the same and help people to understand, enjoy and engage with University, Environment Agency, Forestry Commission, their local rivers. Groundwork North East, Natural England, Northumbria Water Ltd, Wear River Trust. Summary of consultation to date  Formally launched the Lower River Wear initiative in September 2011 This partnership has been working more broadly with support from a  Development Group established in December 2011 number of other groups and organisations in the area who have been  Series of stakeholder events held between November 2011 to October integral to this process. It is our hope that the partnership will continue 2012 (workshops, drop-in-sessions, facilitated discussion) to develop over time and comprise a broad membership of  Regular newsletters produced to advertise the initiative and meetings organisations and individuals representing the widest range of  Developed and hosted information on partner websites (Environment interests throughout the catchment. Agency / Groundwork North East)  Targeted action planning workshops with interested groups and organisations Who cares?  Individual meetings with interested parties to discuss the plan Over the past 12 months the Development Group has consulted with  Public perception survey undertaken between August to September 2012 over 300 organisations, groups, and people living in or near the lower (on-line survey; paper survey; participatory mapping)

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potential for some of this work to be even more effective through Challenges and Opportunities coordination of different volunteer groups working together to From the information and comments received from over 300 improve longer stretches of rivers and, where possible, by targeting organisations and individuals who have been consulted during this activities to help address water pollution and improve the quality of initiative we have identified 4 key themes, each with their own set of riverside habitats for wildlife. Results from a public perception survey aims and targets: carried out across the lower Wear catchment showed that more needs to be done to encourage schools and young people to get involved with  Education and Awareness volunteering.

 Water Quality What is happening already?  Planning for Water  Wildlife Habitats Case Study: Riverfly for schools and community groups

Riverfly is a partnership of nearly 100 organisations working This section will summarise the background and separately tabulate together to protect river water quality, understand river fly the aims and targets for each theme. populations, and conserve river fly habitats.

Education and Awareness “I think that a focused effort on an area like the lower Wear could produce some data which would inform our WFD investigations” Connecting people, place and rivers Environment Agency, September 2012 A clean and healthy water environment is vital for everyone's quality of life. People who are socially and economically disadvantaged often live Some angling clubs in the area are already involved with this in the worst environments. These problems can affect people's health initiative. The Wear Rivers Trust is working with the and well being and can add to the burden of social and economic Environment Agency, John Muir Award, Limestone Landsdcapes deprivation. Almost half of the residents in County Durham live in Partnership and County Durham Area Action Partnerships to communities that are in the 30% most deprived areas in England. extend this work to include local schools, parents and other Although conditions are generally improving, deprivation is most communities in the whole River Wear catchment. apparent in the lower Wear catchment Tackling environmental inequalities and ensuring that all people have access to a healthy river environment, now and in the future, is critical to everybody’s quality of life.

Coordinating volunteer activity Within the lower Wear catchment there is already much voluntary work being undertaken to improve the river Wear catchment. There is

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EDUCTION AND AWARENESS WHAT WE WILL AIM TO DO (OUR AIMS) WHAT WE WANT TO SEE HAPPEN (OUR OUTCOMES) 1. To share information about the river Wear and understand a. [By 2013] A baseline of awareness and understanding of community what people value and want to see improved about their aspirations for the lower river Wear is developed local rivers 2. To reconnect communities to their local river environment a. [By 2015] More local communities are actively involved with looking and enable them to access and enjoy the river Wear valley after their rivers leading to an increased sense of ownership and pride in their local environment b. [By 2020] More people who live and work in the lower wear catchment have access to a healthy local water environment 3. To support, recognise, and increase opportunities for a. [By 2013] Better coordination of volunteer activity so that groups are volunteering in the river Wear valley aware of what others are doing on or around rivers in the lower Wear b. [By 2015] More volunteer groups are targeting their activities to address sources of water pollution and involved in monitoring and recording water quality c. [By 2020] More schools and young people are using their local rivers as an outdoor classroom and source of education and inspiration

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In this catchment most point and diffuse pollution originates from Water Quality sewers agriculture playing a relatively minor role. Understanding the causes of poor water quality The Environment Agency is undertaking over 50 investigations in the Pollution from a variety of sources: diffuse pollution lower Wear catchment which vary from analysing existing information, Diffuse pollution comes from a variety of sources and is categorised by to bespoke chemical and biological monitoring, and field work which the Environment Agency as being from ‘non-regulated’ sources or are due to complete by the end of December 2012. Understanding the discharges. In these circumstances the Environment Agency would not causes of poor water quality will require regulatory authorities, the have issued a permit allowing the discharge. water company, environmental groups and local communities working together to share information and knowledge about the local water What is happening already? environment. This approach will enable us to better understand what needs to be done and more effectively target future actions to safeguard Case Study: Living Waterways rivers in the lower Wear. Living Waterways is an initiative delivered by the Durham,

Northumberland and Tees Valley Wildlife Trusts to tackle urban diffuse pollution and flood risk with the help of local communities. Durham Wildlife Trust’s project is currently working across the Wear catchment with volunteers from local wildlife and community groups to help clean up their local waterways and create new and diverse habitats for aquatic wildlife.

In the lower Wear catchment point and diffuse source pollution is contributing to poor water quality and impacting fish stocks. The pollution sources can be both rural and urban and in the lower Wear catchment are predominantly from wrong connections (e.g. faulty Source: Chester-Le-Street and District Angling Club, catchment report, June 2012 pipes), run off from roads, industry and waste, soil and sediment coming from land and sewage discharges. From what we already know the majority of rivers in the lower Wear catchment fail to meet both phosphate and ammonia standards. There This can lead to a reduction in the number of aquatic species that can are a variety of possible causes, although it is predominantly associated tolerate the river conditions, serious pollution incidents and visually nutrient enrichment from discharges from sewage treatment works, unsightly discharges. In particular high nutrient levels (predominantly combined sewer outfalls (CSOs), known as “point source” pollution and phosphates) within the rivers can lead to more frequent algal blooms, general non-specific background pollution known as “diffuse pollution”. potentially depleting the rivers of oxygen and damaging aquatic

Lower River Wear Action Plan Page 16 organisms. As well as carrying phosphates, sediment deposition can be directly harmful to the reproduction of certain fish species.

Changing behaviour Communities and businesses often don’t connect the impact their actions, either in their homes or places of work, may have on their local water environment (e.g. discharging harmful detergents into surface water drains). There is a need to improve understanding and ownership of whole river environment issues and their solutions within the Lower Wear catchment. Investment in enhanced treatments at Sewage Treatment Works will carry a cost, with the 2015-2020 programme under discussion between the Environment Agency, Northumbrian Water and OFWAT.

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OUR THEME: WATER QUALITY WHAT WE WILL AIM TO DO (OUR AIMS) WHAT WE WANT TO SEE HAPPEN (OUR OUTCOMES) 4. To improve communication between local, regional and a. [By 2020] Less sewage derived point source pollution in the lower national organisations using the river Wear and work in Wear catchment (in particular Croxdale Beck, Cong Burn, Valley partnership to improve water quality Burn, River Wear) b. [By 2020] Less mine water derived point source pollution in the lower Wear catchment (in particular South Burn & Blackdene Burn) 5. To make better use of local knowledge to understand the a. [By 2013] Partnership schemes to address diffuse pollution will be causes of diffuse pollution in the lower Wear catchment and identified and agreed between key organisations in the lower Wear take action to resolve them catchment (e.g. Cong Burn, Lumley Park Burn, Herrington Burn, Moors Burn, Valley Burn) b. [By 2015] More local evidence is gathered to determine causes of diffuse pollution and is understood and agreed by key organisations leading to greater involvement of local river user groups in the management of our rivers c. [By 2020] Less urban diffuse pollution impacting river water quality in the lower Wear catchment (in particular Valley Burn, Cong Burn, Lumley Park Burn, Herrington Burn, Moors Burn, Croxdale Beck) d. [By 2020] Less agricultural diffuse pollution impacting river water quality in target areas in the lower Wear catchment (in particular Old Durham Beck and the River Browney) 6. To raise awareness and educate local communities and a. [By 2015] local residents, communities and businesses have a better businesses about the impact of their actions on water quality understanding of the impact of their actions on their local water and what they can do to help environment and are taking action to change their own behaviour (e.g. reporting incidents, reducing use of harmful chemicals, conserving water, volunteering) b. [By 2020] an evidence base exists of practical actions that householders and businesses have undertaken to improve water quality and quality of the riparian environment

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sediment in runoff, reduce the impacts of downstream flooding and Planning for water reduce soil erosion.

Making development part of the solution What is happening already? The form and function of some of the rivers in the lower Wear catchment have a history of being modified and altered Case Study: Redhouse Gill System for the purposes of flood risk, water supply and industry and Partnership project with Chester-le-Street & District Angling Club, urbanisation. As our population continues to expand so does Durham University, Durham County Council, and Northumbrian Water Ltd. Integrating different sources of evidence to identify the need for additional infrastructure to support its causes of diffuse pollution, influence future planning, and develop population and economic growth. This is putting additional realistic solutions to improve water quality and manage surface pressure on our rivers and water environments to support water flooding. The catchment based approach provided the this growth. catalyst to bring evidence and partners together

Durham County Council and Sunderland City Council have produced Green Infrastructure Strategies which include the potential creation of new ‘green spaces’. A number of these potential sites are contained within the lower Wear catchment and could deliver large benefits for our local rivers and the people who use them.

The clear purpose of the planning system is to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development and the National Planning Policy Framework carries a presumption in favour of sustainable development. It will be critical to work with local authorities, in particular through their local and neighbourhood plans, to encourage Photos: Redhouse Gill system, illustrating severe bank erosion sustainable development as a means of protecting and enhancing our local river environments and marketing the benefits to local communities and businesses.

Using Green Infrastructure to improve our rivers There is strong evidence that the creation of ‘green infrastructure’ in both rural and urban area, such as planting woodland in appropriate locations, can benefit the water environment in a number of ways: reduce diffuse pollution by trapping and retaining nutrients and Lower River Wear Action Plan Page 19

OUR THEME: PLANNING FOR WATER WHAT WE WILL AIM TO DO (OUR AIMS) WHAT WE WANT TO SEE HAPPEN (OUR OUTCOMES) 7. To work with land owners, land managers and planning a. [By 2013] More integrated planning as local authority strategies, authorities to improve the quality of rivers in the lower wear neighbourhood, and county plans take account of local water quality and promote sustainable development priorities and contribute to improved river environments b. [By 2015] Identify and agree opportunities for enhancing the river environment within new developments aimed at achieving a ‘net gain’ in biodiversity c. [By 2020] Developers value local river networks more and are investing more in environmental and water quality improvements 8. To promote the incorporation of more green infrastructure a. [By 2014] More habitat creation in the lower Wear catchment will to better manage water flow through the catchment consider Green Infrastructure aims, BAP aims and aims of local partnerships (i.e. Local Nature Partnership, Limestone Landscape Partnership) b. [By 2015] More new developments incorporate the use of SUDS, green roofs, swales and other green infrastructure solutions to better manage surface water flooding and protect water quality (e.g. North of Arnison Supplementary Planning Document) c. [By 2020] New ‘green spaces’, identified in Local Authority Green Infrastructures strategies, will have been created which will help to improve water quality and, where possible, reduce surface and fluvial flooding in the lower Wear catchment

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60% of the rivers in the lower Wear catchment fail to meet required Wildlife habitats standards for fish.

Poor water quality and modification of most of the major tributaries of More key wildlife the Wear, including installation of in-stream structures (e.g. weirs at One of the biggest challenges facing river wildlife in the Durham City centre & Chester-Le-Street), have led to the loss of habitat Lower Wear is from continued development and its diversity and prevent these and other species from extending their associated infrastructure. Modification of our rivers for flood natural range. defence purposes, mineral extraction, and land drainage has led to a reduction in quality of the water environment and The Environment Agency coordinates a fish pass programme for the main River Wear and, although some problems have been identified on exerts considerable pressure on our wildlife habitats. the major tributaries, further work is still needed. Some organisations are already doing work to improve water quality and physical habitat, A key objective of the WFD is to create a more natural river such as on the Cong Burn & Lumley Park Burn. system. To do so would inevitably create new opportunities for wildlife to flourish and re-colonise once polluted waters. “Most of my free time when I was at school was spent fishing on the Wear…Now it provides the backdrop for my weekends spent with my Consideration also needs to be given to eradication of invasive plant young family, walking and picnics along the Wear. Although I’ve species, such as Giant Hogweed, Himalayan Balsam, and Japanese slowly migrated downstream I’ve never lived much more than a mile Knotweed. from the river” Anon, Lower Wear Pilot Survey, September 2012 Sustainable fish stocks Diverse and sustainable fish stocks are indicative of a healthy aquatic ecosystem and can provide significant recreational and economic services to the catchment. Although salmon & sea trout stocks are continuing to recover in the main River Wear as water quality improves

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OUR THEME: WILDLIFE HABITATS WHAT WE WILL AIM TO DO (OUR AIMS) WHAT WE WANT TO SEE HAPPEN (OUR OUTCOMES) 9. To improve the range and quantity of native fish and eel a. [By 2020] Better connected river habitats leading to an increased stocks in the river Wear and its tributaries range of salmon, sea trout and important coarse fish species throughout the lower Wear catchment b. [By 2020] Less bank erosion and improved quality of riparian habitats leading to improved fish stocks 10. To provide improved, bigger and better connected wildlife a. [By 2015] Habitat management will be taking place that will habitats in the catchment leading to an increased diversity of strengthen ecological networks in the lower Wear catchment native species and protected habitats b. [By 2020] More indigenous wildlife and ecological river habitats created in the lower Wear catchment to improve water quality and biodiversity c. [By 2020] Giant Hogweed, and other invasive species where possible, is controlled & managed in the lower Wear for the purposes of public safety and biodiversity.

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indicates the boundaries of the WFD water bodies contained within it 100 Steps to a healthy river and a summary of the main reasons the Environment Agency has This section presents a record of over 100 potential actions identified for why our rivers are failing to meet European water quality objectives. which have been identified as necessary to turn our vision for the river into a reality. The actions relate to the 4 key Action tables themes, aims and targets identified in the plan. They have A corresponding action table is also provided for each of the 10 river been modified following consideration of the comments systems and for the catchment wide actions. These tables show some received during the past 12months consultation. of the issue that have been identified and potential actions to resolve them. Where known, actions are presented with a corresponding Actions have been considered in 3 categories: timeframe, identified partners, and an estimation of cost. Drivers for each action are also shown in the tables which indicate what the outcomes will achieve and how they will help to fulfil our vision for the  Those with funding and partners already identified and catchment. which may be considered on-going  Those where possible funding sources and partners have What next? been identified and are being pursued (planned)  Those where funding has not yet been sought and a lead This plan is intended to be a working document and the actions contained within it are likely to change as work is progressed and our partner has not yet been agreed (new) understanding of our river improves. The plan will be reviewed periodically to enable the partnership to assess what progress has been Layout made and what still needs to happen. The actions are split into those which relate to the whole of the River Wear catchment (catchment wide actions) and those which relate to The next stage will be for the Development Group to prioritise those one of the 10 individual river systems which make up the lower River actions which are most important and most achievable in the Wear (local actions). timeframe and in respect of available resources. This will enable us to immediately start to work with communities and organisations to Water Framework Directive (WFD) Scorecards improve the River Wear it for people and wildlife. A WFD scorecard is provided for each of the 10 river systems in the catchment. These scorecards provides a map of the river system which

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Map showing the WFD ‘ecological’ status of the 25 water bodies making up the lower Wear catchment

Source: Environment Agency WFD monitoring data, November 2012

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Catchment wide actions No. Issue Action Potential Supporting Status Cost Time Comments Education Water Planning Wildlife partners aims and (£K) frame & Quality for water Habitats (Lead/others) targets Awareness

1 rural diffuse Set up Wear Farming Partnership to Wear Rivers 2a; 5a; 5b; On- Low S Majority of consultees identified this x x x pollution address agricultural and rural diffuse Trust; Wear 5d going as a high priority. Look at involving (phosphates, pollution across the catchment. Development NGOs and universities to deploy nitrates & Identify particular rivers or tributaries Group; water quality monitoring equipment pesticides) where there is evidence of problems landowners, (sondes) and to analyse data. (e.g. Lumley Park Burn & Old Woodland Trust; Engagement with relevant Durham Beck). Look to address angling clubs landowners and identification of sources of agricultural derived sites for mitigation should be phosphorus, nitrates, and pesticides outcome. Ownership and priority and identify a series of measures for this action includes CLA/NFU; through landowner engagement and local estates; and anglers. Link to mapping of pathways. Drinking Water Protected areas work. 2 diffuse Review water company sewage Environment 2a; 5b, 5c On- High L All consultees identified this as a x pollution maintenance programme across Agency; going high priority. Should form part of (intermittent catchment - work with water Northumbrian existing work being undertaken by sewage) company to undertake a risk Water; Wear EA/NWL through PR14 to feed into assessment and prioritisation for Development investment programme for 2015-20 combined sewer overflows (CSOs), Group; angling and inform WFD 'reasons for pumping stations (PS) and surface clubs failure' work. Issues with timescale water outfalls (SWO)for by impacts for submission to inform PR14. to determine source apportionment for WFD failures. Develop and agree an improvement programme. 3 diffuse & Mapping to identify and prioritise a Environment 4b; 5a; 5b; New Medium S Use Chester-Le-Street & District x point source suite of biodiversity based mine Agency, Coal 5c Angling Club Cong Burn reed bed pollution water remediation projects to Authority, Wear as good practice example. Target (mine water) improve water quality (iron Development at identifiable water courses and manganese) in identifiable small Group, angling determine discrete projects and streams. clubs solutions. 4 diffuse & Review mine water levels across the Environment 4b On- Low S Part of on-going work being x point source catchment as part of work for next Agency, Coal going undertaken by the Environment pollution cycle (2015-2021) of River Basin Authority, Agency. (mine water) Management Plans Northumbrian Water Ltd

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5 diffuse Creation of Green Infrastructure Environment 7a; 7b; 8b New Low S Councils agreed there is an urgent x x x pollution solutions to address diffuse pollution Agency; need to do this to identify sites and - mapping project to identify where Durham County mitigation by December 2012 to new green spaces identified within Council; align with County Plans. Integrate the council plans could help improve Sunderland City future changes. Would need to failing water bodies for diffuse Council; Wear incorporate into Local Plans by pollution and, where possible, reduce Development May 2012 through the formal the surface water and fluvial flooding in Group consultation period. Review the the catchment. Identify priority sites water cycle study for the Wear for the creation of green catchment as part of this process. infrastructure solutions. Link to Area Action Partnerships and Neighbourhood Plans and include local developers in dialogue. 6 diffuse Woodlands4water (riparian, Forestry 5a; 5b; 5c; New Low S Identified as high priority among x x x pollution floodplain, wider catchment) Use Commission; 5d; 8a; 9b local authorities. Link to existing output from existing mapping project Wear work to produce riparian shading to identify and prioritise opportunities Development maps for water bodies and to increase fringe of wet woodland Group; 'Woodlands4Water' project to and other riparian habitats in Sunderland City identify tree planting areas. Both appropriate locations along rivers Council; maps will be available through FC and streams in the Wear catchment Woodland Trust; and EA from Feb 2013. as a means of improving water Local Nature quality and managing surface water Partnership flows. 7 point source Map non-water company private Environment 4a; 6a New Low S Use Northumbrian Water Ltd x pollution permits for sewage discharges in the Agency; 'source apportionment' data to aid catchment as they are sampled less Northumbrian identification of high risk sites frequently. Identify priority sites and Water Ltd; review inspection of these. landowners; Undertake possible campaign in businesses target areas and ensure appropriate regulation. 8 sustainable Future proofing Durham County Environment 7a, 7b, 7c, New Low S Councils agreed there is an urgent x x development Council's development plans - review Agency, 10b need to do this to identify sites and Durham 'Water Cycle Study’, which Durham County mitigation by December 2012 to outlines where there is sufficient Council, align with County Plans. infrastructure for development to Northumbrian consultation. Integrate future take place (e.g. growth areas & new Water Ltd changes. Would need to roads), to identify priority WFD sites incorporate into Local Plans by to mitigate and avoid future May 2012 through the formal the deterioration. consultation period. Review the water cycle study for the Wear catchment as part of this process. Link to Area Action Partnerships and Neighbourhood Plans and include local developers in dialogue.

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9 information Annual review of catchment related Wear 1b; 2a; 2b New Low S Feed into 2nd cycle River Basin x & data projects and evidence - hold an Catchment Planning. Make information sharing annual event to share information Partnership; available on the internet. Consider and results about completed work angling clubs, joint event with other catchment being undertaken, assess delivery of river user partnerships in the area - Tyne, plan, and identify necessary groups, Tees, Northumberland, Till resource and direction with voluntary groups interested individuals, groups and organisations. 10 non-native Feasibility for development of online Eco-Net; North On- Low S x x invasive monitoring tool to map presence of Pennines AONB; going (<£5K) species problematic invasive non native Environment species across Wear, Tyne & Tees Agency; Local catchments and aid their Rivers Trusts management. (e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam, Giant Hogweed). 11 education Expand 'Riverfly for Schools and Wear Rivers 2a; 3b; 3c; On- Low S x x (volunteer Communities' partnership project - Trust; Wear 5b going monitoring) build on success of existing project Development to work with more schools and Group; groups across the catchment and Limestone collect other relevant information Landscape (e.g. water quality data, ideas for Partnership; habitat improvement projects). Work Council Area with schools ensure the project helps Action contribute towards their schools Partnerships; curriculum. Develop a 1 year rolling angling clubs; programme. community groups; schools 12 education & Undertake a public perception survey Durham 1a; 2a On- Low S Undertake specific events aimed at x x x access to through Durham University to University; going (<£10k) local communities and look at rivers understand what people value about Wear existing practice. Link to Natural the river Wear and its tributaries, Development England/Durham Wildlife Trust their knowledge of their rivers, and Group; Council project to map and outline the what they want to see improved. Area Action ecosystem services being delivered Trial different participatory Partnerships in each LAA in the IBDA by March techniques for engaging individuals 2013. and groups in catchment planning. Information will be used to develop a flagship project to better connect people and rivers in the lower Wear catchment. 13 education Identify and undertake wildlife and/or Canoe England; 2a; 3b; 3c; New Low S Work could include using GPS to x x (volunteer diffuse pollution surveys with Environment 5b; 10c map presence of invasive species monitoring) canoeists on suitable navigable Agency Wear and point source pollution. stretches of the main river Wear and Rivers Trust associated tributaries in the catchment (e.g. water vole surveys, identification of low level rural and urban diffuse pollution). Specifically identify areas that are not easily

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accessible by land.

14 education Wear Week - Run a series of Wear 1a; 2a; New Low S Consultees identified this as a x 'engagement & education' initiatives Development highest priority aim for pilot. Link to during the summer 2013 aimed at Group; Area events already being undertaken communities and residents in the Action during the summer (e.g. Durham Wear catchment to provide an open Partnerships; Regatta, Miners Gala, Duck Race, understanding of their local river local community Limestone Landscape Festival). environment and how personal groups and Potential for whole partnership actions could impact on water residents; rivers involvement. quality, amenity, biodiversity, users and clubs; recreation and what they can do to Limestone help (e.g. river walks; angling, Landscape rowing, canoeing taster sessions; Partnership; pollution spotting) Durham Archaeological Society 15 education Create a shared web based forum to Wear 1a; 2a; 3a; New Unknown S x and access act as a 'river directory' to display Development 3b to and store information about the river Group information Wear catchment, such as: voluntary activity, active river improvement projects and initiatives, river based clubs and groups, pollution hotspots, and general information about the River Wear. 16 education Water Wise targeted campaign - Wear 2a; 6a; 6b New Low M x x Develop and distribute guidance for Development a suite of practical actions that Group, local householders and businesses can councils, undertake to improve water quality developers, and quality of riparian environment – Local Enterprise through river stewardship scheme Partnership, and an associated campaign. Target home owners, specific problem areas in the local businesses catchment and provide information kits which explain to people how their personal actions could impact the water environment, what they can do differently, where to find advice, and how this can be funded (e.g. yellow fish campaigns, use business to support staff to positively engage with river).

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17 education Water for Schools programme - Northumbrian 2a; 3c; 6a New Medium S Could look to identify a 'lead x jointly funded 'education officer' to Water Ltd, Wear school' and set up a water work with schools across the Development challenge competition between catchment to provide training and Group, local schools to see how they could save education about water efficiency and schools, John money by using water more water quality. Specifically to work Muir Award efficiently and improve local water with schools to develop projects and quality. Could target schools in measures to reduce water use, save area where low flows are a problem money and energy and take actions and those that are located close to to improve water quality (e.g. Yellow rivers. Link to Riverfly for schools Fish, installing water butts etc). and communities project. Use model used for 'climate change for schools' programme. 18 education Engagement with local groups to Wear 2a; 3b; 5a; Planned Low S Link to existing projects being x x x (volunteer capture information on low-level Development 5b; 6a (<£10k) delivered by eNGOs - Durham monitoring) diffuse pollution impacting on water Group; Wildlife Trust Living Waterways quality and wider ecology - trial Environment project; Groundwork NE Trading project to identify, undertake and Agency; local Estates work; Chester-Le-Street & provide training to do river catchment angling and District Angling Club catchment walkover surveys and water quality community walkovers, fish passage and mine monitoring on rivers failing for WFD groups. water remediation work; Wear to identify sources of pollution and River Trust fish pass programme; pathways. Use an agreed Environment Agency Northern methodology to identify low level Ambition project. diffuse pollution, barriers to fish migration, and opportunities for habitats improvements. Deploy and monitor water quality testing equipment (sondes) at selected sites. Deliver through eNGOs working with local universities, angling clubs and community groups. 19 education Develop a software application tool Environment 2a; 3b; 5b; New Medium M Link to existing Groundwork Trust x x similar to the Plant Tracker tool Agency; Wear 6a phone app for collecting data (http://planttracker.naturelocator.org/) Development through their ‘Urban Oasis’ project; that will allow volunteers to identify Group, local AONB Wildwatch App; and similar low-level diffuse pollution and angling clubs ideas suggested by Durham instantly upload their findings, linked and community University through the ‘Urban to an Environment Agency data groups Diffuse Pollution Challenge’ systems. Trial tool in North East competition. Investigate through Wear partnership. opportunities to use a 'research grant' to develop idea. Could also capture erosion. 20 education Scoping to develop an external Environment 2a; 3b; 5b; New Medium M Wide agreement among consultees x x facing component to Environment Agency; Wear 6a that existing Environment Agency Agency National Incident Recording Development system is not fit for purpose and Systems (NIRS) so individuals can Group does not encourage people to "track and map' their incident, view record incidents. Link to existing other similar incidents in the area, Environment Agency work to and see what action is being taken improve the water pollution by relevant authorities to resolve it. recording system.

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21 education Workshop for Northumbrian Water to Northumbrian 1a; 5b New Low S Meeting with rivers trusts has x meet with anglers in the catchment Water Ltd; NE (<£1K) already happened. Other eNGOs to to understand their concerns and Anglers Forum; be met. Would help to avoid identify ways to work better together Angling Trust; conflicts with potential PR14 - e.g. use of volunteers for recording local angling schemes. incidents. Form part of wider clubs; corporate responsibility work being Environment undertaken through PR14. Agency

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Brancepeth Beck

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Action Table No. Issue Action Potential Supporting WFD Status Cost Time Comments Education Water Planning Wildlife partners aims and outcome (£K) frame & Quality for water Habitats (Lead/others) targets (pressures Awareness addressed)

22 fisheries Catchment walkover and Wear Rivers 5b; 9a barriers to New Low S Possible land management x habitat investigation to determine Trust, fish (<£2k) and sedimentation issues. pressures impacting fish Environment migration Determine specific stretches populations in the area and Agency to walk with Environment identify potential solutions Agency EM & Fisheries departments. High priority as 'fish' is only failing WFD element. 23 river Review of flood protection and Environment 8c flood New Unknown Unknown Confirm with Environment x x flooding water level management around Agency, local protection Agency Flood & Coastal Risk Page Bank area - look at residents, Management department. potential for wetland creation landowners

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Browney (including Pan Burn and Smallhope Burn)

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Action Table No. Issue Action Potential Supporting WFD Status Cost Time Comments Education Water Planning Wildlife partners aims and outcome (£K) frame & Quality for water Habitats (Lead/others) targets (pressures Awareness addressed)

24 urban Develop CSO/sewer network Northumbrian New Unknown S x diffuse improvement programme for Water; pollution Brandon CSOs which have been Environment (CSOs) assessed as having a 'high impact' Agency for their discharge (ammonia, BOD, DO, SRP). Also investigate other private point source discharges identified which contribute to soluble reactive phosphorus load. 25 phosphates, Consider phosphorus removal Northumbrian On- Unknown L x water options small STWs in area - Water; going quality Witton Gilbert, Esh Winning, Environment monitoring Crookhall, Knitsley STWs through Agency PR14 process. Also, investigate STW potential removal through further SIMCAT modelling. Further ecological data required to support this work. 26 flood Burnhall easement - review Environment On- Unknown M x resilience effectiveness of scheme and Agency going determine maintenance requirements 27 agricultural Undertake investigation on Environment Planned Unknown S x x diffuse Smallhope Burn to identify and Agency; pollution develop solution to address Natural agagricultural diffuse pollution. England; Wear Partnership 28 urban Catchment walkover (Browney Environment New Unknown S x x diffuse from Deerness confluence to River Agency; pollution Wear) - undertake walkover to Groundwork better understand catchment and NE link to existing work with eNGOs on industrial estates in the area 29 surface Lanchester - flooding issues in the Environment On- Unknown M x water and area linked to surface water and Agency going river river flooding and urban drainage flooding from Afield Plane. The area is also very heavily engineered. Existing feasibility work being done to investigate surface water flooding in the area.

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30 surface Review planned growth for area Environment New Unknown M x x water with Council to effectively manage Agency; flooding & surface water flooding and urban Durham urban drainage. County drainage Council 31 Fish Lanchester culvert, but possible Environment New Passage conflict with flood alleviation Agency Wear Rivers Trust 32 urban Review water company network in Northumbrian New M x diffuse area and put in place measures to Water Ltd pollution address intermittent pollution - (sewage) CSO's and wrong connections. 33 urban Burton Beck - Investigate sources Environment New M x diffuse of urban diffuse pollution around Agency pollution stream and operation of water (sewage) & company CSOs and contribution to low flows river flows 34 urban Catchment walkover and Environment New S x x diffuse investigation of area above Agency; Wear pollution Spenneymoor to identify wrong Partnership (sewage) connections and sources of phosphates and inputs into large culvert. 35 urban Review discharge permits in area. Environment New S x x diffuse Agency pollution 36 water Investigate feasibility for water Environment New M x quality & company to redirect surface water Agency; low flows flows into Valley Burn to provide Northumbrian more flow and improve dilution Water Ltd from worng connections 37 urban Review options for improving Environment New M x x diffuse highways drainage in area Agency; pollution Highways (drainage) Agency

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Cong Burn (including Twizell Burn)

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Action table No. Issue Action Potential Supporting WFD Status Cost Time Comments Education Water Planning Wildlife partners aims and outcome (£K) frame & Quality for water Habitats (Lead/others) targets (pressures Awareness addressed)

38 diffuse Catchment scale 'urban river Wear 1a; 2a; 2b; urbanisation; New H M High priority action. Link x x x x pollution restoration project' on Twizell Burn Development 4a; 5a; 5b; sewage to existing work (urban) from Memorial Park to confluence Group, 5c; 6a; 7c; discharge undertaken by Chester- with Cong Burn. Look at Chester-Le- 8b; 9a; 10b (intermittent) Le-Street Angling Club developing solutions to address Street & Groundwork NE active wrong connections, diffuse District in area. Opportunity to pollution, and degraded habitats. Angling Club; work with ASDA through - work local angling club to deliver Stanley Town Durham University plans for improving fish passage Council; Asda; - work with water company to South Stanley address diffuse sewage from Woods Group; CSO's and wrong connections developers; - work with local community group local to do outreach campaign to residents; land address fly-tipping, litter and wrong owners connections - options to improve riparian habitat - address diffuse mine water pollution

39 fish passage Twizell Burn Habitats Chester-Le- 2a; 9a; 9b; urbanisation On- M S Chester-Le-Street x Improvements - Work with Chester- Street & 10a; 10b going Angling Club have Le-Street & District Angling Club to District already undertaken a undertake fish passage solutions Angling Club; walkover and begun and habitat improvement works to Wear discussion with mitigate a series of stepped weirs, Development landowners for their culverts and canalised section of Group, preliminary draft project the river which was previously Durham ideas. Link to proposed modified to reduce river velocities County work on upper part of and prevent scour from a former Council; this river catchment. colliery site. Works would provide landowners access for migratory fish species to valuable habitats. 40 diffuse Deployment of water quality Environment 2a; 4a; 5a; sewage New <£5k S x x pollution monitoring equipment ('real time' Agency, Wear 5b; discharge (sewage) sondes) in Twizell Burn to collect Development (intermittent); evidence for diffuse pollution from Group, sewage sewerage, determine source Chester-Le- discharge apportionment, and identify Street Angling (continuous) solutions (voluntary & regulatory) - Club, South work with local eNGOs, local Stanley angling club and university to Woods Group deploy, monitor and analyse the Lower River Wear Action Plan Page 37

equipment.

41 sustainable Work with Durham County Council Durham 7a; 7c; 8b sewage New Low S Environment Agency x x x x development and developers to review growth County discharge recently objected to plans for the area and ensure new Council, (continuous) proposed development housing has appropriate surface Environment on basis of inadequate water infrastructure - undertake Agency, local plans for surface water outreach campaign for wrong developers drainage connections and septic tanks for existing developments 42 diffuse Develop combined sewer outfalls Northumbrian 4a; 5a; 5b; sewage On- Low S x pollution (CSO's)/sewer network Water Ltd; 5c discharge going (sewage) improvement programme to Environment (intermittent); address several CSOs which are Agency; sewage discharging into the Twizell Burn Chester-Le- discharge and have been assessed as having Street & (continuous); a 'high impact' for ammonia. District mixed Review existing telemetry installed Angling Club drainage in CSOs, source apportionment work for road culvert, and plans for Hustledown sewage treatment works (look at upstream monitoring points). Look to include as action in water company maintenance programme (AMP). 43 diffuse Investigate and address sewage Environment 5a; 5b; 5c; sewage New Unknown S High priority site as fish x x pollution related pollution incidents occurring Agency; 6a discharge passage improvement (sewage) on the Cong Burn between Chester-Le- (intermittent); project already being Holmside Lane & Wheatley Green Street & sewage undertaken in area by Lane raised by local residents and District discharge Chester-Le-Street & reported by local angling club - Angling Club; (continuous) District Angling Club possible sewage from septic tanks Coal Authority; and CSOs - outreach campaign local residents with local residents 44 diffuse Develop a series of small scale Chester-Le- 2a; 4b; 5a; urban diffuse On- Low S High priority site due to x x pollution reed beds/wetlands to address Street & 5b; 5c (mine water) going concerns raised from (mine water) mine water discharges impacting District local residents and localised sections of the Cong Burn Angling Club; angling club. CDAC are and associated tributaries at Hag Environment already undertaking Wood and West Edmondsley. Look Agency; Coal work in the area to at opportunities for community Authority; improve fish passage. wetland/tree planting/reed beds to local residents On-going discussion support existing work of Chester- with Coal Authority who Le-Street & District Angling Club also own Hag Wood. (CDAC).

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45 diffuse Develop combined sewer outfalls Northumbrian 4a; 5a; 5b; sewage New Unknown S x pollution (CSO's)/sewer network Water Ltd; 5c discharge (sewage) improvement programme on Cong Environment (intermittent); Burn from Twizell confluence to Agency; sewage Wear - review several CSOs which Chester-Le- discharge are discharging into the Cong Burn Street & (continuous) along a 10mile stretch at Chester- District Le-Street (NZ 27946 51567 / Angling Club CHES41). Look to include as action in water company maintenance programme (AMP). 46 diffuse Fish passage improvements - Chester Le 9a; 9b morphology; New Unknown S/M x x pollution & review options for improved fish Street mixed fish passage passage through Chester-Le-Street Angling Club, drainage culvert. Also, identify and Wear Rivers remediate sources of siltation and Trust, any other diffuse pollution Environment occurring. Agency, Durham County Council, 47 bank erosion Undertake bank stabilisation works Wear Rivers 9b morphology New Low S x through Chester-Le-Street Park Trust; Chester Le Street Angling Club, Environment Agency, Durham County Council,

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Croxdale Beck

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Action table No. Issue Action Potential Supporting WFD Status Cost Time Comments Education Water Planning Wildlife partners aims and outcome (£K) frame & Quality for water Habitats (Lead/others) targets (pressures Awareness addressed)

48 landfill Review potential impact on Environment 5c; 6a sewage New Unknown S x drainage river from landfill drainage at Agency; discharge Joint Stocks site, near Kelloe, landowner (intermittent) and undertake any necessary remediation 49 urban and Catchment walkover on Wear 2a; 5b; 5c sewage New L (<£2k) S Undertake through Wear x x rural Croxdale Beck and Turnsdale Development discharge Development Group. Very diffuse Beck - to identify sources of Group; (intermittent) strong community in Bowburn. pollution urban and rural diffuse Environment pollution in the catchment (e.g. Agency; CSOs and sedimentation). Northumbrian Undertake through eNGOs Water Ltd; and local community. Limestone Landscape Partnership 50 fish Fish passage and habitats Wear Rivers 2a; 9a; 10b physical On- Unknown S/M Wear Rivers Trust already x passage improvements - catchment Trust; modification going undertaking a feasibility study walkover to review barriers to Environment (barriers to to resolve an identified fish passage and identify Agency; fish obstruction opportunities to deliver habitat Limestone migration), improvement works Landscape Partnership 51 phosphates On-going investigation for Northumbrian 4a sewage On- High L Ongoing work with water x phosphate removal for Water Ltd; discharge going company. Potential Bowburn Sewage Treatment Environment (continuous) development at Durham Green Works (STW) through water Agency (growth hotspot) which if goes company PR14 process ahead will take STW over 10,000 pop which will mean STW will require P removal. Depending on results from investigations potential to align with water

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Deerness (including Hedleyhope Burn)

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Action table No. Issue Action Potential Supporting WFD Status Cost Time Comments Education Water Planning Wildlife partners aims and outcome (£K) frame & Quality for water Habitats (Lead/others) targets (pressures Awareness addressed)

52 urban diffuse Develop CSO/sewer network Northumbrian 5c sewage New Unknown S Wear Rivers Trust x pollution improvement programme for Water Ltd; discharge undertaking work in (CSOs) Ushaw Moor CSO which has been Environment (intermittent) area to deliver fish assessed as having a 'high impact' Agency passage improvements on water quality (ammonia, BOD, at Ushaw. Link to DO, SRP). Look to include as Durham Wildlife Trust action in water company Living Waterways maintenance programme. project. Look at NWL sewage operations and link with drainage area plan project manager. 53 sewage Investigate and undertake Northumbrian 3b; 4a; 5a; sewage New Unknown S Concerns raised that x derived mitigation for sewage derived Water Ltd; 5b discharge pollution may be linked source pollution on Priest Burn: Environment (intermittent); to Esh Winning STW. pollution - catchment walkover Agency; sewage - water quality monitoring Durham discharge County (continuous) Council; Wear Development Group 54 fish passage Deliver series of fish passage Wear Rivers 9a; 10a; barriers to On- M S Include any relevant x works following design and Trust, 10b fish going information from geomorphology investigations for Environment migration Durham Wildlife Trust works on the River Deerness - 2 Agency Living Waterways footbridges at Holeburn Wood project to support work. (Lower Deerness); twin culvert on East Hedleyhope Burn; on-line ponds on the small hope burn; large weir/waterfall at Croxdale Beck Moorside (Newhouse burn) + additional pipe bridge Esh 55 phosphates Undertake additional water quality, Environment 3b; 4a; 5a; sewage New Unknown S Supported by outcomes x flow and biological monitoring in Agency, 5b discharge of water company catchment - Spot measurements Durham (intermittent); source apportionment for phosphorus in Hedleyhope University, sewage work in catchment. Burn upstream of Esh Winning Northumbrian discharge Included as part of STW; flow gauging on the Water Ltd, (continuous) Wear Rivers Trust CRF Deerness above it's confluence Wear Rivers proposal. with the Browney. Where possible, Trust look to deliver through volunteering monitoring (eNGOs, universities). 56 sedimentation Investigate options to reduce Environment 5a; 5b; 5c; sewage New Unknown S Wear Rivers Trust x x x & land landfill waste washing into burn Agency, Wear 6a discharge doing fish passage management upstream of Broadgate Farm. Rivers Trust (intermittent) work at Broadgate Farm. Lower River Wear Action Plan Page 43

Lumley Park Burn (including Herrington Burn and Moors Burn)

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Action table No. Issue Action Potential Supporting WFD Status Cost Time Comments Education Water Planning Wildlife partners aims and outcome (£K) frame & Quality for water Habitats (Lead/others) targets (pressures Awareness addressed)

57 BAP species Expansion of Durham BAP otter Sunderland 10b n/a On- NA M x project in catchment City Council; going Durham Wildlife Trust; Durham BAP 58 surface Improve surface water Environment 8b n/a New Unknown M x water management - Work with Agency; flooding Sunderland City Council to improve Sunderland surface water management around City Council; Dairy Lane flood defence which is local residents a flood warning area. 59 pesticides Lumley Park Burn pesticides work - Northumbrian 5c; 5d no New Unknown M Scope work to determine sources Water; deterioration of pesticides (metaldehyde and Environment / no regrets glyphosate) found in the Lumley Agency; Park Burn catchment. Look at Natural options to engage with landowners England, to encourage best practice rural Wear Rivers land management and mapping of Trust; Durham pathways. Wildlife Trust 60 riparian Develop and implement riparian Sunderland 10a; 10b; wider On- Unknown M Include tidal river Wear x habitat habitat management plans on City Council; 10c environment going with this catchment. improvement Lumley Park Burn to ensure Durham Control of giant continuation of initiatives that Wildlife Trust; hogweed & other benefit biodiversity (e.g. water vole Wear Rivers invasive species at recovery project and ponds Trust; Durham selective sites - e.g. project). BAP H.Balsam at Hetton Bogs). Involve NWL, DWT, DBAP. Look at options for communities adopting stretches of river - River Stewardship Scheme. 61 habitat Large scale river restoration Wear 7a; 7b; 7c; wider New Unknown M Look to deliver river degradation project: Lumley Park Burn (from Development 9b; 10a; environment improvements as part of Source to Herrington Burn) is Group; 10b any redevelopment in classified as a Heavily Modified Sunderland the area – e.g. de- Water Body for WFD due to the City Council; culverting, re-meander, legacy of engineering works on the local river restoration across river. Scope project to undertake conservation whole river. restoration of hard bank protection groups (e.g. steel sheet piling, vertical walls and gabion baskets) and deliver bank side or in-channel

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enhancements needed.

62 urban Design and agree options for Sunderland 2a; 2b; 3b; mixed New Unknown M Explore links to x diffuse habitat improvement work around City Council; 5a; 5b; 5c; drainage; Springboard, pollution & lakes at Herrington Country Park Wear 10a; 10b urbanisation; Groundwork, HCA. habitat (feasibility for reed bed system); Development sewage Wear Rivers Trust improvement Hetton Lyons Country Park; and Group: discharge undertaking community Elba Park. Identify options to Bournmoor (intermittent) engagement via existing improve water quality and Conservation Cons Groups biodiversity and opportunities for Group; Management Plans improving water based recreation Bournmoor (habitat Improvement on Herrington lakes (e.g. potential Parish Council works). to develop angling). 63 sustainable Ensure Local and Neighbourhood Sunderland 7a; 7b; wider New Unknown M Include whole Lumley x x x x development Development Plans have City Council; 10a; 10b environment Park Burn catchment. appropriate and robust policies and Environment Integration with existing strategies to complement the aims Agency, Wear Wear Rivers Trust of the Lower Wear Catchment Plan Rivers Trust, community and are integrated with existing local management plans community management plans. community groups 64 urban Herrington Park Burn - investigate Northumbrian 4a; 5a; 5c; mixed New Unknown S/M x diffuse wrong connections, sewer integrity Water; 6a drainage; pollution and network issues in the Environment urbanisation; (sewage catchment. Develop and agree Agency; sewage network) CSO/sewer network improvement Sunderland discharge programme to address several City Council (intermittent) CSOs which are discharging into the Herrington Burn and have been assessed as having a 'high impact' for ammonia (Herrington CSOs). 65 urban Herrington Burn, Lumley Park Environment 4a; 5a; 5c; mixed New Low S x x diffuse Burn, Moors Burn - undertake Agency, Local 6a drainage; pollution outreach campaign to reduce Authorities, urbanisation; (mixed) diffuse pollution aimed at with eNGOs sewage home owners, developers and discharge businesses. Provide information to (intermittent) explain to people how their personal actions could impact the water environment, what they can do differently, where to find advice, and how this can be funded. Undertake site visits and assessment of practices.

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66 urban Moors Burn - investigate wrong Northumbrian 4a; 5a; 5c; mixed New Unknown S/M Previous report x diffuse connections, sewer integrity and Water; 6a drainage; undertaken by pollution network issues in the catchment. Environment urbanisation; Environment Agency (sewage 13 CSOs in area (Newton Grange, Agency; sewage (ecological appraisal network) West Rainton, Great Lumley, Sunderland discharge team) to review impacts Houghton and Hetton CSOs have City Council (intermittent) of CSO's on Moorsburn. been assessed as having a 'high impact' for soluble reactive phosphorus).Develop and agree CSO/sewer network improvement programme to address several diffuse pollution. 67 fish passage Deliver partnership project to Wear Rivers 9a; 10b urbanisation On- Unknown S Wear Rivers Trust x construct baffle culvert to allow Trust; (morphology) going working with passage of fish in all flows. Sunderland Sunderland City Council City Council; to finance Environment reconstruction of Agency concrete apron to take baffles - look for opportunities for match funding 68 fish passage Fish passage works - Feasibility Wear Rivers 9a; 10b urbanisation On- Unknown S x and solutions for mitigation of Trust; (morphology) going Lumley Forge Bridge weir - Sunderland consider sediment issues and City Council; heritage value of weir. Environment Agency 69 urban Undertake catchment walkovers Environment 2a; 9a; 9b; sewage New Low S x diffuse with eNGOS and local community Agency; 10a; 10b discharge (<£5k) pollution groups on Moorsburn, Lumley Park Northumbrian (intermittent); Burn and Herrington Burn to Water Ltd; sewage identify sources of urban diffuse Wear discharge pollution. Potential to also deploy Development (continuous) water quality monitoring equipment Group; (sondes). Sunderland City Council; local community groups 70 urban Moorsburn - Undertake additional Environment 2a; 4a; 5a; mixed On- Unknown S x diffuse water quality monitoring upstream Agency; 5b; drainage; going pollution of Sedgeletch STW to identify Northumbrian urbanisation; (sewage) sources of phosphates. Look at Water Ltd; sewage opportunities to undertake through Wear discharge eNGOs and universities. Development (intermittent) Group; Sunderland City Council; local community groups

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71 water Review flow data for Lumley Park Environment 7; 8 low flows; On- Unknown M Also undertake cost- x x resources Burn and Herrington Burn - risk of Agency; sewage going benefit analysis on (low flows) low flows and dilution issues if Northumbrian discharge ecology of the diversion Sedgeletch STW is diverted. Water Ltd (continuous) of Sedgeletch STW to the tidal Wear. 72 water Review flow data for Moorsburn. In Environment 7; 9 low flows New Unknown S Moors Burn is predicted x x resources particular assess flow near Dairy Agency; to fail flow standards for (low flows) Lane Northumbrian WFD during next round Water Ltd of Environment Agency classification.

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Main River Wear (Croxdale Beck to tidal limit)

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Action table No. Issue Action Potential Supporting WFD outcome Status Cost Time Comments Education Water Planning Wildlife partners aims and (pressures (£K) frame & Quality for water Habitats (Lead/others) targets addressed) Awareness

73 non-native River Wear in Durham City - Durham 10c no regrets New Low S Coordinated x plant species removal of Giant Hogweed from County (<£2k) volunteer activity and sands area. Council; local improved angling club; management of non local canoe native species for and rowing public safety and clubs biodiversity 74 siltation & Develop solution to address Wear Rivers 2b; 9b; 10a impoundments; New Unknown M Wear Rivers Trust x x bank erosion siltation and bank erosion through Trust; no regrets delivery of bank side Durham City reach which is Environment stabilisation and impacting biodiversity, angling Agency; local habitat improvement and rowing angling club; project at Burnhall, local canoe Croxdale. Important and rowing to maintain rowable clubs reach for rowing clubs. 75 boating Organise more regular clearance Environment 2a no regrets New Low S x access of rubbish caught on top weir in Agency; local Durham City centre - involve river user community volunteers to report groups when it is required 76 access & Address erosion of river banks at Environment 9b no regrets New Unknown S x x bank erosion West Flass Wood Agency; local angling club; local canoe and rowing clubs 77 access & Address erosion of banks along Durham 2b; 9b no regrets New Unknown M Erosion issues are x x bank erosion towpaths from Durham city centre County largely natural and to Maiden Castle/Shincliffe. Council; local therefore not angling club; appropriate to look at local canoe flood defence and rowing solutions. clubs 78 education & Establish a Durham City river Wear Rivers 1a; 2a; 2b; physical New Unknown S Identify areas around x x x access users group to develop a Trust; 3a; 3b modification; Durham City with "Neighbourhood Plan" for this Transition no regrets high biodiversity and section of river to identify Durham; landscape value measures to promote and Environment which may need conserve the river and improve Agency; protection from water based recreation (i.e. Parish increased access to walking, fishing, rowing, cycling, Council; preserve biodiversity canoeing). Include developing Durham City and sense of place. 'multi-user' sites and improve AAP; Durham Access information

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access along unused stretches University; from previous (identify sites and measures from North East Durham 'Necklace' results from on-going Durham Angling project and link to University public perception Forum, existing 'Durham survey). Chester Cathedral Heritage Rowing; other Woodlands and river user Riverbanks' projects. groups Build on existing ideas generated at joint Environment Agency / Transition Durham event. 79 education & Joint exhibition based on the river Wear 1a; 2a; 2b; no regrets New Low S Potential to link with access in Durham to celebrate and Development Durham Regatta or promote the different river user Group, Miners Gala. groups in the area, provide taster Chester sessions for different river based Rowing, activities and share information Durham about the Lower Wear County partnership and how to get Council, involved. Environment Agency, other river user groups 80 habitat Feasibility for creation of water Wear 10a; 10b no regrets New Unknown M x x improvement meadows at Franklands. Catchment Partnership; Durham County Council 81 non-native Downstream of Lumley park Burn Sunderland 10a; 10c no regrets New Unknown L x x plant species to tidal limit - Develop and City Council; implement programme of invasive LAGs; species control for giant hogweed Durham that extends down the lower river Wildlife Trust; Wear tidal corridor Wear Rivers Trust 82 fisheries & Redhouse Gill urban diffuse Chester-Le- 5a; 5b; 5c; no regrets / no On- Medium M Work to inform x x x sedimentation project - address severe bank Street & 7a; 7b; 8b deterioration going consultation for North erosion and localised siltation on District of Arnison Centre the Redhouse Gill system which Angling Club; Supplementary is impacting a valuable local Angling Trust; Planning Document fishery and angling club. Environment (SPD) which forms - undertake flow modelling & Agency; part of Durham drainage modelling to identify Durham County Plan source apportionment University; - geomorphology survey to Durham understand causes and rates of County erosion and identify possible Council; solutions Northumbrian - influence future development in Water Ltd catchment to prevent no further

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deterioration - investigate habitat improvement and SUDs solutions - options for altering surface water outfall

83 phosphates, Investigation of soluble reactive Northumbrian 3b; 4a; 5b sewage On- Unknown M x x water quality phosphorus contribution from Water; discharge going monitoring potential non-NWL point source Environment (continuous) discharges in the area - inputs Agency; Wear downstream of Leamside STW Development and non-water company sewer Group overflows around Holmshill & Beverley. Look at use of eNGOs and university to undertake monitoring. 84 diffuse Catchment walkover to Environment 3b; 5a; 5b; no regrets / no New Low S x x pollution investigate and develop solutions Agency; 5c deterioration (siltation) to address input of fine sediments eNGOs; local entering river at Keepier Woods / angling clubs A1-A690 roundabout (NZ2954544415) 85 urban diffuse Catchment solutions to tackle Environment 2a; 2b; 3b; unknown New Low S Very important as x x pollution urban diffuse pollution: Agency; local 5a; 5b; 5c; failures; no area is a World - catchment walkover to identify angling clubs; 6a; 6b regrets / no Heritage Site and so pollution (e.g. CSOs, wrong Northumbrian deterioration very high profile connections) Water Ltd; - review and map National Wear Incident Recording System Development (NIRS) data held by Environment Group; Agency and identify 'repeat Durham City offenders' Area Action - review existing information from Partnership local angling clubs and community groups in area - undertake 'wrong connections' campaign with householders and businesses to raise awareness and reduce pollution 86 urban diffuse Paddle overs' - provide pollution Canoe 2a; 2b; 3b; unknown New Low S x x pollution training for members of local England; 5a; 5b; 5c; failures; no (<£5k) canoe and boating clubs to Environment regrets / no undertake visual surveys to Agency; local deterioration identify sources of diffuse canoe and pollution in area boating clubs;

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Durham University Rowing Club

87 urban diffuse Review of water company Northumbrian 4a; 5b; 5c unknown New Unknown M x pollution network and identify and agree Water; failures; no (sewage) improvement programme for Environment regrets / no operation of high risk CSO's in Agency deterioration area (provision of telemetry). 88 fish passage Review options for fish passage Environment 9a; 10b barriers to fish Planned Unknown M Need to understand x improvement at Durham city Agency; migration plans for micro-hydro weirs - Freemans reach and Durham power in area to others. Include options for County ensure both are including educational facilities to Council; mutually beneficial improve understanding of Church and avoid conflict migratory fish and their life cycle Diocese; requirements Durham University; Wear Rivers Trust 89 faecal On-going investigation of Northumbrian 4a; 5b; 5c unknown On- Unknown M x x contamination contamination of water company Water Ltd; failures; no going abstraction sites at Fulwell and Environment regrets / no Stoneygate - inform investigation Agency deterioration through sharing information from planned urban diffuse pollution work in catchment with eNGOs and third parties

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Old Durham Beck (including Pittington Beck)

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Action table No. Issue Action Potential Supporting WFD Status Cost Time Comments Education Water Planning Wildlife partners aims and outcome (£K) frame & Quality for water Habitats (Lead/others) targets (pressures Awareness addressed)

90 rural Catchment walkover & Environment 3b; 5a; 5b; mixed New Low S Link to Wear Rivers Trust 'Old x x x diffuse investigation on Pittington Agency; 5d; 6a agricultural Durham Beck Restoration pollution Beck, Old Durham Beck and Wear Rivers run-off Scheme' and existing Cassop Beck to identify Trust; Natural monitoring programme with sources of rural diffuse England; Durham University pollution Durham - deployment of additional University; water quality monitoring Northumbrian equipment through Wear Water; Rivers Trust and Durham Durham University Wildlife Trust - look to develop CSFO style solutions - undertake Environment Agency agricultural visits 91 rural Old Durham Beck - Map extent Environment 5a; 5c; 6a; mixed New Low S Use previous mapping study x x diffuse of livery's and stables in area Agency, 6b agricultural undertaken by Durham County pollution and undertake outreach Durham run-off Council to identify existing sites campaign with owners to County influence and improve working Council, practices to reduce diffuse Horse owners pollution from manure association 92 diffuse Identify and review businesses Environment 3c; 6a; 6b no regrets / New Low S Potential links to Riverfly for x x pollution which are on private drainage Agency; local no Schools project and work with them to improve schools; deterioration management. In particular Northumbrian focus work with local schools in Water area that are on private drainage and work with them to increase awareness and improve management of their systems 93 flow / Review of Environment Agency Environment 5b no regrets / On- Unknown S x abstraction monitoring locations for flow Agency no going and abstraction deterioration 94 urban Investigate and develop Environment 5b; 5c no regrets / New Low S Link to planned catchment x diffuse solutions to address pollution of Agency; no walkovers and Environment pollution headwaters in the Durham eNGOs deterioration Agency groundwater Beck catchment monitoring 95 urban Work with landowners to Durham 5b; 5c no regrets / New Unknown M x x diffuse review and develop solutions to County no pollution mitigate highway drainage from Council; deterioration (drainage) A1 carriageway Environment Agency:

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Highways Agency

96 urban Review and develop potential Durham 5b; 5c no regrets / New Unknown M x x diffuse solutions to address surface County no pollution water from A181 carriageway Council; deterioration (drainage) which drains into Old Durham Environment Beck and Cassop Beck Agency: Highways Agency

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South Burn and Blackdene Burn

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Action table No. Issue Action Potential Supporting WFD Status Cost (£K) Time Comments Education Water Planning Wildlife partners aims and outcome frame & Quality for water Habitats (Lead/others) targets (pressures Awareness addressed)

97 mine Work local angling clubs, Coal 4b; 5a; 5b mine water On- >£1million M Angling club and landowner x x water landowner, Environment Authority; discharge going are both very concerned about discharge Agency and Coal Authority to Environment avoiding or mitigating for any ensure potential options for Agency; potential impacts to the highly altering discharges at Chester-Le- valuable fishery Kimblesworth and Chester Street & Moor flood pumping station do District not impact on important local Angling Club, salmon fishery and angling land owner; resource and maintain a Northumbrian suitable flow Water Ltd - look at options to incorporate dual mine water/sewage treatment system with Northumbrian Water STWs through PR14 - investigate options to for wetland/reed bed creation for Kimblesworth 98 fish South Burn habitat Chester-Le- 4b; 5a; mine water On- Unknown S Chester-Le-Street Angling x x passage improvement works - Support Street & 5b;9a; 10a; discharge; going Club have already undertaken & mine work of local angling club to District 10b wider a walkover and begun water investigate mitigation for mining Angling environment; discussion with landowners for discharge culverts and historic weirs to Club; no their preliminary draft project improve fish passage. Also look Environment deterioration ideas. to develop reed bed projects to Agency; Coal mitigate low level diffuse mine Authority; water pollution. 99 urban Review and identify options to Environment 5a; 5b; 5c; urbanisation New Unknown M x x drainage improve drainage from A167 Agency, & fish into the Blackdene Burn Durham passage headwaters County Council, Highways Agency, Chester-Le- Street & District Angling Club 100 degraded Review options for habitat Environment 9a; 10b wider New Unknown M x x habitats improvement works around Agency; Coal environment Daisy Hill area (South Dene Authority; Burn headwaters) which is Chester-Le- reclaimed Coal Authority land Street & District Lower River Wear Action Plan Page 58

Angling Club

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Valley Burn

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Action table

No. Issue Action Potential Supporting WFD Status Cost Time Comments Education Water Planning Wildlife partners aims and outcome (£K) frame & Quality for water Habitats (Lead/others) targets (pressures Awareness addressed)

101 urban Review water company network in Northumbrian New M x diffuse area and put in place measures to Water Ltd pollution address intermittent pollution - (sewage) CSO's and wrong connections. 102 urban Burton Beck - Investigate sources Environment New M x diffuse of urban diffuse pollution around Agency pollution stream and operation of water (sewage) company CSOs and contribution & low to river flows flows 103 urban Catchment walkover and Environment New S x x diffuse investigation of area above Agency; Wear pollution Spenneymoor to identify wrong Partnership (sewage) connections and sources of phosphates and inputs into large culvert. 104 urban Review discharge permits in area. Environment New S x x diffuse Agency pollution 105 water Investigate feasibility for water Environment New M x quality & company to redirect surface water Agency; low flows flows into Valley Burn to provide Northumbrian more flow and improve dilution Water Ltd from wrong connections 106 urban Review options for improving Environment New M x x diffuse highways drainage in area Agency; pollution Highways (drainage) Agency

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Glossary BAP National, local and sector-specific plans established under the United Kingdom Good Ecological Potential Those surface waters which are identified as Biodiversity Action Plan, with the intention of Heavily Modified Water Bodies and Artificial securing the conservation and sustainable use Water Bodies must achieve ‘good ecological of biodiversity. potential’ (good potential is a recognition that changes to morphology may make good CAMS Catchment Abstraction Management Strategies ecological status very difficult to meet).

Catchment The area from which precipitation contributes Heavily Modified to the flow from a borehole spring, river or lake. Water Body A surface water body that does not achieve For rivers and lakes this includes tributaries good ecological status because of substantial and the areas they drain changes to its physical character resulting from physical alterations caused by human use, and Classification Method for distinguishing the environmental which has been designated, in accordance with condition or “status” of water bodies for the criteria specified in the Water Framework Water Framework Directive and putting them Directive, as ‘heavily modified’. into one category or another (e.g. good, moderate, bad) Non-native species Many species of plants and animals have been introduced to this country since Roman times. Diffuse pollution Pollution resulting from scattering or dispersed Several of these non-native species are invasive sources that are collectively significant but to and have been causing serious problems to the which effects are difficult to attribute for river ecology and the environment. individually. Phosphate Phosphorus in our river comes from a number EA Environment Agency of sources including treated sewage effluent and agriculture. It is essential for plant growth Element A collective term for a particular characteristic but at higher levels can lead to eutrophication group of animals, plants or chemicals present in an and a change to the river's ecology. aquatic ecosystem (for example phytoplankton; invertebrates; fish). Point source pollution Pollution arising from an identifiable and localised source, structure or facility, such as a Good Ecological Status The objective for a surface water body to have discharge pipe or landfill. biological, structural and chemical characteristics similar to those expected under nearly undisturbed conditions.

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or reservoir, transitional water (estuary) or stretch of coastal water. A ‘body of River Basin groundwater’ is a distinct volume of Management Plan For each River Basin District, the Water groundwater within an aquifer or aquifers. Framework Directive requires a River Basin Management Plan to be published. These are Water Framework plans that set out the environmental objectives Directive European Union legislation (2000/60/EC) for all the water bodies within the River Basin establishing a framework for European District and how they will be achieved. The Community action in the field of water policy. plans must be reviewed and updated every six years Wrong connections Misconnections of foul sewage into surface water drains which are a significant source of Sediment The term sediment refers to anything that is not urban diffuse pollution in those areas where a dissolved or in solution and which can be separate drainage system is used. removed by filtration or settlement. Misconnections happen when domestic plumbing has been connected into surface STW Sewage Treatment Works water drains instead of the foul sewer. This means untreated dirty water goes directly into Water Body A manageable unit of surface water, being the rivers/waterways without receiving treatment. whole (or part) of a stream, river or canal, lake

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Documents referenced  Chester-Le-Street & District Angling Club. Cong Burn Pollution Report. October, 2012  Chester-Le-Street & District Angling Club. Lower Twizell Burn Catchment walkover. October, 2012  Chester-Le-Street & District Angling Club. Stanley Burn / Kates Gill Pollution Report. February, 2012  Durham County Council. The Durham County Plan: Local Plan Preferred Options. September 2012 (http://www.durham.gov.uk/pages/Service.aspx?ServiceId=856)  Durham University. Comparing the effects of treated sewage effluent upon river water chemistry of the River Wear during autumn moderate flow and late- winter low flow regimes. A case study: Barkers Haugh, Durham, North East England. BSc Geography Undergraduate Dissertation (Z09162)  Durham University. Literature Review. Participatory Approaches to River Basin Management Planning. Lower Wear Pilot. October 2012.  Durham University. Lower Wear Pilot. Report of a questionnaire carried out to capture information on how people use and value the River Wear in County Durham in August/September 2012.  Environment Agency. Northumbria River Basin Management Plan (http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/planning/124807.aspx)  Environment Agency and Durham County Council. Lower Wear Catchment Area Planning Workshop. Workshop Report for 9th October 2012  Lower Wear Pilot Stakeholder Group. Workshop Report for 11th November 2011  Lower Wear Pilot Stakeholder Group. Workshop Report for 5th May 2012  Lower Wear Pilot Stakeholder Group. Workshop Report for 29th October 2012  Northumbrian Water Ltd. Water Framework Directive Environmental Performance Tool (WFD EPT) 2009 Discharge Load Analysis: River Browney sub- catchment and Lower Wear sub-catchment. June 2012.  Transition Durham & Environment Agency. Report from a joint event to capture local peoples ideas on the future of our local rivers and how can we improve them and make better use of them as a local resource, Thursday 26th April, Durham City.

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