local environment agency plan

WEST SOMERSET RIVERS CONSULTATION REPORT FEBRUARY 1998

BRISTOL

BRIDGWATER

DISPLAY COPY PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE En v ir o n m e n t H A g e n c y National Information Centre The Environment Agency Rio House Waterside Drive Aztec West BRISTOL BSI2 4UD

Due for return l.fe Foreword

This Local Environment Agency Plan (LEAP) Consultation Report represents a significant step forward in tackling environmental issues. It has been clear for many years that the problems of land, air and water, particularly in the realm of pollution control, cannot be adequately addressed individually. They are interdependent, each affecting the others. The creation of the Environment Agency with the responsibilities for all three media provided a major opportunity to take an holistic approach which is now reflected in this LEAP Consultation Report.

The Plan area includes significant parts of Exmoor National Park and the Quantocks Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which are nationally prized for their, exceptional wild beauty. It also includes the major seaside resort of Minehead together with other tourist centres such as Poiiock, Watchet and Dunster which support a developing tourist industry. Here in West Somerset, we must be ever vigilant to protect our local environment from the growing pressures of tourism and development whilst recognising their importance in the local economy.

The environmental challenges of the area are set out in the Plan in a way which has not been done before, raising important environmental issues which should now be addressed. It is, I believe, vital reading for everyone concerned with the environmental future of North Wessex.

We look forward to hearing your views on the many environmental issues discussed here and I hope that with the help of our partners we can progress towards a better environment for all who live and work in this area. Qir

CHRIS BIRKS AREA MANAGER (NORTH WESSEX)

EiwnmmenlAgenqr information Centre H & v i C m r *

ENVIRONMENT AGENCY

127213 YOUR VIEWS

We hope that this Consultation Report will be read by everyone who has an interest in the quality of the environment. Your views will help us to finalize the Action Plan.

Have we identified all the problems in the Plan area?

Are there any issues which you would like to highlight?

Please send your written comments by 31 MAY 1998 to:

Alan Turner, Team Leader LEAPs, Environment Agency, North Wessex Area, Rivers House, East Quay, BRIDGWATER, Somerset, TA6 4YS. Tel: 01278 457333.

HOW TO USE THIS CONSULTATION REPORT

For advice on how to use this Consultation Report please see Part 1.

THE NEXT STAGE

We will collate responses to this Consultation Report and publish an Action Plan in late 1998. Each year we will review the progress that has been made with the actions identified in the Action Plan and publish a brief review.

GENERAL ENQUIRIES

For general information about the work of the Environment Agency, or information about a specific matter, please contact our Customer Services Centre at the Bridgwater Office. Tel: 01278 457333.

Environment Agency Copyright Waiver

This report is intended to be used widely and may be quoted, copied or reproduced in any way, provided that the extracts are not quoted out of context and that due acknowledgement is given to the Environment Agency.

Published February 1998 Contents V ision...... !...... ;...... v Part 1 - Introduction and Issues and Options 1. How To Use This P la n ...... 1 2. Introduction...... 1 2.1 The Environment Agency...... 1 2.2 Environmental Standards...... 4 2.3 This Local Environment Agency Plan...... 4 2.4 The LEAP Area...... 5 3. Protection Through P artnership...... 6 3.1 Links With Local Authorities...... 6 3.2 Working With Businesses...... 8 3.3 Links With Government Bodies...... 8 3.4 Examples Of Partnerships...... 8 4. Issues And Options ...... 9 4.1 Issue - Development Pressure...... 9 4.2 Issue - Use Of Agency Owned Land...... 10 4.3 Issue - Maintaining And Enhancing Biodiversity...... 10 4.4 Issue - The Impact Of The St Regis Paper Company’s Watchet Mill...... 11 4.5 Issue - Homer Water - Suffers From Bed Loss...... 12 - 4.6 Issue - Somerwest World, Minehead - Surface Water Disposal...... 12 4.7 Issue - Flooding And The Need For An Improved Flood Warning Service...... 13 4.8 Issue - River Bank Erosion...... \ ...... 13 4.9 Issue - Flooding In Williton...... 14 4.10 Issue - Securing Future Public Water Supplies...... 15 4.11 Issue - Unknown Causes Of Poor Water Quality...... 15 4.12 Issue - Impact Of Agriculture...... 15 4.13 Issue - Impact O f Septic T anks...... 16

Part 2 - Supporting Information 5. The Physical E nvironm ent...... 17 5.1 Geology...... 17 5.2 Hydrogeology...... 17 5.3 Hydrology...... 17 6. The Quality Of Controlled W aters ...... 20 6.1 Our Proposed Targets For River Water Quality...... 20 6.2 Compliance With River Quality Objectives ...... 22 6.3 EC Bathing Waters Directive...... !...... 24 6.4 EC Freshwater Fish Directive...... 24 6.5 EC Nitrates Directive...... 26 6.6 EC Surface Water Abstraction Directive...... 26 6.7 EC Dangerous Substances Directive...... 27 6.8 EC Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive...... 27 6.9 EC Shellfish Waters Directive...... 28 6.10 EC Shellfish Hygiene Directive...... 28 6.11 EC Groundwater Directive...... 28 6.12 Biological Quality...... 28 7. Groundwater Protection...... 31 8. A ir Q uality...... 33 8.1 Monitoring...... !...... 33 8.2 National Air Quality Strategy...... 33 8.3 Local Air Quality Management Areas...... 33 8.4 Ground Level Ozone...... 33 8.5 Volatile Organic Compounds...... 34 8.6 Sulphur Dioxide...... 34 8.7 Nitrogen Dioxide...... 35 8.8 Acid Rain...... 35 8.9 Benzene...... 37

• Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report Page i 9. Landscape ...... 37 10. W ildlife...... -...... 39 10.1 Designated Areas...... 39 10.2 Habitats...... 39 10.3 Species...... '...... 40 10.4 Invasive Plants...... 40 11. Archaeology ...... 43 12. F is h e rie s ...... 44 12.1 Fish Populations...... 44 13. A n g lin g ...... 45 14. R e c re a tio n ...... 45 14.1 Agency Landholdings...... 45 15. M in e ra l E x tra c tio n ...... 48 16. T h e M a n a g e m e n t O f W a s te ...... 48 16.1 Waste Arisings...... 49 16.2 Waste Management Sites...... 51 16.3 Waste Planning...... 51 17. C o n ta m in a te d L a n d ...... 52 18. Flood Defence And Land Drainage ...... 52 18.1 Section 105 Flood Survey...... 52 18.2 Maintaining Rivers And Flood Defence Structures...... 52 18.3 Flood Warning...... 52 18.4 Improvements...... 53 18.5 Shoreline Management Plans...... 55 19. D e ve lop m e n t A nd The E n v iro n m e n t...... 55 20. W a te r A b stra ctio n A nd S u p p ly ...... 58 20.1 Private Water Use...-...... 60 20.2 Public Water Supply...... 60 21. A q u e o u s D is c h a rg e s ...... 62 21.1 Continuous Discharges...... 63 .21.2 Intermittent Discharges...... 65 21.3 Discharges To Ground...... 65 22. Aquaculture ...... 65 22.1 Fish Farms...... ,...... 65 23. F a rm in g A n d F o re s try ...... 66 23.1 Farming...... *...... 66 23.2 Forestry...... 66 24. Controlled Industrial Processes ...... 68 25. R a d ioa ctive S u b s ta n c e s ...... 6 8

Part 3 - Appendices 26. A re a E n viro n m e n t G ro u p ...... 70 27. S tee rin g G ro u p ...... 70 27.1 Public Registers And Access To Environmental Information...... 71 - 28. G lo ssary O f T e rm s A nd A b b re v ia tio n s ...... 71 29. U n its ...... 72 30. References ...... 72

Page II Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report Maps

Map 1 West Somerset Rivers Catchment Location...... iv Map 2 West Somerset Rivers Catchment...... 7 Map 3 Geology, Hydrogeology and Mineral Extraction...... 18 Map 4 Hydrometric Network...... 19 Map 5 Proposed River Quality Objectives (River Ecosystem Classification)...... 21 Map 6 Compliance with River Quality Objectives (River Ecosystem Classification 1996)...... 23 Map 7 EC Directives Monitoring...... 25 Map 8 Biological Quality 1995...... 30 Map 9 Groundwater Source Protection Areas...... 32 Map 10 Exceedences of Critical Loads of Acidity for Soils...... 36 Map 11 Designated Landscapes and Archaeology...... 38 Map 12 Conservation Resources 1 ...... 41 Map 13 Conservation Resources 2 ...... 42 Map 14 Fisheries...... 46 Map 15 Angling...... 47 Map 16 Waste Disposal...... 50 Map 17 Flood Defence - Main Rivers, Sea Defences and IDB Area ...... 54 Map 18 Built Environment and Development...... 56 Map 19 Ground and Surface Water Abstractions...... 59 Map 20 Effluent Disposal...... 64 Map 21 Forestry...... 67

Tables

Table 1 Proposed River Quality Objectives...... 22 Table 2 Non-Compliant River Stretches (1996 RE Class) in the West Somerset Rivers Catchment...... 24 Table 3 Designated Freshwater Fish Directive Stretches in the West Somerset Rivers Catchment...... 26 Table 4 List II Dangerous Substances Sites Downstream of Registered Discharges...... 27 Table 5 Biological Class Descriptions...... 29 Table 6 Results from Rural Ozone Monitoring Station...... 34 Table 7 Results from Sulphur Dioxide Monitoring Station...... 34 Table 8 Waste Arisings...... 49 Table 9 Flood Warnings Issued...... 53 Table 10 Standards of Service Land Use Bands and Targets...... 53 Table 11 Local Plans Covering the West Somerset Rivers Catchment...... 57 Table 12 Groundwater Abstractions...... 58 Table 13 Surface Water Abstractions...... 58 Table 14 Public Water Supply Authorized Abstractions...... 61 Table 15 Land Use Type...... 66 Table 16 Part A Process Operators...... 68 Table 17 Current Registered Users of Radioactive Substances...... 69

• Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report Page III • Map 1 - West Somerset Rivers Catchment Location

Environment Agency Regions

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Catchment Boundary Settlement

West Somerset Rivers Catchment - *------A - m l»

• Page iv Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report • o

Our vision for this local area is to provide a better environment for present and future generations, to achieve this:

• we want an environment where the pressures of tourism, housing, industry and agriculture are managed to maintain and where possible enhance the exceptional landscape, conservation and recreational value of this area

we want to achieve a much more efficient use of water to ensure that no new resource development is needed in this area

• we want to achieve 100% compliance with water quality standards to protect wildlife, public water supply and other uses of water

we want to achieve 100% compliance with the objectives of the government's National Air Quality Strategy

we want local biodiversity targets to be set and achieved to protect the variety of our wildlife in this area

• we want waste minimization targets to be achieved locally to significantly reduce the impact of waste disposal on the environment

• we want acceptable levels of flood protection with minimum cost'to the community

• we want people living and working in the area to have a high level of environmental awareness and to work with us and other authorities to achieve a more sustainable lifestyle

This is a draft vision statement. We welcome your suggestions to improve and extend this vision statement. What is your vision for the area in, for example, 2010?

• Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report Page v • . INTRODUCTION PART 1 •

1. How To Use This Plan

This Plan is split into three parts:

Part 1 contains:

• this Introduction

a general description of the Plan area

• the “Issues" that we have identified in our management of the Plan area. “Proposed Actions" for the resolution of these issues are also listed but these are not exhaustive and we welcome your suggestions for other issues and actions to include in our Action Plan

• “Protection through Partnership" which outlines the work that we do in collaboration with other organizations and where the work of other organizations plays an important part in helping us to achieve some of our aims and objectives.

Part 2 contains:

• a detailed account of catchment uses and activities. This forms a useful reference document and will provide background information relevant to the issues identified in Part 1.

Part 3 contains:

• technical appendices including UK legislation, references and a glossary of terms and abbreviations.

PLEASE USE THE CONTENTS TABLE

If the size of the document is daunting, choose only those parts which interest you. You can dip into the rest at a later date.

2. Introduction

2.1 The Environment Agency 2.1.1 Who are we? The Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body established by the Environment Act 1995 and formed on 1 April 1996. We are sponsored by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) with policy links to the Welsh Office and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF).

. We have taken over the functions of our predecessors: the National Rivers Authority (NRA), Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Pollution (HMIP), the Waste Regulation Authorities (WRAs) and some parts of the DETR.

Page 1 Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report . PART 1 INTRODUCTION •

We provide a comprehensive approach to the protection of the environment by combining the regulation of air, land and water into a single organization. We cannot work in isolation, but seek to educate and influence individuals, groups and industries to promote best environmental practice, and develop a wider public awareness of environmental issues.

Our Vision is:

• a better environment in England and Wales for present and future generations.

Our Aims are:

• to achieve major and continuous improvement in the quality of air, land and water

• to encourage the conservation of natural resources, animals and plants

to make the most of pollution control and river-basin management

• . to provide effective defence and warning systems to protect people and property against flooding from rivers and the sea

• to reduce the amount of waste by encouraging people to reuse and recycle their waste

. • - to improve standards of waste disposal

\ • to manage water resources to achieve the proper balance between the country's needs and the environment

• to work with other organizations to reclaim contaminated land

• to improve and develop salmon and freshwater fisheries

• to conserve and improve river navigation

• to tell people about environmental issues by educating and informing

• to set priorities and work out sdlutions that society can afford.

We will do this by:

being open and consulting others about our work

• basing our decisions around sound science and research

valuing and developing our employees

being efficient and businesslike in all we do.

2.1.2 Sustainable development The Environment Agency is a new body. It has a wide range of duties and powers relating to different aspects of environmental management. It is required and guided by Government to use these duties and powers in order to help achieve the objective of sustainable development. The Brundtland Commission defined sustainable development as ” ... development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.

At the heart of sustainable development is the integration of human needs and the environment within which we live. Indeed the creation of the Agency itself was in part a recognition of the need to take a more integrated and longer term view of environmental management at a national level. The Agency therefore has to reflect this in the way It works and in the decisions it makes.

Taking a long term perspective will require the Agency to anticipate risks and encourage precaution, particularly where impacts on the environment may have long term effects, o r when the effects are not

• Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report Page 2 • INTRODUCTION PART 1 •

reversible. The Agency must also develop its role to educate and inform society as a whole, as well as carrying out its prevention and enforcement activities, in order to ensure continuing protection and enhancement of the environment.

Although the Agency only has duties and powers to protect some environmental resources, it will need to contribute to other aspects of environmental management even if these are, in the first instance, the responsibility of others. The Agency can only do this effectively by working in partnership with and through others in order to achieve agreed objectives.

Much of the UK’s environmental legislation originates from the European Union. To date there have been five EC Environmental Action Programmes which have collectively given rise to several hundred pieces of legislation of relevance to environmental protection, one of the most recent being the Directive on Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control. A number of other directives are currently under consideration, covering issues such as water management, air quality, and the management of waste using landfill.

The Agency also has to work in a wider international context because it is now generally accepted that environmental changes are occurring on a global scale. Individual countries contribute to these changes, and respond to them, in different ways. The Agency’s long term strategy therefore has to reflect these global issues, and it has to be delivered within the framework of international and national commitments which has been developed to address them. 1 Perhaps the major international issue is that of climate change. The UK is a contributor to the emission of gases such as carbon dioxide into the atmosphere which are believed to contribute to long term climate changes. The UK will also be affected in a complex way as and when the climate does' - change. It is therefore a signatory to the Framework Convention on Climate Change, as agreed at the Rio Summit in 1992, and is taking an active part in international negotiations to obtain commitments beyond the year 2000 for credible, effective, and achievable reductions of greenhouse gas emissions.

Another outcome of the United Nations “Earth Summit" held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 was agreement by governments that, in order to solve global environmental problems, local action is crucial: we must all therefore think globally but act locally. The Local Agenda 21 initiative set out actions needed to achieve sustainable development, including the need to make clear the links which exist between local life-styles and the use of resources. In the UK plans have now been formulated by local government and local communities to identify and address a wide range of environmental issues including natural resource use, pollution, health, local amenity and quality of life. These programmes set out long term solutions that take account of global implications, such as the use of resources that affect the global environment and thus local communities in other parts of the world.

The Agency is committed to a programme of Local Environment Agency Plans (LEAPs) in order to produce a local agenda of integrated action for environmental improvement. These LEAPs will also allow the Agency to deploy its resources to best effect and optimize benefit for the local environment.

We are committed to delivering environmental improvement at the local level and one of the ways to do this wilt be through Local Environment Agency Plans. These plans will reflect our close contact with industry, the public and Local Government and wilt contribute towards achieving sustainable development.

The process of drawing up the plans will involve close consultation with all interested parties. It will promote the effective, accountable and integrated delivery of environmental improvement at the local level. The plans will translate policy and strategy into delivery on the ground and will result in actions, either for the Agency to fulfil, or for others to undertake through influence and partnership. We believe the process will benefit the local community by influencing and advising external decision makers and public opinion. It will build trust by being open and frank when dealing with alt issues.

2.1.3 Our umbrella duties There are a number of umbrella duties which we carTy out for all our functions:

• Page 3 Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report • PART ; INTRODUCTION •

• Rural Areas - when considering any proposal, we must have regard to any effect which the proposals would have on economic and social well-being of local communities in rural areas. Some of our activities, such as meeting statutory objectives, emergency actions and the taking of legal actions are not subject to this appraisal

• Costs and Benefits - we are required to take into account the likely costs and benefits when deciding whether to exercise our powers. Costs include both financial costs and costs to the environment; benefits include those which communities will enjoy, both now and in the future

• Conservation - we must have regard to conservation in our pollution control functions, and we have a duty to further conservation in all our other functions. We also have a duty generally to promote the conservation of flora and fauna dependent on the aquatic environment.

2.1.4 What we do not do We do not cover all aspects of environmental law and service to the general public. We are not responsible for:

• noise problems (except if it is to do with our work)

litter

• air pollution arising from vehicles, household areas, small businesses and small industries

planning permission

• " environmental health and food hygiene

Your local authority deals with these issues and will contact us when necessary. The local authorities also deal with contaminated land issues by working with us. We are not responsible for the quality or supply of drinking water or getting rid of sewage waste. You should contact your local water or sewerage companies for more details - you can find their details in your local telephone directory.

2.2 Environmental Standards There is a great deal of legislation that determines the way we operate and carry out our enforcement duties. The Environment Act 1995 provided some harmonisation of powers, but we also rely on other legislation, including the Control of Pollution Act 1974, the Control of Pollution (Amendment) Act 1989, the Environmental Protection Act 1990, the Radioactive Substances Act 1993, the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975, the Water Resources Act 1991, and the Land Drainage Act 1991.

We are the competent Authority for over 25 European Community environmental Directives whilst a further 70 Directives affect our policies and activities. These include the Quality of Bathing Waters, Dangerous Substances, Industrial Plant Emissions, Waste Management Framework, Quality of Water to Protect Freshwater Fisheries, and the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directives.

Operational Standards are the technical, scientific and engineering procedures which are necessary to put legislation and our policy into practice. These take many forms, including policy statements, procedural manuals, and a suite of quantitative output and performance measures that we monitor quarterly or annually. Details of our operational standards are published in technical handbooks,' research and development reports, and information leaflets. Further details are available from our local offices.

Instances of failure to comply with standards have helped us to identify the issues raised in this plan. Further detail on standards and compliance is available from the address given on the back of this plan.

2.3 This Local Environment Agency Plan This Local Environment Agency Plan (LEAP) slots into a sequence of Catchment Management Plans (CMPs) which were being prepared by the NRA to cover all river catchments in England and Wales. We will use LEAPs to cover the same topics as Catchment Management Plans but they will also deal with other topics to cover the full range of our responsibilities.

• Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report Page 4 • INTRODUCTION

An holistic approach to environmental management is required to plan for sustainability and improvement. LEAPs allow the full range of management issues to be identified and considered within a geographical area which is both relevant and meaningful. They are strategic in nature, since individual catchments cover large areas of land, often straddling local authority boundaries.

Economic and political constraints will influence what we are able to do. For example the funds that the water service companies and other industries invest in pollution control will make a difference to the extent of water quality improvements that we are able to achieve. LEAPs help to prioritize the allocation of funds to secure actions on key issues.

2.3.1 The Area Environment Group and Steering Group During the summer of 1996, we set up an Area Environment Group (AEG) for the North Wessex Area. We regard the AEG as fundamental in assisting us in building relationships with local communities. The Group has twenty members (see Section 26 page 70) who have a broad experience and interest in environmental matters. The role of the AEG is to advise on proposals, priorities and key issues for LEAPs. The North Wessex Area Environment Group has agreed the creation of a Steering Group for each LEAP to provide detailed advice at the key stages (Consultation Report, Action Plan and Annual Review). The West Somerset Rivers Steering Group has 14 external members (see Section 27 page 70 for a list of members).

2.3.2 The Consultation Report This Local Environment Agency Plan Consultation Report gives you the opportunity to comment on environmental problems or our work. It describes the environmental resources of the area, explains how these resources are affected by human uses or pressures, and outlines issues where we or others need to take action to address problems in the environment.

2.3.3 The Action Plan We will collate responses to this Report and publish an Action Plan in autumn/winter 1998/99. Each year we will review the progress that has been made with the actions identified in the Action Plan and publish a brief review. Within five years of publishing the Action Plan we will carry out a major review of the progress we have made.

2.3.4 Local Environment Agency Plans and Development Plans While we can control some of the things that influence the quality of the environment, we have only limited control over the way that land is developed. This is the responsibility of local planning authorities. Local authorities prepare statutory development plans; the policies in these plans will guide the way that land is developed in the future. We advise and guide local planning authorities to adopt policies that protect the environment from harmful development.

2.3.5 Indicative LEAP publication programme North Wessex Area plan to publish LEAPs for the following areas to complete the coverage of the Area by the end of the millennium:

Bristol Avon Late summer 1998

Tone Late autumn 1999

2.4 The LEAP Area This LEAP Plan Area starts at Foreland Point in the west and extends east to Hinkley Point, covering an area of approximately 320 km2. A large part of the catchment lies within Exmoor National Park; this area is also designated an Environmentally Sensitive Area.

The catchment includes all the rivers and streams that drain to the north coast: the Hawkcombe Stream, Horner Water, River Aller, River Avill, Pill River, Washford River, Doniford Stream and Kitve Stream.

We monitor 96.9 km of rivers in the West Somerset Rivers catchment. In 1995, 92% of monitored river lengths in the catchment were of good or very good chemical quality, 8.0% were fairly good. In

• Page 5 Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report • • PART 1 INTRODUCTION •

biological terms 99% of the monitored river lengths were of good or very good quality while the remaining 1% were fairly good. Between 1990 and 1995 there was no overall deterioration in chemical quality over the monitored network while biological quality improved by 10%. Although water quality has recently improved there are parts of the catchment where it is not good enough. These shortfalls in quality are described in this consultation report.

3. Protection Through Partnership

The Agency works in partnership with many organizations and individuals concerned with the protection and enhancement of the environment. In the UK as a whole much has been achieved already but much more is possible by working closely with others. The Agency is essentially a regulatory body and does not give grants, so to achieve some of its aims it must co-operate with others such as the local authorities and MAFF to harness their financial resources and technical expertise. The Agency can also work towards its objectives by working with voluntary groups such as the local wildlife trusts, and recreational associations. In some cases partnerships are already well established with other statutory bodies, especially where there is joint responsibility, such as the Internal Drainage Boards.

This section outlines some of these partnerships and indicates opportunities for further development.

3.1 Links With Local Authorities 3.1.1 Planning We advise the local planning authorities on the impact of proposed development together with our requirements for environmental protection (See Section 19 page 55). We also work with the local planning authorities to ensure that suitable policies to protect and enhance the environment are incorporated within Local Development Plans.

3.1.2 Air quality Local authorities are responsible for producing and implementing Local Air Quality Management Plans (see Section 8 page 33). However, both the Agency and local authorities are both responsible for aspects of air quality monitoring and management. We need to develop partnerships to develop and implement Local Air Quality Management Plans.

3.1.3 Amenity and recreation initiatives We assist on local authority led recreation initiatives. Local authorities often own the riverside land in towns and we work with them on schemes to enhance the town centre river corridor with, for example, landscaping, walkways and riverside seating. As part of such schemes nature conservation can be furthered by enhancing or creating wildlife habitats.

3.1.4 Litter The Agency has no powers or resources to clear litter in and around rivers and so there is a need to work with local authorities and other groups on reduction and clearance schemes.

3.1.5 Local Agenda 21 Across the catchment, all local authorities are assisting their local communities in developing local strategies and action plans for sustainable development. The approach adopted varies from district to district, with many Local Agenda 21 groups setting up working groups looking at specific issues. We are currently looking at how we can be most effective in assisting local communities in developing their Local Agenda 21 plans.

3.1.6 Shoreline Management Plans (SMPs) SMPs are being produced by a range of groups with statutory interests in particular the maritime local authorities and the Agency working together. They provide a forum for an integrated review of coastal processes and develop sustainable coastal defence policies to set objectives for the future management of the shoreline. The Bridgwater and Bideford Bay SMP covers the coast within this LEAP (see Section 18.5 page 55).

• Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report Page 6 INTRODUCTION PART 1

Page 7 Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report INTRODUCTION

3.2 Working With Businesses We work with the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) to promote environmentally friendly farming practices.

We are working in partnership with local businesses to promote pollution prevention and waste minimization. Examples include:

• our "3 E's’ campaign (Emissions, Economics and Efficiency) which aims to reduce waste, packaging, effluent and energy use and thereby both help the environment and save the business money

• farm waste management plans developed with farmers and ADAS

• our oil care campaign

our training video for construction workers.

3.3 Links With Government Bodies 3.3.1 Conservation The Agency welcomes partnerships with other government bodies such as MAFF through schemes such as Countryside Stewardship, the aim of which is to offer payments to land owners for the conservation of the countryside.

Dunster Marshes - Somerset Wildlife Trust have put forward a proposal to us to examine the feasibility of changing the water level management regime to enhance and improve this grazing marshland. There is a great potential to attract birds because of its coastal location. For this project to be successful would require the co-operation of the farmers, Dunster Drainage Board, Somerset Wildlife Trust and the Agency.

The Agency is a member of the Porlock Marsh Working Group, an informal partnership set up to co­ ordinate the management of Porlock shingle beach and marsh. The other members include the two major landowners which are the National Trust and Porlock Manor Estate, English Nature, Exmoor National Park Authority and West Somerset District Council.

3.3.2 Education We recognize that broad-based education covering the community, educational and industrial sectors will result in a more informed society that is better able to understand the environment, its needs, and the impact of society’s activities upon it. In particular, there is a need to:

. educate young people to equip them to make informed judgements about future environmental decisions

educate industry through consultation, collaborative activities and targeted campaigns to promote a culture of prevention rather than cure

• raise public awareness of environmental issues to engender in society a common ownership of the environment and its challenges.

Currently, we provide a wide range of information to all sectors of society, and in addition give many talks and presentations. The Agency has recently published a leaflet entitled ‘Green Shoots our Vision for Environmental Education'.

3.4 Examples Of Partnerships We do engage in partnership schemes with FWAG/MAFF and others to tackle problems of diffuse agricultural problems although not at present within this Plan area.

• Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report Page 8 • • ISSUES AND OPTIONS PART 1 •

4. Issues And Options

The issues discussed here are only those that the Agency perceives to be problems within the Plan Area. There may be others, or some may not in fact be problems. No priority of importance is implied by the order in which they are presented. We want to hear from you, the reader. Have we got our issues list right? What is your priority order for these issues?

The options for action are our suggestions for consultation. No priority is implied by position in the tables and no commitment is being made to carry them out at this stage, because this is a consultation document and other options may arise from the consultation process. Actions will be decided upon following the consultation period which ends 31 May 1998 and will be published in the West Somerset Rivers LEAP Action Plan due to be published in winter 1998.

4.1 Issue - Development Pressure 4.1.1 Background The Agency is concerned that planned development within the catchment which includes the building of approximately 2,300 new dwellings between 1991 and 2011 and the provision of 15 hectares of employment land over the same period (see Section 19 page 55) might have a detrimental impact on the environment. (Source: Structure Plan Review - Deposit Plan - February 1997). The Agency is committed to working towards sustainable development (see Section 2.1.2 page 2) and will use its regulatory powers and give appropriate advice to minimize the environmental impact of this development and its associated infrastructure, such as new roads.

A major challenge posed by such development is to maintain and where appropriate enhance the exceptional landscape, good water quality, biodiversity and wildlife interest of the catchment whilst still maintaining a healthy local economy, (see Issue 4.3).

West Somerset District Council is keen to build on the already significant tourist industry in the area. Any increase in tourism will lead to additional pressure on environmental resources.

Likely effects of development pressure are:

• an increase in the quantity of raw sewage requiring treatment which might lead to greater pollution load on watercourses (see Section 21 page 62)'

• an increased demand for water for public supply, industry and agriculture (see Section 20 page 58)

• an increase in the quantity of waste requiring disposal (see Section 16 page 48)

• the need to make contaminated land safe for reuse

• an increase in housing and infrastructure which will use up some green field sites and change drainage regimes (see Section 18 page 52 and Issue 4.6 Somerwest World page 12)

• an expansion of industry could lead to an increase in polluting discharges to both water and air, and lead to increased industrial waste production (see Section 24 page 68)

• the need for new roads with potential environmental impact

• development within a river floodplain or affected by increased surface water and waste water disposal poses a danger to life and risk of damage to property (see Sections 18.1 page 52 and 18.3 page 52)

• tidal or fluvial flood defences may require improving to the appropriate urban standard (see Section 18 page 52) when development is proposed or planned for the area protected by them, in order to give acceptable alleviation from flooding to people and property (see Issue 4.9).

Page 9 Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report • . PART 1 ISSUES AND OPTIONS •

Proposed actions Responsibility

Complete the detailed hydraulic analysis of those watercourses in West Somerset likely Agency to be affected by development pressure. On completion of the analysis advise the Local Planning Authority on the level of flood Agency risk associated with land use allocations in West Somerset and seek the earliest possible discussions with new developers and the local planning authorities to advise on the best environmental options for proposed developments. Wort in partnership with West Somerset District Council to improve their environmental West Somerset protection policies and work towards a more sustainable type of development. District Council, Agency Enforce discharge consents and IPC authorizations, and where necessary review. Agency Work with Wessex Water Services Ltd (WWSL) to prioritize their expenditure at STWs. Agency, WWSL Work with water supply companies to prioritize expenditure on water resource Agency, WWSL management and development. Survey waste arisings to provide a basis for waste planning. Agency Advise waste disposal authorities and local industry on the best practice for waste Agency, Industry minimization and disposal. Enforce the new Producer Packaging Regulations.

4.2 Issue - Use Of Agency Owned Land 4.2.1 Background The Agency owns little land within the catchment. The land that is owned within Bridgwater Bay is managed as a National Nature Reserve (NNR) by English Nature. This part of the coast is used at a low level by people who wish to enjoy the area for walking and birdwatching. Due to the sensitivity of the area to disturbance it would not be appropriate to encourage an increase in use. However, we could make more information available to improve visitors appreciation of the site.

The River Avill Flood Alleviation Channel runs from the A39 to the coast at the eastern end of Dunster Beach. The possibility of routing a path along one bank to link up with the coastal path (creating a circular walk) could be investigated. .

4.2.2 Effects To promote quiet enjoyment and understanding of this internationally important site.

Proposed actions Responsibility

Investigate the amount of information available to visitors. Agency Liaise with English Nature and produce a joint information leaflet. Agency, English Nature Look into providing interpretative sign boards for the area. Agency, English Nature Investigate possibility of a circular walk. Agency

4.3 Issue - Maintaining And Enhancing Biodiversity 4.3.1 Background Following the Rio Conference and to reflect concern over declining biodiversity (the variety of life on earth), Member States were instructed to produce Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs) in an effort to halt and reverse the decline of both species and habitats. The UK BAP lists key habitats and species which need protection and this is being taken forward through regional and local BAPs. Action for Biodiversity in the South West was published in June 1997. Local Action Plans are currently being developed by local authorities and others. West Somerset District Council intends to commission the Somerset Environmental Records Centre (SERC) to prepare a BAP fo r the District outside the Exmoor National Park and the Quantocks during 1998.

We are working with a number of organizations to formulate and implement habitat and species action plans at both regional and local levels over the next 5 to 10 years.

The Agency is developing National Species Action Plans and is the contact point for the otter and water-vole, which are known to occur within the catchment. The native crayfish and the river lamprey are both known to occur in the Doniford Stream catchment. They may exist in other local

Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report Page 10 • . ISSUES AND OPTIONS PART 1 .

watercourses. The sea trout population in West Somerset is somewhat remote from other populations and may be distinct.

The Agency also has an important role to play in the conservation of habitats including: reedbed, saline lagoon, coastal grazing marsh and headwater streams. For more information on species and habitats see Section 10 page 39. We aim to protect sensitive sites through our control of authorizations to abstract water and discharge effluents; and to promote biodiversity though the sympathetic management of rivers and floodplains.

The Agency’s largest contribution towards increased biodiversity is being achieved by our general work to improve water quality, quantity and improved river and wetland habitats. Specific actions are detailed below.

Proposed actions Responsibility

Porlock Marsh - monitor change of habitat from grazing marsh and reedbed to salt marsh/saline Agency/English Nature lagoon. Headwater streams - survey to assess value and develop conservation strategy. Agency Dunster Marsh - encourage a move towards rehabilitating grazing marsh through Countryside Somerset Wildlife Trust, Agency, Stewardship Scheme and County Wildlife Sites Project. MAFF Investigate enhancement schemes to increase biodiversity as part of capital schemes. Agency Evaluate managed retreat option when investigating coastal defence projects. Water-voles - increase our knowledge of distribution.and investigate the main reasons for the Agency, Somerset Wildlife Trust absence of the water-vole from large areas of the catchment. Otters - assist with the monitoring of otter populations. Agency, Somerset Wildlife Trust Otters - identify road casualty blackspots and investigate best remedial action. Agency Otters - analyse tissue of road casualties Agency Otters - establish water quality objectives necessary to maintain populations. Agency Collate data on status and distribution of native crayfish and river lamprey and protect known Agency habitats. Invasive plants - work with Flood Defences to seek to eradicate Japanese Knotweed from the Agency Hawkcombe Stream and any other watercourses where it is found. Control other species where they become a problem. Sea trout - ensure that the migration of sea trout is not obstructed and that spawning areas are Agency, riparian owners protected. Black poplar - assess status in catchment. Agency, SWT

4.4 Issue - th e Impact Of The St Regis Paper Company’s Watchet Mill 4.4.1 Background The Wansbrough Paper Mill at Watchet uses a large quantity of water abstracted from the Washford River by a leat which diverts at Kentsford Farm. The water is used in both of the authorized IPC processes at the Mill; the power station and the paper process. The majority of the flow is used for “once-through” cooling, principally on the turbo/alternator for electricity generation. This flow is returned to the river immediately below the Mill in Watchet, having been heated but otherwise unpolluted. The remainder of the abstracted flow is not returned to the river, being either used as boiler feed water make-up, or in the manufacture of paper. After use, the Mill effluent contains water treatment and paper making chemicajs and some paper fines so it is released to public sewer for sea disposal after primary effluent treatment. The site also has a licensed borehole which is used during prolonged dry conditions; the water is hard and compares unfavourably to normal river water quality.

The Mill has been in existence for some 180 years and'has now grown to a capacity of over 140,000 tonnes/year. It contributes to the recovery and recycling of low grade waste papers which might otherwise be disposed of to landfill sites. The river runs through the Mill via the leat, a lagoon / and culverted channels, and also around the Mill perimeter in a flood relief channel with fish passes intended to facilitate the seasonal passage of migratory sea trout.

4.4.2 Effects The principal impact is the historical problem of a large continuous water user on a small catchment which has low dry weather flows. During such conditions the leat and culverts take most of the total flow and conditions in the relief channel become difficult for fish passage. Also the thermal impact of

• Page 11 Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation R eport • . PART 1 ISSUES AND OPTIONS •

the heat gained by the once-through cooling water becomes significant and river temperature below the Mill may approach the limit for trout. A subsidiary issue for successful migration is the hatches at Kentsford Farm which are part of the structure allowing the leat to operate. These are not amenable to fish passage except at high flows.

The Agency has taken the opportunities offered by integration of its predecessor bodies to take a multi-disciplinary approach to this issue, facilitated by the need to determine a variation to the company’s abstraction licence. The site was the first in North Wessex for which the Agency introduced the concept of ‘Customer Account Manager", whereby one of the Agency’s officers (here the IPC/RAS Inspector) regulating a larger site becomes a co-ordinator of all our activities and dealings with a site, and this has been of significant benefit, especially considering the relative strength of the IPC legislation for authorized processes.

Most of the necessary action lies with the company, who are actively working with the Agency. They have already reduced leat flows closer to the minimum needed, by reducing unnecessary leaks and overflows as well as increasing water recycling within the Mill.

Proposed actions Responsibility

Continue to monitor leat conditions. St Regis Paper Co. Complete the evaluation of installing a closed loop water cooling system to be used when warranted St Regis Paper Co. by the impact on the river at a time of expected fish migration (probably late summer/early autumn). This may also offer the company some operational benefits. Design and/or make improvements to the structures at Kentsford Farm so that improved dry weather Agency/St Regis flows in the relief channel are matched with better passage through the hatches.

4.5 Issue - Homer Water - Suffers From Bed Loss 4.5.1 Background The Homer Water suffers from natural bed loss to river gravels in its lower reaches (between the A39 road bridge and the outfall to the Bristol Channel). Wessex Water hold an abstraction licence at Bossington for public water supply. This licensed abstraction takes water from the river gravels and it . is possible that this abstraction is contributing to the bed loss in the lower reaches.

4.5.2 Effects The abstraction may be contributing to ecologically damaging low flows in this reach. Low flows in the affected reach have necessitated fish rescues and caused fish kills over a number of years.

Proposed actions Responsibility

In order to investigate the relative impacts of the natural bed losses and of the Wessex Water abstraction on Agency flows on the Homer Water we will initially review the analysis of Bossington Well test pumping which was undertaken when the licence was issued in 1976. However, we consider this a low priority low flow issue compared with others in the Region.

4.6 Issue - Somerwest World, Minehead - Surface Water Disposal 4.6.1 Background Somerwest World at Minehead currently suffers flood risk from tidal inundation and inadequate surface water drainage infrastructure. Risk from tidal flooding is being addressed by the Agency’s new Minehead Sea Defence. Phase 1, the hard defences will be completed by the end of August 1998. Phase 2, which is the ‘‘soft” defence i.e. beach raising has not yet been programmed and timing is dependent on funding but should be complete by summer 1999. Surface water disposal from the site needs to be addressed as part of the proposed facilities uprate.

4.6.2 Effects Currently assets are at risk within the site as a result of inadequate surface water drainage facilities. Uprating the surface water drainage facilities in isolation and without consideration of the surrounding agricultural drainage systems could have a detrimental impact on those systems.

• Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report Page 12 • • ISSUES AND OPTIONS PART 1 •

Proposed actions Responsibility

Liaise with Somerwest World to ensure the wider aspects of uprating the.drainage system are Agency considered. Ensure the Dunster Drainage Board and Local Drainage Authority provide input to drainage Agency/Dunster Drainage Board studies.

4.7 Issue - Flooding And The Need For An Improved Flood Warning Service 4.7.1 Background Flooding in West Somerset has always been a particular problem because of the short, steep river catchments. The relatively short main rivers are fed by a number of steep, small non-main rivers which are too small to be monitored. The rivers respond rapidly to rainfall, making flood forecasting difficult, particularly in the Doniford Stream.

Also, in the past it has not always been possible to give adequate warning of floods because the flooding information was not up-to-date. However, a Flood Survey (Section 105) for the West Somerset area has now been completed and the information will be presented shortly to the Local Planning Authority shortly. As a result of this survey we should now be able to make a more accurate identification of current flood problems and property at risk.

Proposed actions Responsibility

Review those properties receiving flood warnings under the new Agency flood warning service. Agency Target standards of flood protection to urban development will be compared to current risk. Agency Review allocated land for development in the Local Plan to determine flood risk and possible mitigation works. Agency

4.8 Issue - River Bank Erosion 4.8.1 Background Throughout the North Wessex Area it has been normal to receive a trickle of complaints about land- loss due to bank erosion. Bank erosion is a natural process on these high energy rivers flowing through soft substrates, and one that could not be prevented from occurring. Legally the banks are the riparian owner’s responsibility but we normally offer to advise on appropriate protective measures, such as bio-engineering techniques, pointing out that any proposals would require proper detailing and our byelaw approval (land drainage consent) before construction.

However, in West Somerset two other factors complicate the issue:

Firstly, following the severe 1960 floods, extensive works were carried out on most of the fast flowing West Somerset rivers to increase flow capacity. In places this involved channel straightening and the filling of old loops. Where the old channel abutted the new, timber stakes or stone-filled gabion baskets were often installed to prevent washout of the backfill. Many of these training structures have now reached the end of their anticipated design life, and in certain cases they have failed and local erosion has resulted. However, our view is that the backfill has now consolidated to such an extent that any consequent land loss is no worse than at other locations where no works were carried out, and current policy is that replacement at the Agency's expense is not justified.

Secondly, these rivers incorporate a significant number of Agency flood defence structures which could.be damaged or lost through erosion, such as floodbanks or the ends of walled sections of river. Here we would normally expect to provide an appropriate protective system, or repair the existing one.

Local factors give rise to a public expectation that the Agency should carry out bank protection works wherever erosion is a problem, not just where we have a direct interest. Gaining acceptance of the Agency's viewpoint has sometimes proved difficult or impossible, resulting in wasted staff resources and disappointment for those suffering the erosion.

Changing farming practices may be contributing to this problem. Since the 1960s more upland has been reclaimed leading to increased runoff because of ESA agreements although further change is

• Page 13 Local Environment Agency P/an West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report • • PART I ISSUES AND OPTIONS •

unlikely. Secondly, since the 1960s the national trend away from red meat production has taken place in the lowlands. Arable cropping has increased at the expense of grassland. More farmers are now considering a switch to arable or the outdoor rearing of pigs. Both these farming practices are potentially going to make erosion and siltation problems worse.

4.8.2 Effects • Where riparian owners do carry out bank protection works, they frequently do so without the necessary consents. Inappropriate materials and methods are often used, spoiling the amenity of the river. Although Flood Defence legislation does make provision for enforced rectification, the procedures are unwieldy, resource-intensive and sometimes ineffective.

Failures of erosion control systems will lead to increased bank erosion and loss of land.

• Where failures of control systems occur adjacent to flood defence structures, flooding of property may result.

• Bank erosion can be very damaging to fish especially salmonids because of silt mobilisation and deposition and can lead to an unstable habitat.

Proposed actions Responsibility ■> Raise public awareness of the erosion problem, the need for our consent and our relevant Agency policies/responsibilities e.g. Agency leaflet “Understanding River Bank Erosion”. Prepare bio-engineering guidance sheets to assist riparian owners to select appropriate bank Agency protection methods to ensure any hew works are effective, environmentally acceptable and sustainable. Agency to repair erosion control works which protect our flood defence assets and riparian owners to Agency, riparian owners carry out all other erosion control work.

4.9 Issue - Flooding In Williton 4.9.1 Background Part of the town of Williton has flooded several times in the last 30 years.

Williton lies on the downstream end of the Monksilver Stream just upstream of the confluence with the Doniford Stream. The catchment suffers from the effects of high Exmoor rainfall and a steep gradient which leads to rapid runoff.

Flooding occurs due to the inadequacy of the existing channel and culverts through the town together with lack of maintenance of upstream sluices. Floodwater leaves the channel at road bridges and passes down through the streets into the town. The bridge causing the worst problem is to be replaced in February 1998 and this should improve matters a little.

4.9.2 Effects Up to 38 houses and commercial properties and 2 outbuildings will flood in a flood event which statistically occurs once every 50 years.

Proposed actions Responsibility

Carry out an appraisal to determine if improvement works are technically, Agency economically and environmentally viable. Options for improvement: Agency a. Channel improvements through Williton b. Flood relief bypass channel c. Upstream off-line detention dams d. Combination of a, b and c Review the need for/or operation of sluices. Agency/WSDC

• Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report Page 14 • ISSUES AND OPTIONS PART 1 •

4.10 Issue - Securing Future Public Water Supplies 4.10.1 Background The Agency must have regard to the statutory obligations of water supply companies to supply water to the level of service required by OFWAT. This catchment is part of the Wessex Water Services Limited (WWSL) Somerset Supply Zone where currently WWSL meets current demand by importing 9 Ml/d to the Somerset Supply Zone from sources outside the zone such as Wimbleball Reservoir (see Section 20 page 58). Under a high growth rate scenario (see Section 20 page 58) these imports are forecast to rise by 2021 to 60 Ml/d and under a low growth rate scenario to 16 Ml/d. We expect the water company to have satisfactorily reduced leakage and introduced acceptable demand management measures before we would consider the development and licensing of a new source (see Section 20 page 58). Wessex Water are not, however, contemplating the development of a new source in this area. A wider discussion of the Region's water resource situation can be found in the Agency's South West Regional Water Resource Development Strategy entitled Tomorrow's Water.

Proposed actions Responsibility

Encourage water company demand and resource management. WWSL, Agency ' Encourage consumers to undertake water saving actions. Agency, WWSL, consumer Assess need for potential future resource development and implications during Agency, WWSL, OFWAT WWSL’s third periodic review and subsequent revision of our Regional Water Resource Strategy (Year 2000).

4.11 Issue - Unknown Causes Of Poor Water Quality 4.11.1 Background Our monitoring for water quality sometimes highlights non-compliance with environmental standards for which we do not know the cause. We would normally either continue monitoring to iriiprove our. understanding of the problem or carry out an investigation into the cause.

4.11.2 Effects • significant failure of RQO on the Washford River (see Section 6.2 page 22). Ribbon development along the watercourse and a storm overflow downstream of Washford may contribute.

marginal failure of RQO on the Traphole Stream (see Section 6.2 page 22).

slightly degraded biological quality on the River Washford and the Doniford Stream (see Section 6.12 page 28).

Proposed actions Responsibility

Investigate to identify the reasons for the failures. Agency Investigate to identify the reasons for the slight downgrading in biological quality. Agency

4.12 Issue - Impact Of Agriculture 4.12.1 Background Agriculture is important to the economy and the environment of the area, but produces potentially polluting waste which needs careful management to avoid pollution of watercourses. Organic waste in rivers causes a depletion of dissolved oxygen on which life in the water depends, leading to a reduction in the variety of life which can be supported.

• Page 15 Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report • PART 1 ISSUES AND OPTIONS •

4.12.2 Effects • marginal failure of Long Term RQO on the River Pill (see Section 6.2 page 22).

• reduced biological water quality in the lower reach of the Pill River (class c) (see Section 6.12 page 28).

The Biological Classification describes biology in terms of a shortfall from that expected under conditions of good water quality and range from class a (very good) to class f (bad).

Proposed actions Responsibility

Investigate farm inputs to the River Pill. Agency Monitor the effect of recent improvements to some farms in the Agency catchment.

4.13 Issue - Impact Of Septic Tanks 4.13.1 Background The effluent from badly operating septic tanks or the combined effect o f effluent from several septic tanks can cause or contribute to non-compliance with water quality objectives.

4.13.2 Effect • marginal failure of Long Term RQO on the River Pill.

Proposed actions Responsibility

Investigate septic tank inputs to the River Pill. Agency

• Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report Page 18 . SUPPORTING INFORMATION PART 2 •

5. The Physical Environment

5.1 Geology The oldest strata in this area are the hard Devonian sandstones and slates that form the high ground to the south. Covering about half of the area the Devonian outcrop extends over Exmoor including Dunkery Beacon and stretches east to the Brendon Hills and the Quantocks. Overlying the Devonian are younger sandstones and marls of the Permian and the Triassic. These are softer sandstones and characterize the lower lying areas around Minehead, Dunster and the Aller valley. Above these Triassic sandstones arevrocks of the younger Mercia Mudstone group. These soft marls are easily weathered and again are found in lower lying areas towards the coast and to the west of the Quantocks. Finally, outcropping along the coast and just inland to the east of Watchet are the fossiliferous shales and thin limestones of the Jurassic Lias which overlie the Mercia Mudstone.

5.2 Hydrogeology Apart from the Mercia Mudstone Group all the rocks in this area are designated as minor aquifers. They are typically characterized by an abundance o f small springs, many of which dry in the summer and many are used for private supplies. Boreholes yielding small quantities of water are located in the Permian and Triassic sandstones. The Devonian sandstones are hard and,fractured and have low permeability, as a consequence of which runoff is high after heavy rainfall which leads to localized flooding in the lower catchments. The Mercia Mudstone typically has very low permeability and will not yield any significant quantities of groundwater.

5.3 Hydrology The distribution of rainfall over the catchment is shown on Map 4 Hydrometric Network. The range varies from more than 1300 mm per year in the south of the area, i.e. over Exmoor and the Brendon Hills, to less than 780 mm per year in the north lower lying area around Watchet. The average rainfall, for the LEAP area (1961 -90) is estimated at 1023 mm per year.

The impermeability of the catchment has two major hydrological implications. Firstly, storm water runs off the land quickly and the rivers respond rapidly to rainfall. This is accentuated by the steep relief in the catchment. Secondly, base flows are relatively low and in dry weather river flow can reduce rapidly.

Ail the rivers in the catchment drain in a northerly direction eventually reaching the Bristol Channel. Those rivers in the west of the area drain Exmoor and flows are monitored at West Luccombe on Homer Water. Mean flow (1973-97) is 0.444 cumecs (38 mega litres/day). Nutscale Reservoir is located in the headwaters. It is believed that river gravels in the lower reaches of the catchment area are responsible for a significant amount of bed loss (see Issue 4.5).

th e rivers in the central area drain the Brendon Hills in the south of the catchment. Flows are monitored at Beggeam Huish on the Washford River. Mean flow (1966-96) is 0.78 cumecs (67 megalitres/day (Ml/d)). High flows are attenuated by extensive redundant iron ore workings in the Brendon Hills. The rivers in the east of the area drain from both the Brendon Hills and the Quantocks. Flows are monitored at Swill Bridge on the Doniford Stream. Mean flow (1967-96) is 1.01 cumecs (87 Ml/day). >

• Page 17 Local Environm ent Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report P A R T2 ______SUPPORTING INFORMATION

/ Copyright © Crown -—- Bay Bndgwater Bay Au tine's Au Status Dormant Active Active /ATCHET Type Blue Anc hoiBlue Anc SSLSL 00 ss ■tt. ■tt. MINEHEAD ♦ Sites Mineral Extraction 3 3 Quantoxhead Quarry West Sandstone 1 1 Capton Quarry Sandstone 2 2 Quarry Triscombe Aggregate Aquifer Type

Hurlstone Ppint B4y^r B4y^r Ponock Porloc Permo-Triassic Period { { — liawVcorMie'*''; r i ' ^ \ Sandstone and Slates and Slates Sandstone Devonian Sandstone and Marl Sandstone Mercia Mercia Mudstone Croup Permo-Triassic Rock Rock Type and Shale Limestone Settlement Major Aquifer Minor Aquifer Non-Aquifer Catchment Boundary n M m • ----- ' ' ^ Cove V Counlitbury Foreland Point Map 3 - Geology, Hydrogeology and Mineral Extraction

Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report Page 18 SUPPORTING INFORMATION 30

Copyright © Crown Bridgwater Bay Bridgwater SS SS 00 ST

Rainfall Intensity Gauge Non-Telemetered Rainfall Intensity Gauge Telemetered Porlock West Dunkerry West Treborough Wilmersham Farm Wilmersham Met Office Monthly Storage Gauge Non-Telemetered Works Water Porlock Leyhill Treborough 20

Cove Settlement Beggeam Huish Bridge Swill Catchment Boundary River Flow Stations Telemetered Met Met Office Daily Storage Gauge Non-Telemetered West Luccombe West Porlock, Birchanger Farm Birchanger Porlock, Brendon Hill Brendon Oak Felons Rodhuish, Monksilver Nettlecombe, Birds Hill Nettlecombe, Birds Nettlecombe Court Brett Sampford Tivington Crowcombe, Halsway Crowcombe,Nurseries Halsway Withycombe Watchet, Five Bells Rd Bells Watchet, Five Wooten Wooten Courtenay Alfoxton, Hulford Alfoxton, Countistoury 3 i 2 7 Foreland 8 4 5 Point 9 6 10 13 12 14 15 16 A 11 ■ ----- Map 4 - Hydrometric Network 50 40 30

Page 19 Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report • PART 2 SUPPORTING INFORMATION •

6. The Quality Of Controlled Waters

6.1 Our Proposed Targets For River Water Quality We manage water quality by setting targets called River Quality Objectives (RQOs). They are intended to protect current water quality and future use, and we use them as a basis for setting consents for new discharges and planning future water quality improvements.

We also manage water quality by applying standards set in EC directives and other international commitments. Failures to comply with these standards are outlined in the issues section.

We have proposed RQOs using a classification scheme known as the River Ecosystem (RE) Classification which was introduced by the National Rivers Authority, following public consultation, in 1994. It replaces a former scheme introduced by the Water Authorities in the late 1970s and used by the NRA until 1994. The RE Classification comprises five hierarchical classes as summarized below.

RQO (RE Class) Class Description

RE1 Water of very good quality suitable for all fish species

RE2 Water of good quality suitable for all fish species

RE3 Water of fair quality suitable for high class coarse fish populations RE4 Water of fair quality suitable for coarse fish populations

RE5 Water of poor quality which is likely to limit coarse fish populations

The RQOs we set must be achievable and sustainable; we must be able to identify what needs to be done to meet the RQO and to ensure as far as practicable that water quality can be maintained at this level in the future.

Where we are unable to identify solutions or resources to resolve current water quality problems, we may also set a Long Term RQO. We will measure compliance against RQOs but use Long Term RQOs as a basis for setting consents for new discharges. This will ensure that future developments will not prevent us from achieving our long term objectives.

The rivers of the West Somerset Rivers Catchment have been divided into 20 classified reaches and the RQOs that we intend to set are outlined in Table 1 page 22 and shown on Map 5 Proposed River Quality Objectives (River Ecosystem Classification).

Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report Page 20 SUPPORTING INFORMATION "0 i- Map 5 - Proposed River Quality Objectives (River ClassificationEcosystem 1996)

Page 21 Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report . PART 2

Table 1 Proposed River Quality Objectives

Stretch Proposed River Stretch Name Ref No. RQO LTRQO Hawk combe Stream Hawk combe Head - Sea 1 2 Homer Water Nutscale Reservoir - confluence with Aller 2 1 Aller Source - Sea 3 1 Avill Source - confluence with Wootton Courtenay 4 1 Confluence with Wootton Courtenay Stream - Sea 5 2 Avill Tributary Source - Confluence with River Avill 6 2 Wootton Courtenay Stream Hanny Combe - Confluence with Avill 7 1 Pill Source - Chapel Cleeve 8 3 2 Chapel Cleeve - Sea 9 4 2 Traphole Stream Downstream Mineral Line Fish Farm - Confluence 10 1 with Washford River Washford River Chargot House - Roadwater 11 1 Roadwater - Watchet 12 1 Watchet - Sea 13 2 Doniford Stream Flaxpool - Confluence with Willett Tributary 14 2 Willett - Confluence with Flaxpool Tributary 15 2 Willett/Flaxpool Tributary Confluence - Confluence 16 2 with Monksilver Stream Confluence With Monksilver Stream - Estuary 17 1 Monksilver Stream Combe Sydenham - Monksilver 18 1 Monksilver - Confluence with Doniford Stream 19 1 Kilve Stream Holford - Sea 20 1

We welcome your comments on the River Quality Objectives that we propose.

6.2 Compliance With River Quality Objectives Map 6 Compliance with River Quality Objectives (River Ecosystem Classification 1996) shows where current water quality fails to meet its RQO. This assessment is based on three years of routine monitoring data from the Public Register collected between 1994 and 1996. We have shown failures to meet RQO as significant and marginal failures. Significant failures are those where we are 95% certain that the river stretch has failed to meet its RQO. Marginal Failures are those where we are less certain (between 50% and 95%) that the stretch has failed to meet its RQO.

Of the 21 monitored river stretches (96.9 km) in the West Somerset Rivers catchment there is 1 stretch (7.2 km) which significantly fails to meet its RQO, and 1 stretch (1.5 km of river) which marginally fails to meet its current RQO. We have also assessed whether river stretches meet their long term RQO. Two stretches (7.4 km of river) marginally fail to meet their long term RQO.

• Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report Page 22 • SUPPORTING INFORM ATION______p a r t Map 6 - Compliance with River Quality Objectives (River ClassificationEcosystem 1996)

Page 23 Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report . PART 2 SUPPORTING INFORMATION •

Table 2 Non-Compliant River Stretches (1996 RE Class) in the West Somerset Rivers Catchment

River Stretch Stretch River Parameters Reasons for Non-compliance Ref Quality Causing Non- Objectives compliance (LTRQO) Pill Source - Chapel 8 3 (2 ) BOD (LTRQO) Farm problems have been identified along Cleeve (Marginal) this stretch and improvements are underway. An investigation of septic tanks is planned. Chapel Cleeve - Sea 9 4 (2 ) BOD (LTRQO) Farm problems have been identified and (Marginal) remedial work is underway. Traphole Stream Downstream of 10 1 BOD An investigation to identify the reason for Mineral Line Fish (Marginal) non-compliance is planned. Farm - Confluence with Washford River Washford River Roadwater - Watchet 12 1 BOD An investigation to identify the reason for (Significant) non-compliance is planned.

6.3 EC Bathing Waters Directive See Severn Estuary Strategy Joint Issues Report (published May 1997).

6.4 EC Freshwater Fish Directive The EC Directive on the quality of waters needing protection o r improvement in order to support fish life (78/659/EEC) ensures that water quality in designated stretches of water is suitable for supporting certain types offish.

This Directive contains two sets of quality standards. One set o f standards protects cyprinid or coarse fish populations, for example roach and chub. The other set o f standards, that are stricter, protects salmonid or game fish populations, for example salmon and trout.

We are responsible for monitoring the quality of identified fisheries and reporting the results to DoE who decide whether the standards in the Directive have been met. Where the requirements of this Directive are not met, we are responsible for identifying sources of pollution and making sure that improvements are made.

• Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report Page 24 SUPPORT!MG INFORMATION

Page 25 Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report . PART 2 SUPPORTING INFORMATION •

Table 3 Designated Freshwater Fish Directive Stretches in the West Somerset Rivers.Catchment

Water Stretch Length Designation (Km ) Hawk combe Stream Homebush Wood - Sea 4.6 Salmonid

Homer Water Homer Wood - Sea 5 Salmonid

Aller Confluence - Confluence with Homer Water 2.5 Salmonid

Avill Steart - Sea 10 Salmonid

Pill Rodhuish -Linton Railway Bridge 3.1 Salmonid

Washford River Kingsbridge - Paper Mill 12 Salmonid

Doniford Stream Flaxpool - Sea 12 Salmonid

Monksilver Stream Bird’s Hill - Confluence with Doniford Stream 7.4 Salmonid

Kilve Stream Holford - Sea 4 Satmonid

All stretches were compliant with the Directive between 1994 and 1996.

6.5 EC Nitrates Directive The EC Directive concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources (91/676/EEC) protects waters from pollution by nitrates used in agriculture. This Directive requires Member States to monitor the nitrate concentration in freshwaters (surface and ground) and review the eutrophic state of fresh surface, estuarine and coastal waters to identify those that are or could be affected by nitrate from diffuse agricultural sources i.e. Polluted Waters. There are no waters in the catchment which qualify as polluted waters. The land draining to these polluted waters must be designated as nitrate vulnerable zones (NVZ). In England, Action Plans will be established in 1998 to reduce existing nitrate pollution and prevent further pollution. Outside NVZs, Member States must establish and promote a code of good agricultural practice. Regular reviews must be carried out of existing and potential new NVZs. The first must be completed in December 1997, and then at four year intervals.

We are responsible for advising on the selection and boundaries of NVZs. The designation of NVZs and agricultural measures to be adopted is the responsibility of Government.

There are at present no NVZs in the West Somerset Rivers Catchment.

6.6 EC Surface Water Abstraction Directive The EC Directive concerning the quality required of surface water intended for the abstraction of ■ drinking water in the Member States (75/440/EEC) protects the quality of surface water used for public supply. This Directive ensures that water abstracted for public supply meets certain quality standards and is given adequate treatment before entering public water supplies.

The Directive sets out standards that must be achieved for water for public supply, which is to be given different levels of treatment.

We are responsible for monitoring the quality of designated surface water abstractions and reporting the results to DoE who decide whether the standards in the Directive have been met. Where standards are not met, we are responsible for identifying sources of pollution and making sure that improvements are made.

Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report Page 26 • • SUPPORTING INFORMATION PART 2 •

There was one confirmed non-compliance with this directive in this catchment. Nutscale Reservoir failed the Lead standard in 1995. The site failure is due to one high lead result for which no cause can be attributed. This is considered to be a one-off event.

6.7 EC Dangerous Substances Directive The EC Directive on pollution caused by certain substances discharged in the aquatic environment of the community (76/464/EEC) protects the water environment by controlling discharges to rivers, estuaries and coastal waters.

This Directive describes two lists of compounds. List I contains substances regarded as particularty dangerous because they are toxic, they persist in the environment and they bioaccumulate. Discharges containing List I substances must be controlled by Environmental Quality Standards (EQSs) issued through Daughter Directives. List II contains substances which are considered to be less dangerous but which still can have a harmful effect on the water environment. Discharges of List . Il substances are controlled by EQSs set by the individual Member States.

We are responsible for authorizing, limiting and monitoring dangerous substances in discharges. We are also responsible for monitoring the quality of waters receiving discharges which contain dangerous substances and reporting the results to DoE who decide whether the standards in the Directive have been met. Where the requirements of this Directive are not met, we are responsible for identifying sources of pollution and making sure that improvements are made.

There are no designated sites for List I substances monitoring in the West Somerset Rivers Catchment.

We monitor three designated sites for List II substances.

Table 4 List II Dangerous Substances Sites Downstream of Registered Discharges

Discharge Receiving Water Monitored Substance(s)

Boughton Trout Farm Timberscombe Stream (Tributary o f Copper, Lead, Nickel, Zinc Avill) Roadwater Fishery Washford River (Kingsbridge- Copper, Lead, Nickel, Zinc Tacker Street) Mineral Line Fishery Traphole Stream (Tributary of Copper, Lead, Nickel, Zinc Washford River)

There were no EQS failures for List II substances between 1993-96 at the monitored sites downstream of these registered discharges.

6.8 EC Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive The EC Directive concerning urban waste water treatment (91/271/EEC) specifies minimum standards for sewage treatment and sewage collection systems.

This Directive specifies that secondary treatment must be provided for all discharges serving population equivalents greater than 2,000 to inland waters and estuaries, and greater than 10,000 to coastal waters. Discharges below these population equivalents receive appropriate treatment as defined in the AMP2 guidance note. We are responsible for making sure that discharges receive the level of treatment specified in this Directive.

In the West Somerset Streams Catchment there are Urban WasteWater Treatment Directive Appropriate Treatment schemes at Doniford, Porlock, Porlock Weir, Kilve and Bossington. All are coastal discharges to the Bristol Channel. The level of treatment required at Doniford is preliminary with a statutory completion date of 2005, though the scheme should be completed by the end of 1997, and will include a 500 m outfall extension. Improvements to water quality should follow and monitoring will continue during the bathing season. The continuous crude outfalls at Porlock Weir and

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Bossington will be abandoned, with flows transferred to Porlock. Here these flows, along with the Porlock flows, will receive treatment using membrane filtration, before being discharged through the existing outfall. Tidal phasing of the discharge will ensure that only on exceptionally low tides will the discharge take place through an exposed outfall. The scheme should be completed by the end of January 1998.

The Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive also requires higher standards of treatment for discharges to sensitive areas, and/or lower standards of treatment to less sensitive areas. Sensitive areas are those waters that receive discharges from population equivalents of greater than 10,000, and are or may become eutrophic in the future.

The DETR decide if a watercourse is sensitive. We cany out monitoring and provide information to DETR and also ensure that discharges to sensitive areas receive a higher level of treatment.

' Less Sensitive Areas or High Natural Dispersion Areas (HNDAs) are those estuarine or coastal waters which are naturally very dispersive. In these areas a lower level of sewage treatment is permitted. However, dischargers must demonstrate that no harm will be caused to the environment by the lower level of treatment. We are responsible for ensuring that these studies, known as Comprehensive Studies, are carried out correctly.

The Wessex Water sewage discharges at Minehead and Watchet are to HNDAs. Wessex Water are not carrying out any Comprehensive Studies at Minehead. Wessex Water are improving the discharge from the Minehead outfall to include secondary treatment and disinfection. The company is carrying out Comprehensive Studies at Watchet to determine the level of treatment required. The Comprehensive Study should be completed by the end of 1997 with the required treatment installed by the end of 2000. . . .

6.9 EC Shellfish Waters Directive There are no designated shellfisheries in this area.

6.10 EC Shellfish Hygiene Directive There are no shellfish hygiene sites in this area.

6.11 EC Groundwater Directive The EC Groundwater Directive (80/68/EEC) controls the release of certain substances to groundwater. There are two lists of substances: List I substances, which should not be.released and List II substances, which can only be released in limited amounts. Currently the principles of the Groundwater Directive are implemented only through our waste management activities and by; controlling the discharge of effluents to soakaways.

Other potential sources of List I and List II substances are currently unregulated, such as the disposal of spent sheep dip (organophosphorus compounds) and sewage sludge to land (heavy metals and ammonia). Consequently the Department of the Environment, Transport & the Regions (DETR) is currently consulting on new regulations under the European Communities Act 1972 to bring all such unregulated discharges under control. The anticipated date for implementation is early 1998.

There are no statutory standards for the quality of groundwater, and because of the difficulties in obtaining and interpreting information we have only limited data on the impacts of human activity on groundwater quality. However, in drought conditions most of the flow in rivers is derived from groundwater and our river monitoring data indicate that throughout most of the region there are no known major areas of contaminated groundwater (see Section 7 page 31).

6.12 Biological Quality Biological river quality is based on the diversity of aquatic invertebrate life, the small animals present in the river. They are unable to move far and respond to long term conditions within the watercourse. This provides a good indication of the biological condition of the river. In order to present biological river quality, a Biological Classification has been devised.

Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report Page 28 • • SUPPORTING INFORMATION PART 2 *

The Biological Classification describes biology in terms of a shortfall from that expected under conditions of good water quality; there are 6 classes. The classification for this catchment is shown on Map 8 Biological Quality 1995.

Table 5 Biological Class Descriptions

Biological Class Description a Very good b Good c Fairly good d Fair e Poor f Bad

During a 1995 Biological Quality survey, 20 river reaches were sampled biologically on the West Somerset Rivers in the spring and autumn. Of this number, 14 achieved biological class a (very good), 5 were class b (good) and just one site achieved only a c classification (fairly good). The majority of sites therefore exhibited a high standard of biological water quality, with few major ' problems throughout the catchment as a whole.

The main cause for concern in the catchment was reduced biological water quality in the lower reach of the Pill River (class c). Subsequent investigations discovered farm discharges to be responsible for this and improvements in water quality are anticipated following remedial work.

• Page 29 Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report PART 2 ______SUPPORTING INF

Map 8 - Biological Quality 1995 Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report Page 30 H Other concerns surround the five sites which achieved class b. While still indicating good water quality, differences from pristine conditions were detectable, with first signs of mild pollution/organic enrichment manifested through extensive growths of algae (mainly the blanket weed, Cladophora ), for example in the River Washford and Doniford Stream. Some sites also displayed a marked difference in biological quality between the spring and autumn sampling, although not necessarily affecting the biological classification, which is determined over the two seasons combined. A certain amount of variation between seasons is expected, but some of th e discrepancies cannot adequately be explained by seasonal variability and may have been caused by unreported, discrete pollution incidents.

7. Groundwater Protection

The protection of groundwater from pollution is of great importance, since once pollution has occurred it is extremely difficult if not impossible to clean it up, and this will always be expensive. Pollution of groundwater can put public and private supplies at risk, and may impact on river water quality where the baseflow is dependant on groundwater.

The Policy and Practice for the Protection of Groundwater (PPPG) (NRA 1992) contains policy statements on the following aspects of groundwater protection:

• physical disturbance of aquifers affecting quality and quantity

• waste disposal to land

• contaminated land

• disposal of sludges and slurries to land

• diffuse pollution

• other activities affecting groundwater quality

We commit substantial resources to groundwater protection, and apply the PPPG through our own authorizations, discharge consents and abstraction licences. We also seek to protect groundwater quality in our role as a statutory consultee to the planning authorities. Many of the policies are not supported by any formal role of the Agency, but rely on us to persuade and educate landowners of the benefits of good practice.

The document describes the principles of Groundwater Vulnerability and Source Protection Areas, and the publication of these is an integral part of the implementation of the PPPG. Groundwater Vulnerability Maps show the location of aquifers and classify their vulnerability according to the properties of the soil and underlying strata. These maps allow planners, developers and regulatory bodies to make better judgements on the location o f new developments, avoiding potentially polluting activities in high vulnerability areas.

Source Protection Areas are now available for the majority of large abstractions for potable supply although such Areas are never definitive and can be modified in the light of improved information, see Map 9 Groundwater Source Protection Areas. It must be noted that all aquifers need protection, not just those falling within Source Protection Areas We will seek to include policies relating to groundwater protection in Structure and Local Plans, see Section 19 page 55.

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Settlement Middlecombe Catchment Boundary Moorbrake Bossington Groundwater Source Protection Areas Traphole Cutcombe Aller Park Aller 7 Road Washford 3 8 5 Broadwood 1 9 Periton 6 4 2 CD ----- Map 9 - Groundwater Source Protection Areas

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8. Air Quality

Ambient concentrations of smoke and sulphur dioxide have generally declined in the UK as a whole over the last 20 years. Similarly, both the quantity released and the concentration of lead in the atmosphere has declined since the mid 1980s following the introduction of lead-free petrol. However, the release of some pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds have remained relatively stable during this period, although there may have been changes in their source. For example, releases of oxides of nitrogen from industrial sources have generally declined whilst emissions from road traffic have increased.

With the exception of ground level ozone, ambient levels of these pollutants are generally lower in the South West of England than in many other parts of England and Wales.

The Environment Agency has published The Environment of England and Wales - a Snapshot (April 1996) which contains information on air quality in the UK.

8.1 Monitoring There are more than 400 ambient air quality monitoring sites dotted around the UK providing data to a central computer. An air quality information service is available on freephone telephone number 0800 55 66 77 and on Ceefax pages 404, 410-414, Teletext page 106. Information is also available on the Internet at http://www.open.gov.uk/doe/doehome.htm.

8.2 National Air Quality Strategy Under Part 4 of the Environment Act 1995 the Government is required to publish a national strategy for air quality including:

• a framework of standards and objectives for the pollutants of most concern

• a timetable for achieving objectives

• the steps the Government is taking and the measurements it expects others to take to see that objectives are met.

The strategy was published in March 1997. We will be working closely with local authorities to help achieve the objectives of the National Air Quality Strategy, principally through Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) our regulation of emissions to air from controlled (“Part A") major industrial processes (See Section 24 page 68). Local authorities are responsible for the regulation of smaller, less complex (“Part B”) industrial processes, as well as road traffic management.

8.3 Local Air Quality Management Areas In due course air quality standards may be prescribed in regulations made by the Government and obligations placed on local authorities regarding the establishment and operation of local air quality management areas. Local authorities will have to carry out periodic reviews of air quality in their areas. Where standards are not being met or are not likely to be met they will make action plans to improve air quality in these areas.

A pilot study (one of 14 in the UK) took place in Cornwall in 1996. Actions that come out of the pilot study, the Cornwall Air Quality Forum, may show the way forward for dealing with air quality issues in the area covered by this plan.

8.4 Ground Level Ozone Ozone in the upper atmosphere shields the earth from harmful UV radiation. At ground level however, ozone can be a harmful pollutant damaging crops and building materials and causing respiratory difficulties amongst sensitive people. Ozone is not emitted directly from any man-made source in any significant quantities, but arises from complicated chemical reactions in the atmosphere driven by sunlight. In these reactions, oxides of nitrogen and hydrocarbons (derived mainly from vehicle exhausts) react in the atmosphere to produce ozone. These chemical reactions do not take place

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instantaneously, but over several hours or even days, and once ozone is produced it may persist for several days. In consequence, ozone produced at one site may be carried for considerable distances in the air, and maximum concentrations usually occur away from the source of the primary pollutants. The highest concentrations of ozone generally occur during hot, sunny and relatively windless days in summer.

In common with other parts of southern England, ozone levels in the catchment are generally above those at which damage to vegetation may occur. The Expert Panel of A ir Quality Standards (EPAQS) recommend an Air Quality Standard for ozone in the UK of 50 parts per billion (ppb) as a running 8- hour average whilst the World Health Organisation recommends a vegetation growing season guideline mean of 30 ppb. This is an issue which will have to be dealt with by the local authority as part of their local air quality plan.

A rural ozone monitoring station in the adjacent Parrett Catchment near Somerton came on-line for the 1996 summer. Results obtained so far are summarized below and are considered typical of locations . in southern England.

Table 6 Results from Rural Ozone Monitoring Station

Number of days In 1996 when running 8 hour averages exceeded recommended AQS of 50 ppb April May June July August Total 2 4 11 8 11 36 Highest running 8 hour average in 1996 - 84.3 ppb (at 1800 hours 21/7/96). Hourly mean for summer 1996 (1 April to 30 September) 31.5 ppb. Source of data - South Somerset District Council

Number of days in 1997 when running 8 hour averages exceeded recommended AQS of 50 ppb March April May June July August Sept Total 1 4 9 9 9 8 1 41 Highest running 8 hour average in 1997 - 76 ppb (at 1900 hours 10/8/97). Hourly mean for summer 1997 (1 April to 30 September) 30.3 ppb.‘ Source of data - South Somerset District Council

8.5 Volatile Organic Compounds The Department of Environment has published a UK strategy on the reduction of emissions that can produce ozone. Nationally the Environment Agency will have an input into the reduction of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx), both of which are precursors in the formation of ground level ozone. VOC and NOx releases from IPC processes are controlled by limits in authorizations. These limits will be reduced over time as operators move towards new plant standards.

8.6 Sulphur Dioxide Sulphur dioxide is toxic to plants and human health. An environmental quality criteria for effects on natural vegetation recommended by the World Health Organisation is 7.5 ppb as an annual average. Human health effects are best gauged by reference to the recommended standard from EPAQS - 100 ppb as a 15 minute average. Data for the past ten years (April to March) measured in the adjacent Parrett Catchment, at central Bridgwater are given in Table 7 page 34.

Table 7 Results from Sulphur Dioxide Monitoring Station

Sulphur Dioxide Annual Mean Concentration, parts per billion (ppb) 87/8 88/9 89/90 90/1 91/2 92/3 93/4 94/5 95/6 96/7 9.3 10.1 12.7 11.6 8.6 12.4 11.6 4.6 8.5 6.4 (Source of data: Sedgemoor District Council and "Air Quality A to Z”, June 1995, Meteorological office and A ir Quality Division, DoE. ISBN 0 86180 317 5.)

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8.7 Nitrogen Dioxide Nitrogen dioxide is also toxic to plants and humans. Concentrations are subject to the EC Directive Air Quality Standards for Nitrogen Dioxide (85/203EEC) and should not exceed 104 ppb for more than 175 hours per year (based on the 98th percentile of hourly averages.) This is generally not exceeded if the annual mean is less than 40 ppb.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and United Nations Economic Commission for Europe have recommended an air quality guideline of 30 micrograms/m3 (15.7 ppb) for effects of nitrogen oxides (NO2 and NO) on vegetation.

8.8 Acid Rain Acid rain is caused mainly by burning fossil fuels but can also come from natural sources such as organic decay on land or underwater, volcanic eruptions and lightening strikes. The main emissions responsible for add deposition are sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen. Ammonia which arises mainly from agriculture also plays a part.

In some parts of the UK, natural ecosystems have a significant capacity to neutralise acidity and acid deposition has little impact on them, but in acid sensitive areas, acid rain degrades the land and causes damage to plants and the soils in which they grow. Acid rain components which contain nitrogen have the effect of acting as a fertilizer; this can change the composition of communities of land and water plants and affect animals that live on them.

In 1994, a protocol was agreed under the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) to reduce exceedences of critical loads - the rates of sulphur deposition which ecosystems and other targets can tolerate in the long term without suffering damage. The UK agreed to reduce its SO2 emissions by 80% by 2010 from a 1980 baseline.

The UK's sulphur strategy published in December 1996 (Reducing Emissions of Sulphur Dioxide, A Strategy for the United Kingdom) indicates that the UK will meet interim targets for 2000 and 2005. Compliance is also expected with the 80% reduction target for 2010. Critical load exceedences however will continue to some sensitive sites (see Map 10 Exceedences of Critical Loads of Acidity for Soils. In January 1997 the European Commission published a draft strategy on acidification which aims to further reduce critical load gxceedences fo r both sulphur and nitrogen.

• Page 35 Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report • PART 2______SUPPORTING INFORMATION Modelled Sulphur Deposition for 2005 \ 1.0 1.0 Key ■ > 0.2 - 0 . 0 0.2 - 0.5 n No data Exceedence (keq H+ per ha per year) ■ Not Exceeded■ ■ 0.5 • 1.0 — Catchment Boundary j V Data acknowledgement: Hull and Edinburgh Universities Critical Loads Advisory Croup Soils Sub-Croup * * Modelled Sulphur Deposition for 1995 Critical Loads M apping and Data Centre, ITE Monks Wood Source: Source: Map 10 • Exceedences of Critical Loads of Acidity for Soils

Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report Page 36 SUPPORTING INFORMATION PART 2

8.9 Benzene Long term exposure to Benzene is acknowledged to cause a cancer in humans known as non- lymphocytic leukaemia. The main sources of benzene are motor vehicles, EC legislation currently stipulates an upper limit of 5% by volume of benzene in petrol; currently the volume in the UK is running at 2% on average.

The National Air Quality Strategy has adopted as an objective a level of Benzene of 5 ppb as a running annual mean to be achieved by 2005.

9. Landscape

The area covered by this LEAP contains some outstanding landscapes. Most of the area is covered by designations to recognize the importance of the landscape and to protect it (see Map 11 Designated Landscapes and Archaeology). The Exmoor National Park and Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are nationally recognised designations, while most other areas are designated as a Special Landscape Area (SLA) to which certain Local Plan policies apply. However, SLAs are being phased out. They may be replaced by the Countryside Commission’s “Countryside Character Areas".

In the west of the catchment lies Exmoor National Park. The high moorlands of central Exmoor are surrounded by a more managed landscape of woodland and hill farm pasture enclosed by hedge banks. From the moorlands flow some of the West Somerset Rivers which follow a predominantly natural course through steep sided, naturally wooded valleys (combes). These features are characteristic of the area. Exmoor is also designated as an ESA in order that its landscape is maintained and enhanced.

The Exmoor coastline is also noteworthy. Between Minehead and Foreland Point the coast is designated as Heritage Coast. It is marked by hogs-backed ridges and spectacular sea cliffs. Bays are present along this stretch of coast with a particularly notable feature being Porlock shingle ridge.

The Quantock Hills consist of a broad ridge of sandstone that ends at the coast forming cliffs. The Quantocks straddle three catchment areas, with only the northern most part being within the West Somerset Catchment. In landscape terms the Quantocks are very similar to Exmoor but on a smaller, more compact scale.

Progressing eastwards, the landscape becomes less dramatic, but no less scenic. The river valleys become wider and the gradient less steep, fields are enclosed by hedges and villages occur frequently. The coast is made up of low, rapidly eroding cliffs and beaches of cobbles, with extensive wave cut platforms.

The easternmost portion of the site is on the western edge of Bridgwater Bay and has a landscape characteristic of an estuary. It is relatively flat and a t low tide there are large areas of sand and mud left exposed.

The Agency takes these important landscapes into account when carrying out its own work and when considering the plans of others.

Page 37 Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report Map 11 - Designated Landscapes and Archaeology

SS 00 ST

Foreland JPoint

u urisioju Bridgwater Bay

MINEHEAD

Scheduled Ancient Monument

AONB (Quantocks)

Vi. * - -' Special Landscape Area s....

Exmoor ESA Boundary

Heritage Coast

Somerset and North Devon Coast Path

Exmoor National Park Boundary

Exmoor National Park

Catchment Boundary

Settlement © Crown Copyright s IQ SS Q.0 ST • SUPPORTING INFORMATION PART 2 •

10. Wildlife

The West Somerset Rivers Catchment is of outstanding importance for nature conservation. It has much variety of high quality habitat; from the moorland of Exmoor to the deeply cut wooded combes with diverse watercourses; to the coast with high gritstone cliffs and the internationally important Severn Estuary. Below, these habitats and the species that depend on them are looked at in more detail.

10.1 Designated Areas Bridgwater Bay (the western most part is within the West Somerset area) is of international importance for nature conservation. It has been included as part of the Severn Estuary and designated under two EC directives and an international directive. The EC Habitats Directive seeks to protect habitats and species of European importance by designating Special Areas for Conservation (SACs). The process of defining SACs is underway and will be complete by 1998. Under the EC directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds, Bridgwater Bay is a proposed Special Protection Area (SPA) and is also a proposed RAMSAR site, as a wetland of international importance.

The catchment area contains 10 Sites of Special Scientific Interest, many of which contain components that are wetland or aquatic in nature.

Part of the North Exmoor SSSI is also designated as a National Nature Reserve.

County Wildlife Sites (CWS) have no statutory designation but represent the best remaining areas of semi-natural habitat in the county. Forty sites with a wetland component or influence have been designated. Policies in Local Plans provide measures to protect these sites from the adverse effects of development.

Exmoor’s designation as an ESA recognizes the importance of the area for wildlife conservation, and seeks to maintain this by encouraging traditional farming, and the retention of important features.

Designated landscape areas and archaeological sites are shown on Map 11 Designated Landscapes and Archaeology.

10.2 Habitats English Nature has recently divided England into Natural Areas based on land use and ecology. Within this catchment are Exmoor, the Quantocks and the Vale of Taunton Natural Areas. Key habitats have also been identified.

Within Exmoor the most significant habitats linked to the water environment are: the upland blanket peat bog, which has formed due to the high rainfall and poor drainage; streams with steep gradients that flow through steep sided, wooded combes where valley mires have formed with wet woodland alongside; and characteristic coastal features including Porlock Shingle Ridge, the ‘hogs back' ridges formed by the fast flowing streams reaching the coast, and well vegetated, often spectacular sea cliffs.

The Quantocks are similar in many ways to Exmoor, albeit on a smaller scale. Important habitats recognized include: botanically rich wet flushes that are found on spring lines, and fast flowing streams in combes.

Between these areas of high ground is the Vale of Taunton Natural Area. Only a small portion is included within the catchment, the broad valley between the Quantocks and the Brendon Hills. It is an area strongly influenced by the Doniford River.

The rivers and streams mentioned above provide high quality semi-natural riverine habitat that is scarce in the North Wessex area. The gradients of the watercourses are steep, characterized by pool and riffle sequences, meanders, and predominantly boulder/cobble substrate. The banks are often wooded. In the middle reaches, meanders are more extreme with characteristic bankside erosion and less tree cover.

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10.3 Species Otters, fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981), have been recorded using a number of watercourses within the catchment. All of the major rivers and streams provide suitable habitat for otters to hunt and breed and this is therefore an important catchment for this species.

Water-voles are a rapidly declining species, and are to be given full protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. A gazetteer of sites was compiled in 1996 (Somerset Environmental Records Centre, 1996). This showed that water-voles were present within the ditch system adjacent to Hinkley Point and at sites on the Doniford Stream, Porlock Marsh and the River Avill. Native white-clawed crayfish occur on the Monksilver Stream. Work is being undertaken within West Somerset area to assess the distribution of this species.

Habitats on the West Somerset coast support several notable species. The Porlock Bay shingle ridge has species such as yellow homed poppy, Babingtons leek, bird’s-foot clover, tree mallow, narrow­ leaved everlasting pea, spear-leaved orache and an important group of lichens. A nationally scarce species, curved hard grass, grows on the marsh behind the ridge, with grey club rush and trifid bur- marigold amongst the plants found within the ditch system. Porlock Marsh also supports important populations of wintering birds such as snipe, curlew, dunlin, wigeon and teal, with occasional hen harrier and bittern. Birds such as redshank, lapwing, ringed plover and Shelduck breed on the site.

After a major breach of the ridge by the sea in October 1996 the nature of Porlock Marsh has changed, the site having much more of a saline influence. Restoration of saltmarsh is a national BAP priority.

Invertebrates associated with wetland habitats in the catchment include the short winged conehead, a grasshopper that lives in the vegetation at the side of ditches. Twenty species of damselfly and dragonfly occur within the catchment (NERC, 1996), some of which have a restricted distribution in the UK.

The moorland areas of Exmoor and Quantocks have extensive areas of heathland, which, in areas of restricted drainage, is present as wet dwarf heath. Here the dominant plants are heather, cross leaved heath, purple moor grass, bilberry and wavy hair grass. Where springs are present and in places alongside streams, acidic flushes occur. Important plants within these include bog pimpernel, round leaved sundew, common cotton grass, and marsh pennywort. Some o f these plants can also be found in the blanket bog and mire communities on Exmoor, along with a range of bog mosses. Within the wetter areas on the moorland curlew and snipe breed, whilst the winter sees hen harriers and golden plover using the moor.

Alternate leaved water milfoil is abundant in some rivers and streams. Water crowfoot is occasional in the middle and lower reaches of many of the rivers in the catchment, although it is present along all of the Washford River. Plant species such as bogbean and bottle sedge are present in ponds and lakes along with others such as bog pondweed, and bulbous rush.

Dippers, kingfishers and grey wagtails are common on many of the fast flowing streams and rivers. Black poplar (Populus nigra) is present within the area, however, its status is uncertain (see Issue 4.3).

10.4 Invasive Plants Himalayan balsam and Japanese knotweed are known to occur within the catchment, a particularly severe infestation of the latter is present on the Hawkcombe Stream. However, the full extent of these and other species have yet to be determined.

• Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report Page 40 J Map 12 - Conservation Resources 1 % ■K

0 8

< 3' a 3 §

10 1 Glenthorne 16 River Avill 35 Blue Anchor to SSSI (geological) 17 Ranscombe Kennels 5 Ulstock Coast SSSI ft 2 Culbone Wood Beach 18 Cow Bridge 36 Black Monkey Field 3 3 Woodland Ridge 19 Kitswall Alders 37 Fernacre Wood (Incorporating Several 20 Cupworthy Farm 38 Daws Castle 1 CWSs) 21 Cupworthy Farm 2 39 Cleeve Hill SSSI CO 22 Hurwood o 4 Holmers Combe Field 40 Doniford Stream a 5 Silcombe 23 Walland 41 Crooked Acre Copse 6 Clannel Combe 24 Pitt Bridge 42 The Quantocks SSSI 93 7 Part of North Exmoor SSSI, 25 Harwood Brakes Ce-Mare Farm Fields 43 County Wildlife Site NNR, (W) 26 Horner Water SSSI 30 (with Wetland Influence) 30 8 Hawkcombe Stream 27 Tarr Ball 44 Bridgwater Bay SSSI, SPA, 9 Porlock Marsh SSSI, (W) 28 Washford River NNR, SAC, RAMSAR 1 Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) o 10 Horner Water 29 Kiln Quarries Church Lane Field o 45 a 11 Holnicote Water 30 Roadway Wood 46 Water Meade Farm Marsh SSSI and National Nature Reserve 5km c 12 Upper Crexy Combe 31 Stowey Farm 47 Roebuck Meadows SSSI __I S 13 Hopcott Meadow 32 Pulham 48 Holcombe Water Heath Catchment Boundary © Crown o 14 Dunster Marshes 33 Moorbam 49 Hinkley Copyright a 15 Ounster Beach 34 Nettlecombe Park (W) denotes Wetland Interest * SSSI Settlement ■§ o 90 a SS 00 ST 12- . . PART 2______SUPPORTING INFORMATION

Map 13 • Conservation Resources 2 Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report Page 42 ■I . SUPPORTING INFORMATION PART 2 •

11. Archaeology

The need for a water supply for people and stock attracted past communities to watercourses; their exploitation as a source of food, irrigation, transport and water power was also considerable. In addition archaeologists know that springs and watercourses were often used as places for votive offering, a ritual which is echoed today in tossing coins into wells and fountains. We know of holywells dating back to the Medieval period are known from St Pancras, Roadwater and St Decuman’s, Watchet.

Clearly the West Somerset Rivers and their catchment area have considerable archaeological potential and the existing record of sites, monuments and discoveries of objects underlines this (see Map 11 Designated Landscapes and Archaeology). However, the known sites represent only a fraction of the archaeological remains that survive below ground.

The presence of early hunter-gatherer communities, obtaining resources from the hills, woods, streams, foreshore and sea, is apparent from finds of their flint tools and weapons at various locations, including Dunster, Bossington, Porlock Marsh, East Quantoxhead, Blue Anchor Bay and the mouth of the Doniford Stream. Similar remains are associated with the submerged forests present at several places along the coast. These forests and peat deposits represent the remains of the prehistoric landscape which was drowned by a later rise in sea level.

The first farmers, who began to cultivate the land and husband animals, continued to use the resources of the sea, rivers and streams. The better soils of the river valleys would have been particularly attractive for farming, once the trees had been cleared. Flint and stone artefacts are known from several places, including finds near Gupworthy, close to the source of Ford Stream and Rydon Hill, near Williton and Quarme Hill, near the Pulham River. Standing stone monuments of the later Neolithic and early Bronze Age are often associated with the springs which formed the sources of streams and rivers. The Whit Stones, for example, lie above the head of Shillett Combe and a tributary of the Hawkcombe Water.

In the Bronze Age, farming continued to be the basis of the economy, combined with the use of naturally occurring food and material resources. Field systems on the hillslopes, as at Mansley Combe by the River Avill, testify to organized land use. Individual finds, such as a bronze axehead near Lower Hayne on a tributary of the Washford River, and various Bronze Age flint artefacts show how widely the area was utilized, often indicating continuity of use of the same locations over very long periods of time.

In the Iron Age hillslope and hilltop enclosures and hillforts were sited to overlook the landscape and its resources. Examples include sites at Timberscombe Wood and Long Wood which overlook tributaries of the River Avill. as one at Horner Wood overlooks the Horner Water Valley. Settlements also needed water, and at sites such as Sweetworthy, they lay close to springs, in this case feeders of East Water. The minerals of Exmoor and the Brendon Hills would have been an important source of ore and during the Iron Age we know that ore was being smelted on Exmoor. A nearby source of water was important for the smelters and, as current research is revealing, many such sites lie close to rivers and streams.

Archaeologists do not clearly understand the activities of people in the area during the Romano-British period. We know of settlements are known from Williton, Hinkley Point and the mouth of the Doniford Stream. The Roman Army established a fortlet above the cliffs at Old Burrow, near County Gate and the stream which flows down to the sea through Croscombe may well have provided their water supply.

The Early Mediaeval period saw the rise of the wool trade on Exmoor and the development of farms, hamlets and villages. Most are sited near springs, rivers or river crossings and ports or havens. Wool producers also took advantage of the plentiful watercourses as a source of power, building fulling and tucking mills powered by waterwheels.

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Archaeologists believe that a medieval harbour lies silted-up and buried beneath Porlock Marsh and it is known that the harbour which lay at the foot of the Dunster Castle knoll silted up during the medieval period and was superseded by Minehead in the 15th Century. Watchetwas an important port from the Anglo Saxon period when a defended burgh mint was established at Daw’s Castle. Later in the Medieval period the town was an important market centre and a main port for the trade to Ireland.

Crossing streams and rivers, there are several fine packhorse bridges, providing dry crossing for beasts of burden often carrying wool. Good examples are found at Gallox Bridge, Allerford and West Luccombe and Homer.

Water powered com, grist and saw mills and, later, electricity generators were also built and survive on farms and around settlements such as Dunster, Porlock, Luxborough and Cowbridge. Water power was also used in smelting and smithing iron, as on Homer Water in Homer Wood.

Water was essential for irrigation, by means of water meadows on the flatter land, as at Blackford, or ' field gutter/catch meadow systems on the sloping land of many valleys and combes. We know that a water meadow system with leats and sluices exists at Combe Sydenham.

Rivers and streams were also exploited in the design of parks and gardens. In both registered parks in the catchment, at Dunster on the Avill and Nettlecombe Court on a tributary of Doniford Water, the watercourse formed a feature of the park. Ponds, weirs and waterfalls survive at Nettlecombe.

The coast, foreshore and sea were important sources of food for men from prehistory to the present century. The duck decoy in Pollock Marsh provided game. Fish weirs at Porlock, Gore Point and Minehead Bay, along with references to fish ponds, fishing places and weirs in medieval and post medieval documents, show the importance attached to fishing and fishing rights. Remains of medieval fish ponds survive at Kilve Chantry. In addition there was a thriving coastal fishery and both coasting and foreign-going trade along the West Somerset Coast.

Trade in locally produced goods, such as timber and tanbark from the coastal woods brought in return cargoes of limestone, which were processed to provide agricultural lime and lime putty. Limekilns remain on the shore at Porlock arid Glenthome and, further inland, where some limestone also occurred naturally, limekilns are found in the valleys at very many locations. i

In World War II coastal defences were established and pillboxes stili remain at several locations such as Minehead Bay. Other features such as the Observation Post at Kilve Pill also survive.

The Agency takes care to avoid damage to these archaeological sites when carrying out its flood defence and other duties.

12. Fisheries

12.1 Fish Populations The distribution of the main types of fish in the catchment is shown on Map 14 Fisheries. All the streams are essentially trout fisheries with populations of brown trout, eels and minor species especially bullhead, though Stoneloach and brook lampreys are also widespread. Recently river lampreys have also been recorded in the Doniford Stream. Sea trout are known to enter three of the river systems, Doniford Stream, Washford River and River Avill. Typically adults enter the rivers late in the year to spawn in the lower reaches. Where new river works could obstruct the passage of sea trout there may be a legal requirement to provide a fish pass. Sea trout are prevented from entering the Homer Water by the shingle ridge which forms across the river mouth except at times of very high freshwater flow, see Issue 4.5.

Coarse fish occur very infrequently in the catchment mainly in stillwaters not directly connected with the river systems. v

• Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report Page 44 • • SUPPORTING INFORMATION PART 2 •

13. Angling

The extent of the waters where fishing takes place is shown on Map 15 Angling. In many instances angling is restricted to the local landowners. On some waters e.g. the Doniford Stream and Washford River some fishing is leased to small syndicates. On the lower reaches of the Homer Water day tickets are issued by the National Trust.

There is no extensive commercial exploitation of salmon, trout, freshwater fish or eels in the plan area. On the foreshore the setting of fixed nets is prohibited in four areas to safeguard the sea trout population near the mouths of the Doniford Stream, Washford River and River Aviil (two sites). ' / 14. Recreation

The West Somerset Catchment represents a major resource for informal recreation, both for local communities and for tourists - tourism being a significant industry in West Somerset’s economy (West Somerset District Local Plan, 1995). Although no formal recreation is known to occur on any of the rivers within the area, particularly within the National Park and the AONB people are able to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Activities such as walking, cycling and horse riding are increasing in popularity (WSDLP, 1995). The area is well served by footpaths and other rights of way, many of which run alongside rivers and streams, for example the Homer Water and the Doniford Stream. In the Exmoor National Park Plan (ENPA, 1991), inland water was recognized as being a great attraction to visitors, providing a focus for informal recreation. The plan also recognized that pressures can result from overuse.

The coast is the traditional attraction for tourists, with the focus on Minehead as a centre. There are a number of beaches used for recreation; including Porlock Weir, Minehead, Blue Anchor and Kilve and small harbours at Porlock Weir, Minehead and Watchet. The South West Coast Path runs from Minehead to Poole in Dorset, making it the longest national trail (at 960 km). During a survey of users in 1994, 1,074,094 people were recorded as using the path in the survey period (May-September). ^ • 14.1 Agency Landholdings The Environment Agency owns very little land within this catchment, see Issue 4.2.

Within Bridgwater Bay the Agency owns land below high tide which is leased and managed by English Nature as a National Nature Reserve.

The River Avill Flood Alleviation Channel is owned by the Agency. The channel runs from the A39 at Loxhole Bridge to the coast at the eastern end of Dunster Beach.

• Page 45 Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report PART 2 SUPPORTING INFORMATION Map 14 - Fisheries

Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report Page 46 TING IN FORM A TION PART 2 •

• Page 47 Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report • PART 2 SUPPORTING INFORMATION •

15. Mineral Extraction

The extraction of minerals from quarries, mines and pits for sand, gravel or clay can damage underground water resources and rivers and streams. Water is purified as it percolates through • aquifers and surface layers of soil and rock. Removing these materials will reduce the volume of the aquifer, can degrade the quality of water in the aquifer and provide an easy route for pollution to reach groundwater. Water pumped from deep quarries has the potential to modify natural springs and river flows and may be contaminated with silt and mineral salts which may harm the ecosystem in a watercourse. Quarries above the water-table may also impact on the local hydrology. The body of rock removed by quarrying provided temporary storage for groundwater in transit. Its removal may lead to flashier stream and spring flows, and diminished base-flows in summer.

Disused quarries present problems of after-use. Often proposals are made for land-filling with controlled waste (see Section 16 page 48) with further potential for pollution.

Within the West Somerset Rivers Catchment sandstone and aggregate are quarried. There are active quarries at Capton Quarry and Triscombe Quarry producing sandstone and aggregate respectively. Permission to quarry is due to expire at Triscombe Quarry in April 1998. There is also a dormant sandstone quarry at West Quantoxhead (see Map 3 Geology, Hydrogeology and Mineral Extraction). •

16. The Management Of Waste

The Environment Agency regulates the treatment, recovery, storage, movement and disposal of controlled wastes. Controlled waste includes household, commercial and industrial wastes. It excludes waste from agricultural, mining and quarrying operations, waste water, explosives and radioactive wastes (but see Section 25 page 68), however, some agricultural and mine and quarry waste may become controlled waste in the near future.

The Government’s strategy for sustainable waste management in England and Wales is set out in a White Paper Making Waste Work, published in December 1995. This sets out the waste hierarchy:

Reduction

Reuse

Recovery - recycling, composting, energy

Disposal.

The overall objective is to move the management of waste up the hierarchy thus reducing the volume of waste that is finally disposed to landfill. Landfill, however, will remain as a method of solid waste disposal in the UK for wastes that cannot be recovered and for the residue of some recovery methods such as incineration with energy recovery.

Government initiatives to move waste management up the hierarchy include legislative as well as financial incentives. Mechanisms already in place include; the requirement on local authorities to draw up Recycling Plans to detail how household recycling targets are to be met, and the Landfill Tax which was introduced on 1st October 1996. The Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations came into force in March 1997 placing responsibility on businesses that handle packaging to recover and recycle certain proportions of packaging materials.

The Landfill Tax is enforced by HM Customs and Excise. There are two levels of tax, £2 per tonne for inactive (inert) wastes and £7 per tonne for all other wastes disposed of at landfill sites. Landfill Tax is levied on the landfill site operators and before VAT is calculated. Site operators can contribute to enrolled Environmental Bodies for specific projects. In return they can claim a tax credit worth 90% of any contribution to a maximum credit of 20% of their landfill tax liability.

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The Agency supports the Government's strategy and will play a key role in promoting more sustainable waste management. A number of targets have been set within the White Paper. Targets include:

• reducing the proportion of controlled waste going to landfill from 70% to 60% by 2005

• recovering 40% of municipal waste by 2005

• by the end of 1998, to set a target for overall waste reduction

• recycling or composting 25% of household waste by 2000

• . having easily accessible recycling facilities for 80% of householders by year 2000 -

• encouraging 40% of domestic properties with a garden to carry out home composting by year 2000.

A national Waste Survey will be carried out by the Agency providing accurate, consistent data on waste arisings. The Agency will encourage and support waste minimization and recycling initiatives.

A number of waste management activities are exempt by statute from the requirements for licensing. There are currently 45 classes of exempted activities contained within the Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994 which include the spreading of industrial waste to benefit agricultural land, certain small to medium scrap yards and a range of construction and recycling activities.

Although not subject to full licensing, these activities are only exempt if there is no risk to the environment or harm to human health, and all are subject to registration by the Agency. Information in the register of exempted activities is available to the public on request.

The Environmental Protection Act 1990 ‘Duty o f Care1 provisions apply to any person who handles waste. The system is designed to be self-regulating, placing a duty on all those in the waste chain to keep wastes secure, fully document waste transfers and transfer waste only to an authorized carrier. The original waste producer must also make a reasonable attempt to ensure that the waste is finally dealt with at an authorized waste management facility.

16.1 Waste Arisings Because the boundary of this plan does not match the boundary of local authority areas it is difficult to accurately quantify the amount of wastes arising within the catchment area. However, the waste arisings by District Council area have been evaluated for 1994/5 and the West Somerset Rivers catchment roughly covers the West Somerset District Area. The arisings in this District are as follows:

Table 8 Waste Arisings

Waste type Wastes arisings (tonnes per year) 1994/5 West Somerset District Council

Household 18,000

Commercial 14,000

Industrial 92,000

TOTAL 124,000

• Page 49 Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report • . PART 2 ______SUPPORTING INFORMATION 30 20 5km Copyright © Crown • © Crown • 1L. SS SS 00 ST Seafront Approach Quarry Rydons Minehead TS Hinkley Point Old Quarry Willet Hill 19 Treborough Quarry 1718 Hall Farm Middlecombe 16 11 14 15 90 Hinkley Point Minehead WRC Hinkley PointDoniford Farm 13 Autobits Minehead Depot Cricket Club Williton 12 7 1 3 89 Williton WRC 5 6 Sea Lane 2 4 10

as______Settlement Licensed Scrap Licensed Scrap Metal/ Car Breaker Station Licensed Transfer (TS) Catchment Boundary Licensed Licensed Landfill Site Licensed Waste Licensed Recycling Centre Licensed Licensed Highway Depot/ Landing Closed Landfill Site Closed Highway Depot/ Landing ______30 Map 16 - Waste Disposal

Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report Page 50 • SUPPORTING INFORMATION PART 2 •

16.1.1 Household waste The household waste figure comprises of waste collected from households by the Waste Collection Authorities and those wastes taken by householders to the local Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs). The household waste from this district goes directly to the landfill site at Williton.

Approximately 900 t/yr of household materials are recycled in the two HWRCs within the catchment and this comprises -130 t/yr of glass; 500 t/yr of metal; 60 t/yr of paper; 10 t/yr of waste mineral oil; 25 t/yr of textiles and 180 t/yr of green waste.

16.1.2 Private sector Within the District area 92,000 tonnes of industrial waste and 14,000 tonnes of commercial waste was produced during 1994/5. Again, the Williton landfill site is able to accept these wastes.

92 tonnes of special waste was produced within the West Somerset District area during 1994/5 with the majority of this waste being exported for treatment and disposal outside Somerset.

Many companies are looking to minimize the amount of wastes they produce. An example of such an initiative is Clarks International - the footwear manufacturer and retailer based at Street. The company first used waste minimization techniques through a project to reduce VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emissions. These techniques helped to reduce the emissions by over 50% in 2 years, and led to annual savings of over £150,000 per year. Clarks are now examining all their waste streams, and adopting waste minimization techniques where feasible. Projects vary from simple measures such as the improved decanting of chemicals, through to fundamental changes in the way some products are produced. This work, although in its infancy, is already reducing the volumes of waste produced and achieving substantial cost savings.

16.2 Waste Management Sites There are 11 operational waste management facilities within the catchment, and 8 closed licensed facilities, see Map 16 Waste Disposal.

The major active landfill site at Williton accepts the majority of the household, commercial and industrial waste generated in the catchment. The remaining 4 active landfill sites in the catchment accept only inert wastes. Approximately 36,000 tonnes of waste materials were deposited at the landfills within the catchment during 1996/7. Some 1,000 tonnes of this figure was soils and clean construction/demolition wastes, 18,000 tonnes was household waste the remaining 17,000 tonnes originated from industry and commerce. There are 6 closed landfill sites within the catchment 5 of which were very small inert facilities the other, Treborough Quarry, accepted household, commercial and non-hazardous industrial wastes.

There are 3 operational transfer stations, 1 scrapyard and 2 HWRCs licensed within the catchment currently handling a wide range of wastes. The 2 remaining closed facilities were Somerset County Council Highway landings intended for the temporary storage of road maintenance wastes.

Very small amounts of agricultural land in the catchment is used for the spreading of industrial waste liquids and sludges. Approximately 12,000 tonnes of paper sludge waste from the Paper Mill at Watchet is being spread on approximately 190 hectares of agricultural land within the catchment. All sites which involve the spreading of industrial waste to land in the catchment which the Agency is aware of have all been assessed on the basis of properly qualified advice.

16.3 Waste Planning Strategic aspects of waste disposal in the catchment will be defined in plans produced by Somerset County Council. The Draft Waste Local Plan, which deals with geographical, population and planning issues in Somerset, is due to be published by early 1998. The County Council's Waste Disposal Authority together with the 5 District Councils in Somerset have produced a Waste Management Strategy for Somerset which deals with the future management of household waste. This was issued for public consultation early in 1996. The Waste Survey Report which deals with such matters as types and quantities of waste arisings and available capacity for wastes in Somerset was published in April 1996 and is available from Somerset County Council.

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17. Contaminated Land

The Environment Act 1995 contains new provisions for dealing w ith contaminated land; local authorities are the key regulators under the Act with the Agency acting as a consultee and advisor. The new provisions will be enacted in 1998 and will define contaminated land as any land which appears to a local authority to be in such a condition - because o f the substances it contains - that water pollution or significant harm is being, or is likely to be caused. This interpretation is subject to guidance issued by the Secretary of State. Local authorities will be required to carry out a survey to identify contaminated land in its area. When these surveys have been carried out we have a duty to prepare and publish a report on the state of contaminated land from time to time, or if specifically requested to do so by the Secretary of State. Sonr\e sites may be designated as ‘special sites’; these will become our responsibility. Special sites include those which are, or are likely to, cause serious water pollution, because of the substances in or under them. It is made clear in the draft Statutory Guidance that contaminated sites should continue to be remediated wherever possible on a voluntary basis or through the normal development planning process. Existing pollution legislation can also be used in some circumstances.

18. Flood Defence And Land Drainage

18.1 Section 105 Flood Survey A Flood Survey for the West Somerset area has been completed and the. information will be presented to the Local Planning Authority shortly. The reasons for the survey are to enable more accurate identification of current flood problems and property at risk and the identification of land at flood risk which may have been identified for development within the Local Plan to 2011. The Agency will: review those properties receiving flood warnings under the new Agency flood warning service; target standards of flood protection to urban development will be compared to current risk; arid review allocated land for development in the Local Plan to determine flood risk and possible mitigation works.

18.2 Maintaining Rivers And Flood Defence Structures We maintain main rivers and flood defence structures to reduce the risk of flooding. Local authorities deal with hon-main river flooding, highways flooding and all sandbagging.

On the West Somerset rivers vegetation control is the principal activity, with the invasive Japanese knotweed causing particular concern (see Issue 4.3). This species needs to be controlled before it becomes the dominant river bank vegetation. Riverside trees are a feature of these rivers and if sound and well-rooted provide valuable protection to the banks from erosion by the fast-flowing water. However floodwater can uproot dead er insecure trees and cause dangerous blockages at structures downstream, so tree maintenance is also of particular importance. Other significant activities include . the structural maintenance of the many flood protection schemes which have been provided in the towns and villages, and the emptying of the shingle traps which concentrate deposits in a limited number of locations for easy removal. Bank protection and river training work is carried out where erosion threatens Agency flood defence assets. (See Issue 4.8).

Map 17 Flood Defence - Main Rivers, Sea Defences and IDB Area shows how little of this coastline is low-lying and there are only two significant lengths where the Agency has responsibility for the maintenance of sea defences. One is at Porlock, where a decision has been taken to' allow the Marsh to revert to a saltmarsh. The other extends from Dunster to Minehead, where the Agency is currently leading a major reconstruction scheme to provide enhanced flood protection to the town.

We try to focus our work where it is needed most. By the year 2000 w e aim to be working out how best to concentrate our efforts using the Flood Defence Management System (FDMS).

18.3 Flood Warning Absolute flood protection is not possible. Because of this we need to warn people when there is a danger of flooding. We took over the role of warning the public and other organizations of likely flooding from the police on 1 September 1996. We have developed communication systems and aimed at providing flood warnings to those members of the public most at risk: We have a strategy

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which details how the procedures operate, called the Flood Warning Dissemination Plan for Somerset and Avon areas, a copy is held in the Area office for public inspection.

Flood warnings are issued for the following rivers:

Table 9 Flood Warnings Issued

River/coast Location/stretch Warnings issued Monksitver & Doniford From Monksilver to Doniford Yellow, Amber Monksilver At Williton Red Washford Kingsbridge to Watchet Yellow, Amber Washford At Watchet & Washford Red Hawkcombe Stream Hawkcombe Valley to Glen Lodge (Porlock) Yellow, Amber, Red Hawkcombe Stream Porlock Centre Red Homer Water & Aller . West Luccombe to Bossington Yellow Homer Water & Alter At'Allerford & Bossington Red Somerset Coast Porlock to Avonmouth Yellow Somerset Coast At Porlock Amber. Red At Minehead Amber, Red At Lilstock Amber, Red

Note: Warnings may be issued collectively along the whole Somerset/Bristol channel coast and described by the stretch “Porlock to Avonmouth’ or individually to locations, as listed above, depending on what locations are forecast to be at risk at the time.

Warnings are issued by direct contact and via local radio. Recorded information on current flood warnings is also provided. Leaflets are also available from Agency offices which fully explain the flood warning service.

18.3.1 Flood warning improvements A study of the level of service for flood warning is currently being carried out to determine whether the required standard is met; it is expected to be complete by April 1998. The results will identify additions and other changes to the flood warning service.

18.4 Improvements We can build new flood defences if flooding is a serious problem in a particular area. Nowadays we usually only build new defences to protect existing built-up areas from flooding. All schemes must be technically, economically and environmentally sound. W e keep a list of schemes called a Programme of Capital Works which helps us to plan for the future.

Different types of land and property need different levels of protection. We use the following indicative standards (return period in years) to design schemes:

Table 10 Standards of Service Land Use Bands and Targets

Land use Description of typical land use Target standard of protection band (return period) Fluvial Saline A Urban 1:50-1:100 1:100-1:200 B Lower density urban 1:25-1:100 1:50-1:200 C Isolated rural communities 1:5-1:50 1:10-1:100 D Isolated properties/intensive fanning 1:1.25-1:10 1:2.5-1:20 - E Low grade agricultural land <1:2.5 <1:5

We have identified the following locations in West Somerset where important works are being considered to solve known flood defence problems:

• Williton (urban flood risk)

• Dunster Marsh Sea Defences (long-term maintenance uncertainties).

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an Settlement Land Land Over 100 m Dunster Internal Drainage Board Area Catchment Boundary Land Land Below High Spring Tide Level Length of Coastline for which and maintain defences. sea Agency has powers to provide — — Main River Map 17 - Flood Defence - Main Rivers, Sea Defences and IDB Area 30

Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report Page 54 • SUPPORTING INFORMATION PART 2 •

18.5 Shoreline Management Plans The aim of a Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) is to provide the basis for sustainable coastal defence policies and to set objectives for the future management of the shoreline. These plans are being drafted by coastal cell groups of which the Agency is a member. The other members of the North Devon and Somerset Coastal Group are Torridge District Council, North Devon District Council, West Somerset District Council, Sedgemoor District Council, Devon County Council, Somerset County Council.

Two SMPs cover the coast for the North Wessex Area; north of Brean Down is the Severn Estuary SMP whilst south of this point is the Bridgwater Bay to Bideford Bay SMP (see Severn Estuary Strategy Joint Issues Report). The Bridgwater Bay to Bideford Bay SMP covers the coastline for this LEAP area. By the end of 1998 a draft SMP will be produced, this will subsequently be adopted by the coastal group members.

For a fuller discussion of coastal defence see Section 5 page 49 of the Severn Estuary Strategy Joint Issues Report.

19. Development And The Environment

The West Somerset Rivers all fall within the boundary of West Somerset District Council, see Map 18 Built Environment and Development. The planning powers for the catchments are split however, between West Somerset District Council and the Exmoor National Park Authority.

In April 1997, by virtue of the Environment Act 1995, the Exmoor National Park gained wider powers in relation to its area. In broad terms the change in status has given the National Park wider control over planning, conservation and public enjoyment within the Park area.

The current structure plan for the catchment is Somerset Structure Plan: Alteration No. 2. Somerset County Council are undertaking a review of the Plan to cater for the years 1991 to 2011. The Deposit Plan was put out to consultation in February 1997. In line with Government guidance the Deposit Plan underwent a Sustainability Appraisal by the County.

The housing requirement suggested within the Deposit Plan for West Somerset District is 2,300 houses and 15 hectares of employment land. This translates into approximately 200 houses and 12.5 hectares of employment land requiring allocation for development over the Plan period.

Detailed planning policies are contained within the Local Plans for the area. These plans address issues such as coastal, tidal and fluvial flooding, water pollution, agricultural diversification, contaminated land and protecting the environment. The Exmoor National Park Plan is particularly concerned with conserving and enhancing the landscape, archaeology and wildlife value of the area which it covers. The two local plans covering the catchment are the West Somerset District Local Plan: Deposit Draft, which will be issued in early 1998 for consultation, and the Exmoor National Park Plan which was adopted in June 1997.

The Agency has a duty to make a contribution to sustainable development. We can assist local authorities to allocate land for development by commenting on local plans, identifying constraints and highlighting where the environment can be enhanced.

In 1994 the NRA published guidance notes for local planning authorities on ways of protecting the environment through development plans. The Agency is currently updating these guidance notes to cover the full range of our responsibilities.

We have also produced a manual entitled ‘Liaison with Local Planning Authorities’ issued in March 1997 to assist local authority planners in their day to day contact with the Agency.

Page 55 Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report • • PART 2 SUPPORTING INFORMA TION Map 18 - Built Environment and Development

Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report Page 56 • • SUPPORTING INFORMATION PART 2 •

Table 11 Local Plans Covering the West Somerset Rivers Catchment

District Population in Plan Notes on Planned Development LEAP area West Somerset District 23,000 approx. West Somerset Local Plan The major settlement in the catchment is Council pre-deposit Draft. Minehead and it is here that major development has a n d will take place. A group of allocations for Exmoor National Park 135 houses has been proposed for Marsh Street, Plan Adopted 1997. just outside Minehead.

The new local plan will propose approximately 90 houses and 6 ha of employment land for M inehead.

The Somerset Structure Plan proposed allocation is below that suggested by Regional Planning Guidance and may be revised upwards. This would necessitate a further allocation requirement of 200-300 houses in the district.

The major source of employment within the district lies in the tourist industry, with 1600 people employed at Somerwest World alone. Another significant employer is Nuclear Power at the Hinkley Point Power Station. West Somerset District Council also play an important role as an employer with approximately 200 staff based at Minehead and Williton.

The prime development issues within the area are likely to be:

tourism/employment regeneration projects at Minehead and Watchet including the Seafront Enhancement Scheme and redevelopment at Somerwest World

• redevelopment of Watchet Marina, with associated tourism and employment development opportunities

potential longer-term improvements to the transport infrastructure including the A39 route and West Somerset Railway main line connection.

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20. Water Abstraction And Supply

Water is abstracted within the West Somerset Rivers Catchment for public water supply and for private water use, including the supply of water for general agriculture, spray irrigation, commerce, industry and fish farming. All the public water supply abstractions and many of the private abstractions are licensed by the Agency. Details of the water resources situation are described in the South West Regional Water Resources Strategy document 'Tomorrow’s Water", but the local situation is described below and on Map 19 Ground and Surface Water Abstractions.

On average the total quantity of water theoretically available in the West Somerset Rivers Catchment is 315 Ml/d. This water represents the proportion of rainfall not lost through evaporation or taken up by plants which is therefore available to recharge the ground water or to flow in rivers.

Table 12 Groundwater Abstractions

Number of Volume megalitres Percentage of Proportion licences (as of per day (annual total consumed 01/09/97) authorized /365) (%> General Farming 107 14.72 71 25

Spray Irrigation 6 0.04 <1 100

Private Water Supply 10 0.16 <1 25

Industry 3 0.34 2 30 #

Public water supply 8 3.41 17 100

Commercial 4 0.08 <1 30

Leisure 2 0.08 <1 30

Fish farming 2 1.56 8 0

TOTAL 143 20.39 100

Table 13 Surface Water Abstractions

Number of Volume megalitres Percentage of Proportion licences (as of per day (annual total consumed 01/09/97) authorized /365) (%) General Farming 5 0.23 <1 25

Spray Irrigation 16 0.13 <1 100

Private Water Supply 2 0.004 <1 25

Industry 7 37.67 34 30

Public water supply 2 3.51 3 100

Commercial 30

Leisure 5 13.09 12 30

Fish farming 7 55.16 50 0

TOTAL 44 109.794 100

• Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report Page 58 • SUPPORTING INFORMATION______PART 30 JSL 5km Copyright © Crown © Crown Leisure Public Water Supply Fish Farm Fish Industry Spray Irrigation Commercial wmm ^ ■ 1 ■Si >= 4 M l/d nooe Settlement Catchment Boundary 1 (actual quantity »hown »n box) »n 1 »hown quantity (actual □ >0.5 Ml/d - <2 Ml/d O □ 2 M l/d - <4 M l/d O _____ Surface WaterSurface Groundwater 1 Abstractions Abstractions Abstractions ------XL 15 Roadwater Ltd Fishery 16 Paper St Regis 17 Paper St Regis Co (Uk)Ltd 18 Roadwater Fishery 19 Roadwater Fishery 20 Roadwater Fishery 21 Badcock & Evered Ltd 22 Pitt Mill Roadwater 23 Capton Farm Williton 24 Rowden Farm Williton 1 1 Water Wessex (Bossingtonwell)Pic 13 Court WithycombePlace 3 3 Water Wessex (NutscalePic Res) 7 7 Water Wessex (Broadwood)Pic 2 The National (Bossington)Trust 14 Water Wessex (Traphole)Pic 6 Water Wessex (Moorbrake)Pic 8 Somerwest Butlins World 9 The National (DunsterTrust Mill) 4 Allerford Lynch Minehead 5 The National (Wychanger)Trust 10 Boughton Farm Fish 11 Boughton Farm Fish 12 Mill Pottery Wooton Courtneyl Map 19 - Ground and Surface Water Abstractions 30

• Page 59 Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report . PART 2 SUPPORTING INFORMATION •

The total volume licensed for abstraction therefore represents 23% on average, of the total available natural resource. This figure excludes two fish farms and a use for turbine cooling at Wansbrough Paper Mill, all very low loss uses with little or no impact on the resource available. However, this is a distortion of the actual resource consumption. In reality many abstractors take less than their authorized quantity and abstracted water is often returned to the catchment and is available for re-use.

Licensed abstractions fall into the two categories of consumptive and non-consumptive use. Consumptive uses involve the loss of some of the water abstracted, for example all the public water supply and spray irrigation abstractions are consumptive. Non-consumptive uses return most of the abstracted water back to the catchment close to the point of abstraction, e.g. fish farms. Consumptive uses have potentially more impact on rivers than non-consumptive, though the latter can have local impacts depending on the rates of abstraction and local conditions.

Consumptive uses account for 92% of groundwater and 54.6% of surface water annual authorized abstraction volume. The majority of consumptive use abstraction volume is accounted for by the public water supply sources.

20.1 Private Water Use Predictions of future growth in non-public water supplies are more difficult to assess than those for public water supply. Water used is influenced by a number of environmental, political, economic and commercial factors.

The Agency must have regard to the reasonable future needs for water for private abstractors. Nationally derived growth rates for future private abstraction demand are outlined in Tomorrow's Water. Using the rates specified the net commitment to private licensed abstractions in the catchment would be 203.28 Ml/d compared to the current net commitment of 195.58 Ml/d. Future abstraction needs will be addressed through the abstraction licensing procedure.

20.2 Public Water Supply Wessex Water Services Ltd are the sole provider of mains public water supply in the catchment. The whole catchment is covered by WWSL's strategic Somerset Supply Zone, one of three strategic zones that make up WWSL's total area of supply. To supply its customers within the West Somerset Rivers Catchment, WWSL abstracts water from surface and groundwater sources. They also import water from resources outside of the catchment via a grid system of pipes which interconnect approximately 50 licensed water sources. WWSL has 10 licences to abstract water within the West Somerset Rivers Catchment (see Table 14 page 61). These authorize a total maximum abstraction of 9 M/d at any given time. Eight are - groundwater licences but the authorized abstraction is proportioned equally between ground and surface, with Nutscale Reservoir making up the majority of the authorized surface quantities. WWSL key sources in the catchment are Bossington Well, Nutscale Reservoir and Moorbrake boreholes which are used to supply Minehead, and Broadwood Spring which supplies the Dunster area. Slightly further east Traphole Springs are used to supply the Roadwater area. As discussed, demand is also met by the imports of water from Maundown water treatment works. Demand in Wessex Water Services Ltd (WWSL) Somerset Supply Zone, is forecast to increase from 124 Ml/d to 175 Ml/d by 2021 assuming a high growth rate in consumption and 1992 levels of demand management and leakage control. Under a low forecast where demand management and leakage control are encouraged and growth in consumption is somewhat slower, demand is forecast to rise to 131 Ml/d by 2021. Comparing these forecasts to the current reliable yield of 115 Ml/d indicates that in 2021 under the high growth rate scenario demand will exceed the supply zones own resources by 60 Ml/d and under a low growth scenario by 16 Ml/d. The Agency must have particular regard to the statutory obligations of water supply companies to supply potable water to the level of service required by OFWAT. The future demand situation is being discussed as part of the review of the Water Company's spending plans, AMP3, which applies from the year 2000. We have identified that under the two demand scenarios discussed above deficits

• Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report Page 60 • • SUPPORTING INFORMATION PART 2 *

might occur. The options for meeting these deficits in descending order of preference include: demand management, resource management and resource development. The first option requires the efficient use of water, for example recycling of water and encouraging the installation of water meters in all new properties. The second option embraces the more efficient and spatially wider use of the resources already developed, including leakage control; and the third option involves development of new resources. Before new resources are developed we would expect the company to have made progress on demand and resource management. Two potential options for meeting future increased supply needs are for WWSL to negotiate with South West Water Services Ltd (SWWSL) for an increase in the quantity of water imported from Wimbleball Reservoir (see River Exe Catchment Management Plan) or to develop an abstraction from the River Avon at Newton Meadows near Bath (see Lower Bristol Avon Catchment Management Plan). The Agency and SWWSL have recently signed an Operating Agreement determining how Wimbleball reservoir is to be managed. This new agreement incorporates the operation of the new pumped storage scheme from the River Exe and allows for the possibility of allocating additional resources to supply WWSL’s Somerset Supply Zone. The latter would require a variation to WWSL's existing abstraction licence. Any new development should fully address environmental needs and provide an element of environmental benefit.

Table 14 Public Water Supply Authorized Abstractions

Source Daily Licensed Annual Licensed Comments Quantity (Ml) Quantity (Ml) Surface Water

Alter Park Spring, Porlock 0.136 31.822

Nutscale Reservoir 3.6 1250 Compensation release of 50000 gallons per day (2.63 litres per second) Total Surface W ater, 3.736 1281.822

Groundwater

Bossington Well 1.37 292

Moorbrake Boreholes, 0.909 50 Minehead Periton Hill Springs 0.077 . 18.184

Cutcombe Spring 0.125 30 Subject to a maximum of 20 Ml between 1 May - 31 October inclusive each year Middlecombe Spring 0.018 4.546

Broadwood Spring 1.137 363.68

Traphole Springs 1 350

Washford Road Spring 0.65 68.2

Total Groundwater 5.286 1176.61

• Page 61 Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report • . PART 2 SUPPORTING INFORMATION .

Although an abstraction licence authorizes the licence holder to abstract up to a maximum quantity of water, it may not be possible to abstract this all year due to physical and operational constraints. The reliable yield of a source is the theoretical amount of water that can be physically abstracted during critical dry periods. Currently available resources in WWSL's Somerset Supply Zone total 115 Ml/d, this is the reliable yield of all the company's resources in the supply zone including those within the West Somerset Rivers Catchment. Sources within the catchment represent approximately 2.5% of this reliable yield. These reliable yield figures have been reduced by 2.5% to allow for outage. This is an operational allowance for planned and unplanned events which results in the sources being temporarily out of action. With average demand in the early 1990s of 124 Mid the supply zone has a deficit in resources over demand of some 9 Ml/d (see Issue 4.10). This shortfall is made up by imports of water primarily from groundwater sources in Wiltshire. Water supplies in the West Somerset Rivers Catchment are also supplemented by water from Maundown water treatment works which is supplied by Wimbleball (located in the adjacent South West Water Ltd Wimbleball Strategic Supply Zone) and Clatworthy (River Tone Catchment) Reservoirs. These have already been included in the supply/demand balance along with an import from Otterhead.

21. Aqueous Discharges

The Environment Agency regulates the disposal of liquid effluent direct to surface or groundwater by issuing discharge consents or Integrated Pollution Control authorizations in some cases, see Section 24, page 68.

Discharges that have the greatest potential to affect the quality of the water environment have numeric concentration limits attached to their consents. These limits may apply to individual or groups of substances and are set at levels needed to protect the environment from harm and ensure compliance with River Quality Objectives, EC Directives and international conventions.

The following EC Directives affect the control of aqueous discharges in this catchment:

• EC Bathing Waters Directive (76/160/EEC)

• EC Dangerous Substances Directive (76/464/EEC)

• EC Freshwater Fish Directive (78/659/EEC)

• EC Urban Waste Water Directive (91/271 /EEC)

• EC Surface Water Abstraction Directive (75/440/EEC)

• EC Groundwater Directive (80/68/EEC)

For more information on these Directives please refer to Section 6, page 20. ✓ Discharge consents can only be used to control point source discharges. Diffuse sources of pollution such as agricultural runoff and much urban/highway runoff has to be tackled using other regulatory powers.

Consented discharges can be broken down into the following types :

• Continual discharges e.g. sewage works

• Intermittent e.g. sewer storm overflows

• Discharges to ground e.g. soakaway.

• Local Environment Agency Plan Wast Somerset Rivers Consultation Report Page 62 * • SUPPORTING INFORMATION PART 2 .

21.1 Continuous Discharges 21.1.1 Treated sewage In areas served by mains sewerage both trade effluents and sewage are normally treated at the local sewage treatment works (STW). In this area the local sewerage undertaker is Wessex Water Services Ltd., which operates four sewage treatment plants and eight outfalls into the Severn Estuary.

. The largest STW is Crowcombe STW which discharges into a tributary of the Doniford Stream. The other STWs are at Porlock, Luxborough and Kilton, see Map 20 Effluent Disposal.

There are several sewage outfalls to the Severn Estuary along the length of the West Somerset coast, these being .

• Minehead sewage outfall - should have secondary treatment and disinfection in 1999

• Dunster Beach outfall - (emergency storm overflow only since 1989)

• Porlock Weir sewage outfall - will become emergency/storm overflow only after February 1998

• Porlock sewage outfall - should have secondary treatment and disinfection by February 1998

• Watchet sewage outfall - should receive treatment and outfall extension by 2000

• Doniford sewage outfall - has been given a 500 m extension, which was commissioned in November 1997

• Bossington sewage outfall - will become emergency/storm outfall only after February 1998

• Kilve sewage outfall.

There are few substantial private STWs in the LEAP area. Hinkley Point Nuclear Power Station has a consented STW for a 1750 cubic metre per day discharge to the Severn Estuary. There is a small STW at the Tropiquaria at Washford which has a consent for five cubic metres a day to discharge into a tributary of the Washford River.

Extensive parts of the area covered by this plan are unsewered and therefore there are mainly small' domestic treatment plants in operation.

21.1.2 Water company investment plans - Asset Management Plans 2 and 3 (AMP2 and AMP3) AMP2 is the investment programme agreed between the water companies and regulators. The investment period was originally intended to run from 1995 to 2005 though an interim review is going to be carried out, and AMP3 will enter into force in 2000 for a ten year period. These plans identify STWs and sewage outfalls to be upgraded.

Under AMP2 work is currently being carried out to install secondary treatment at Porlock. This will mean that Bossington and Porlock Weir sewage outfalls become redundant (see Section 21.1.1 page 63). There is also work on secondary treatment ongoing at Watchet harbour and Minehead.

21.1.3 Trade effluents The catchment has six fish farms with consented discharges. Fish farms are major dischargers to the catchment (see Section 22.1 page 65 for further details).

Triscombe Quarry owned by Tarmac Roadstone Ltd Western at Bishops Lydeard has a consented discharge for 2500 cubic metres per day to a tributary of the Doniford Stream.

Hinkley Point Power Station has several consented discharges of trade effluent and cooling water. One is for its own STW as discussed above, the rest being cooling water discharges. These are currently being reviewed. They are discharged into the Severn Estuary (see Severn Estuary Strategy Joint Issues Report).

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< 10 kg/day > 60 kg/day 10 to 30 kg/day > 30 to 60 kg/day with No BOD Condition Consented Discharge A BOD Loading where consented Hinkley Point Power Station TRLW Porlock Porlock STW Kilton STW Minehead sewage outfall Bossington sewageBossington outfall Theed Farm Fish Luxborough STW Hinkley Point Power Station Roadwater Fishery Mineral Line Fishery Bougham Farm Fish WeirPorlock outfall WeirPorlock outfall Kilve sewage outfall Torre Torre Fishery Watchet sewage outfall 1 3 7 8 2 4 5 6 9 18 Hinkley Point Power Station 19 Hinkley Point Power Station 16 Crowcombe 17 STW 20 14 15 21 Doniford sewage outfall 13 12 11 10 Sites with Sites Discharges >5m 3/day Map 20 - Effluent Disposal

Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report Page 64 • SUPPORTING INFORMATION PART 2 •

St Regis Paper Mill at Watchet has recently had its discharge consent revoked as it is now regulated by means of an I PC authorization, see Section 24 page 68.

Discharges into the Severn Estuary are covered in more detail in the Severn Estuary Strategy Joint Issues Report.

21.2 Intermittent Discharges These include sewer storm overflows and sewage pumping station emergency overflows. These are mainly associated with urban areas as are discharges of contaminated surface runoff.

During heavy storms, large volumes of oily water can be generated by runoff from car parks and industrial estates. The Agency carries out pollution prevention visits and surveys to identify such problems and encourages developers to install and maintain oil interceptors wherever possible.

21.3 Discharges To Ground Remote properties and small villages are not usually connected to mains sewer. Septic tanks discharging to ground soakaway systems as well as small sewage treatment plants and sealed cesspools are used instead. Pollution problems in local ditches, streams and groundwater aquifers can result if soil conditions are unsuitable e.g. very heavy clay or very permeable sand (see Issue 4.13).

22. Aquaculture

22.1 Fish Farms Here we consider the use of riverside beds or ponds to rear fish on a commercial basis. Water is not used up by fish farms but returned to the river close to th e point of abstraction. There are two main types of fish farm; those using spring water which are located on the headwaters and small tributaries, and those which divert river water through ponds. We authorize the taking of water from the river by issuing an abstraction licence, and the return of water to the river by giving a consent to discharge.

Our objective:

• to protect rivers from the effects of fish farms.

The role of the Environment Agency:

We have duties and powers to:

• issue abstraction licences to protect the water environment and legal uses. We can put conditions on new licences to achieve this

• issue discharge consents to protect the river from pollution caused by fish food or chemicals used to control pests or diseases

• control the movement of some fish to prevent the spread of diseases. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) are responsible for registered fish farms.

Our work involves a range of activities:

• we tackle the problems caused by historic licences

• we prevent fish escaping to the wild by making sure that fish farms fit screens

• the life cycle of wild fish can be badly disrupted by the discharge from fish farms. We try to prevent this happening when we approve new licences

• we consult fully with local authorities on applications for new fish farms

• Page 65 Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report • • PART 2 SUPPORTING INFORMATION•

• we are looking at ways of regulating fish fanning in cages in estuaries.

Local Perspective

Freshwater Aouaculture

In this catchment there are six authorized fish farms, as shown on Map 20 Effluent Disposal. The largest consented volume discharge fish farm is Torre Fishery at Watchet which discharges into the Washford River. The smallest consented volume discharge is Great House Fish Farm at Timberscombe which discharges into a tributary of the River Avill.

The discharge from Theed Fish Farm has currently failed its compliance but has not found to be causing a water quality problem. Therefore the consent is currently being reviewed to bring it into line with the policy of comparative limits rather than absolute limits for fish farms.

23. Farming And Forestry

23.1 Farming The West Somerset Rivers Catchment is predominantly grassland with 82% of land devoted to agriculture (26,728 ha). The breakdown of land use type for 1995 is shown in Table 15.

Table 15 Land Use Type

Land Use Type (1995 FRCA) % Grassland >5 years old 12.1 Grassland <5 years old 43.9 Rough grazing 11.5 Arable and fallow 23.9 Farm woodland 3.8 Set aside 1.4 Other land 3.4

The catchment is predominantly (36.5%) Grade 3 agricultural land and is used as grassland supporting cattle and sheep farming. The best agricultural land (Grades 1 and 2) is a scarcer resource (9.4%) within the catchment than in Somerset as a county and also in comparison with the national picture. A substantial part of the agricultural land (19.6%) is of truly marginal agricultural potential (Grade 5). 16.4% of agricultural land is Grade 4.

The FRCA pre BSE figures show a 3.8% increase in the number of beef and sheep holdings. The number of horticultural holdings has increased by 42.9% over the past 10 years.

23.2 Forestry Approximately 30% of the Plan area is wooded - considerably more than in other river catchments in North Wessex. The area to the south and west of Dunster is more heavily wooded than to the east, see Map 21 Forestry.

Farm woodland has increased by 44.2% between 1985-1995.

• Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report Page 66 INFORMATION PART ) Map 21 - Forestry

• Page 67 Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report . PART 2 SUPPORTING INFORMATION •

Some of the larger areas of woodland are owned by the Forestry Commission and managed by Forest Enterprise.

We encourage forestry owners to follow the Forestry Commission’s 'Forest and Water Guidelines' (see References page 72).

24. Controlled Industrial Processes

The Environment Agency is the statutory authority in England and Wales for regulating the largest and most complex industrial processes. To do this we use a system known as Integrated Pollution Control (IPC). This system requires the use of best available techniques not entailing excessive cost (BATNEEC) to prevent the release of particular substances into the environment or, where this is not practicable, to minimize their release and render them harmless. Operators of these controlled processes are required to have an authorization granted by the Agency to operate the process and have to comply with the conditions to which it is subject.

Two lists of processes have been prescribed by regulations made under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 for control: Part A controlled under IPC by the Agency; releases to the air from Part B processes are controlled under a system of Local Authority Air Pollution Control. In this section we list Part A Process Operators (see Table 16 page 68) by process type and summarize the most significant releases to air permitted by their authorizations. Direct dischargers to water are summarized in Section 21 page 62.

As well as the general BATNEEC condition another objective for all IPC authorized processes is to have regard to the best practicable environmental option (BPEO) to minimize pollution of the environment taken as a whole.

Table 16 Part A Process Operators

Operator Description of process Main authorized releases to air St Regis Paper Company Combustion process: power and Sulphur dioxide Ltd, Watchet steam generation for site use, Nitrogen oxides using boilers fuelled by Particulate matter interruptible natural gas with heavy fuel oil standby.

Paper manufacturing process: Small quantities of volatile organic production of envelope and compounds packaging grade papers from recycled waste paper. Nuclear Electric Ltd, Hinkley Combustion process: power Small quantities of sulphur dioxide and Point B Power Station generation for emergency duty nitrogen oxides only, using gas turbines fuelled by kerosene.

Incineration process: the Sulphur dioxide incineration of solid waste arising Particulate matter from Hinkley Point power stations A and B.

25. Radioactive Substances

The Environment Agency is the enforcement authority for England and Wales of the Radioactive Substances Act 1993. This statute is concerned with the keeping, use and disposal of radioactive ______substances and, in particular, the.regulation.of radioactive waste disposal — — — ------. — ^

Radioactive substances are present in the environment as a result both of natural processes and of man's technological developments. The uncontrolled and incautious use of these substances can pose both immediate and long term hazards.

Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report Page 68 * • SUPPORTING INFORMATION PART 2 •

The National Radiological Protection Board at Harwell, Oxfordshire has responsibility for the overall radon monitoring programme whilst the government gives advice to householders in high radon areas.

The Environment Agency is the Competent Authority for a number of EC Directives on the shipment of radioactive substances and sealed sources between EU Member States. We also regulate shipments of radioactive waste into, out of, or through England and Wales.

The major nuclear establishments are licensed to operate by the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate (Nil), but discharges from them are authorized by the Agency. These discharges arise from the day- to-day operations at the sites. Site operators are required to ensure that discharge conditions are met and also ensure that radiation dose limits to the public are not exceeded as a result of the discharges.

The catchment area includes Hinkley Point A and B nuclear power stations, operated by Magnox Electric pic and Nuclear Electric Ltd respectively, located on the coast at the eastern end of the catchment.

Hinkley Point A nuclear power station comprises two gas cooled Magnox reactors. Radioactive waste discharges are made to sea, and to air, and solid waste is transferred to Hinkley B for incineration. These disposals are all authorized under the Radioactive Substances Act 1993 and the authorizations contain.limits on the amounts of radioactivity that may be disposed of by each route. These limits are set at a level that protects the public and the environment while providing sufficient “headroom” to allow the station some operational flexibility.

The Government has announced that Magnox Electric will be merged with British Nuclear Fuels Limited (BNFL). As this will involve a change in the legal owner and operator of the site, BNFL will need to apply for authorizations under RSA 93 to make discharges from Hinkley Point A. As the current authorizations were granted some years ago the Agency will take this opportunity to review the discharge limits and other conditions in the authorizations, seeking opportunities to reduce the limits for radioactive waste disposals, where appropriate. When the applications are received there will be a full public consultation on them and any proposed authorizations. This is likely to take place in 1998.

Hinkley Point B has two advance gas cooled reactors (AGRs). As well as RSA 93 authorizations for radioactive waste disposals to sea and to atmosphere this site also has an authorization to burn radioactive waste in an incinerator. These authorizations were reviewed by the Agency during 1997 and we concluded that certain discharge limits should be reduced. This is not because of any danger to the public, rather that all radioactive waste disposals and the radiation doses arising from them should be reduced to levels that are as low as reasonably achievable. This accords with the precautionary principle. Discharge data from the station for the last few years also shows that they could continue to operate with lower limits without losing reasonable operational flexibility. The Agency therefore intends to vary the current authorizations in 1998. The Agency will consult on the proposed variation.

There are two sites in the catchment area which are currently registered under the Radioactive Substances Act, shown in Table 17.

Table 17 Current Registered Users of Radioactive Substances

Site Use/Notes

St Regis Paper Company Ltd Registered for closed sources used in Watchet industrial process control J Gliddon and Sons Ltd Registered for mobile closed sources used in Williton crop yield meters on combine harvesters

• Page 69 Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report ♦ . PART 3 APPENDICES • Part 3

26. Area Environment Group

Name Representing Mr L R Fortune Chairman, Appointed by Environment Agency Ms B Carroll Regional Environment Protection Advisory Committee Mr M J Stoodley Wessex Regional Fisheries Advisory Committee Mr J R Bush Wessex Regional Flood Defence Committee Mr RW Wyatt Water Resources Mr S Hemmlngs Waste Management Mr M Hellings Waste Management Mr D Fish Industry Mr H S Lucas Industry Councillor N Jones OBE Tourism Mr R G Adlam Conservation Mrs A M Lennox Recreation Mr J L R Williams Fisheries Mr J B H Watkis Flood Defence Mrs L Bennett Local Authority Mrs N E Kirsen Local Authority Mr H P N Temperiey Local Authority Mr C S W C Newbury Local Authority Dr R England Education

27. Steering Group

Name Representing Mr A Case Dunster Drainage Board Mr M Edgington English Nature Mr D Fish Industry Mr J Wiles Industry Mr A Hawkins National Farmers Union Mrs A Lanigan Country Landowners Association Mr P Lee Waste Management Mr D Lloyd Exmoor National Park Authority Mr R Moon Somerset County Council Mr T Shaw West Somerset District Council Mr D Thomas West Somerset District Council Mr M Venning Wessex Water Services Ltd Mr J Williams Fisheries Dr C Hancock Somerset Wildlife Trust

• Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report Page 70 • APPENDICES PART 3 .

27.1 Public Registers And Access To Environmental Information We maintain several public registers which can be inspected at most Environment Agency offices. Information is usually provided free of charge, but for large and complex requests we may charge for staff time and materials. There are also standard charges for some specific searches. Confidential information, incomplete or draft reports, and information where disclosure may lead to environmental damage are generally not available.

Further details about our public registers and the types of information we hold are available in our leaflet A Guide to Information Available to the Public. Copies are available to callers at our Bridgwater office, or you can telephone and we will send one to you in the post. At present, offices may have information relevant only to their local area; please telephone our Customer Services Centre before you visit to ensure that the information you want is available at your local office. Our staff will be happy to help you with any queries you may have and if you call before you visit we will ensure that they are on hand to help you with your query.

Some environmental details and information about our public registers are available on the Internet on http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk

28. Glossary Of Terms And Abbreviations

AEG Area Environment Group AGR Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor AMP Asset Management Plan AONB Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, designated by the Countryside Commission to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the landscape, mainly through planning controls Aquifer A layer of water-bearing rock BATNEEC. Best Available Techniques Not Entailing Excessive Cost BAP Biodiversity Action Plan BNFL British Nuclear Fuels Limited BOD Biochemical Oxygen Demand BPEO Best Practicable Environmental Option CMP Catchment Management Plan CWS County Wildlife Site DETR Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions EC European Community ENPA Exmoor National Park Authority EPAQS Expert Panel of Air Quality Standards EQS Environmental Quality Standard ESA Environmentally Sensitive Area EU European Union FDMS Flood Defence Management System FRCA Farming and Rural Conservation Agency FWAG Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group HMIP Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Pollution, the former regulatory authority for IPC, and now part of the Environment Agency HMSO Her Majesty's Stationery Office (now The Stationery Office Limited) HNDA High Natural Dispersion Area HWRC Household Waste Recycling Centre IDB Internal Drainage Board IPC Integrated Pollution Control, a system introduced to control pollution from industrial processes which could cause significant pollution to air, land and water LEAP Local Environment Agency Plan LNR Local Nature Reserve MAFF Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food NNR National Nature Reserve, a site owned or leased and managed by English Nature and established as a reserve NO Nitrogen oxide n o 2 Nitrogen dioxide

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NOx Oxides of nitrogen NRA National Rivers Authority NSA Nitrate Sensitive Area NVZ Nitrate Vulnerable Zone OFWAT Office of Water Services, the government regulatory agency for the water industry PPPG Policy and Practice for the Protection of Groundwater pSAC Proposed Special Area for Conservation designated under the EC Habitats Directive R&D Research and Development RAMSAR Sites identified by UK Government under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance which was ratified by the UK Government in 1976 RE River Ecosystem RQO River Quality Objective RSA Radioactive Substances Act SAC Special Area for Conservation designated under the EC Habitats Directive SAM Scheduled Ancient Monument of national importance designated under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 SERC Somerset Environmental Records Centre SLA Special Landscape Area SMP Shoreline Management Plan SO2 Sulphur Dioxide SPA Source Protection Area (Groundwater) SPA Special Protection Areas identified by UK Government under the EC Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest of national importance designated under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Habitats, sites for individual species, geology and land forms m ay be designated • STW Sewage Treatment Works SWT Somerset Wildlife Trust Triassic A specific geologic time period UNECE United Nations Economic Commission for Europe UWWTD EC Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive VOC Volatile Organic Compound WHO World Health Organisation WRA Waste Regulatory Authority, now part of the Environment Agency WSDC West Somerset District Council WWSL Wessex Water Sen/ices Ltd

29. Units

mm millimetre m3/s cubic metres per second (cumecs) ppb parts per billion cm centimetre m3/d cubic metres per day mg/1 milligrams per litre m metre Us litres per second M9/1 micrograms per litre km kilometre Ml/d megalitres per day MQ/ m3 microgram per cubic metre km2 square kilometre Ml/y megalitres peryear t/yr tonnes per year ha hectare te metric tonne ml millilitre ppm parts per million -

30. References

Action for Biodiversity in the South West - a series of habitat and species plans to guide delivery. June 1997 ISBN 0903138972 An Environmental Strategy for the Millennium and Beyond. Environment Agency 1997. HO-9/97-100K-D-BABF Control of Pollution (Amendment) Act 1989 Control of Pollution Act 1974 DETR Circular 30/92 Development and Flood Risk ___ EC Directive Air Qualrty.Standards for Nitrogen Dioxide'{85/203/EEC) EC Directive Concerning the Quality of Bathing Water (76/160/EEC) EC Directive Concerning Urban Waste Water Treatment (91/271 /EEC) EC Directive on Freshwater Fish (78/659/EEC)

• Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report Page 72 • • APPENDICES PART 3 *

EC Directive on Pollution Caused by the Discharge of Certain Dangerous Substances into the Aquatic Environment (76/464/EEC) - EC Directive on Species and Habitats (92/43/EEC) EC Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds (79/409/EEC) EC Directive on the Protection of Groundwater against Pollution Caused by Certain Dangerous Substances (80/86/EEC) EC Directive on the Protection of the Environment, and in Particular of the Soil, when Sewage Sludge is Used in Agriculture (86/278/EEC) EC Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC) EC Surface Water Abstraction Directive (75/440/EEC) Environment Agency (1996) River Habitat Survey: Field Guidance Manual Environmental Protection Act 1990 Forestry Commission: Forest and Water Guidelines, 2nd Edition, 1991, ISBN 0*11-71029-2 Furse, M.T. (1995) The Faunal Richness of Headwater Streams: Stage 4 - Development of a Conservation Strategy. NRA R&D Note 455, NRA, Bristol Health and Safety at Work Act HMSO (1980) The Control of Pollution (Special Waste) Regulations. SI 1709 HMSO (1986) Control of Pesticide Regulations. SI 1510 HMSO (1989) Sludge (Use in Agriculture) Regulations. S11263 HMSO (1990) Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Pesticides on Farms and Holdings. MAFF HMSO (1992) Code of Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Air. MAFF/WOAD HMSO (1993) Code of Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Water. MAFF/WOAD HMSO (1993) Code of Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Soil. MAFF/WOAD HMSO (1993) The Forests & Water Guidelines HMSO (1994) Waste Management Licensing Regulations. S11056 HMSO (1995) Biodiversity: the UK Steering Group Report. London, 2 Vols HMSO (1995) Making Waste Work. Department of the Environment and The Welsh Office HMSO (1996) A Review of the Potential Effects of Climate Change in the United Kingdom. UK Climate Change Impact Review Group HMSO (1996) The Special Waste Regulations. SI 972 Land Drainage Act 1991 NRA (1991) Proposals for Statutory Water Quality Objectives. Water Quality Series 5 NRA (1991) The Quality of Rivers, Canals and Estuaries in England and Wales. Water Quality Series 14 NRA (1992) Policy and Practice for the Protection of Groundwater NRA (1994) The Quality of Rivers and Canals in England and Wales (1990 to 1992) Water Quality Series 19. H0-6/94-5k-C-AJTG NRA (1995) Saving Water - The NRA’s Approach to Water Conservation and Demand Management. HO-9/95-1.5k-B-AQHH NRA (1995) Tomorrow's Water, NRA South Western Region Water Resources Strategy. SW-4/95-1 k-B-ANOQ Radioactive Substances Act 1993 Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975 Sedgemoor District Council ‘Air Quality A to Z” June 1995 Meteorological Office and Air Quality Division, DoE ISBN 0861803175 Somerset County Minerals Plan The Environment Act 1995 The Environment of England and Wales - A Snapshot The Stationery Office Ltd (1997) The Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997 SI 648 The Water-vole (Arvicola terrestris) in Britain 1989-1990: Its Distribution and Changing Status, The Vincent Wildlife Trust Waste Management Strategy for Somerset, 1996 Water Resources Act 1991 Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

• Page 73 Local Environment Agency Plan West Somerset Rivers Consultation Report • MANAGEMENT AND CONTACTS: The Environment Agency delivers a service to its customers, with the emphasis on authority and accountability at the most local level possible. It aims to be cost-effective and efficient and to offer the best service and value for money. Head Office is responsible for overall policy and relationships with national bodies including Government. Rio House, Waterside Drive, Aztec West, Almondsbury, Bristol BS32 4U D Tel: 0 1 454 624 4 0 0 Fax: 01 454 624 409

ENVIRONMENT AGENCY REGIONAL OFFICES ANGLIAN SOUTHERN Kingfisher House Guildboume House Goldhay Way Chatsworth Road Orton Goldhay Worthing Peterborough PE2 5ZR West Sussex BN 11 1LD Tel: 01733 371 811 Tel: 01903 832 000 Fax: 01733 231 840 Fax: 01903 821 832

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST Rivers House Manley House 21 Park Square South Kestrel Way Leeds LSI 2QG Exeter EX2 7LQ Tel: 0113 244 0191 Tel: 01 392 444 000 Fax: 0113 246 1889 Fax: 01392 444 238

NORTH WEST THAMES Richard Fairclough House Kings Meadow House Knutsford Road Kings Meadow Road Warrington WA4 1HG Reading RG1 8DQ Tel: 01925 653 999 Tel: 0118 953 5000 Fax: 01925 415 961 Fax: 0118 950 0388

MIDLANDS WELSH Sapphire East Rivers House/Plas-yr-Afon 550 Streetsbrook Road St Mellons Business Park Solihull B91 1QT St Mellons Tel: 0121 711 2324 Cardiff CF3 0LT Fax: 0121 711 5824 Tel: 01222 770 088 Fax: 01222 798 555

For general enquiries please call your ENVIRONMENT AGENCY local Environment Agency office J f you GENERAL ENQUIRY LINE are unsure who to contact, or which is ______your local office, please call our general enquiry line. 0645 333 111

The 24-hour emergency hotline ENVIRONMENT AGENCY / / M E V T? x T1 V ri m r v tt number for reporting all environmental EMERGENCY HOTLINE JC JN V 1 R U N M fcN 1 incidents relating to air, land and water. ______IF ft^ A 0800 80 70 60 WaV Ag e n c y North Wessex Area Rivers House East Quay Bridgw ater Som erset TA6 4YS