Irwell Catchment Management First Annual Review^^B

Irwell Catchment Management First Annual Review^^B

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E n v ir o n m e n t A g e n c y

NATIONAL LIBRARY & INFORMATION SERVICE

HEAD OFFICE

Rio House, Waterside Drive, Aztec West, Almondsbury. Bristol BS32 4UD If you wish to discuss any matter arising from this First Annual Review please contact:-

Vicky Hames Environment Planner Environment Agency North West Region 'MirwelT Carrington Lane Sale Cheshire M33 5NL

Tel: (0161) 973 2237, extension 3064 Fax: (0161) 973 4601

Front cover photograph: River Irwell, Manchester City Centre Contents

Page

1. Vision for the River Irwell Catchment 1

2. Introduction 2

2.1 The Environment Agency and Local Environment Agency Plans 3

2.2 Environment Agency Responsibilities 3

3. Future Review and Monitoring 4

4. Action Plans 5

4.1 Catchment Wide Issues 6

4.2 Sub-Catchment Wide Issues 8

4.3 Upper Irwell - Site Specific Issues 10 Upper Irwell - New Issues 12

4.4 River Roch - Site Specific Issues 13 River Roch - New Issues 16

4.5 River Croal - Site Specific Issues 17 River Croal - New Issues 19

4.6 River Irk - Site Specific Issues 19 River Irk - New Issues 20

4.7 River Medlock - Site Specific Issues 21

4.8 Lower Irwell - Site Specific Issues 24 Lower Irwell - New Issues 27

5. Appendices 30

Appendix 1 Overview of the Catchment 30 Description 30 Catchment Uses 30 Land Use and the Water Environment 34

Appendix 2 Catchment Facts 35

Appendix 3 Glossary 36

Appendix 4 Abbreviations 37

Appendix 5 Issues omitted from the First Annual Review Appendix 6 Changes to Proposed River Ecosystem RQOs tents ENVIRONMENT AGENCY

077335 1. Vision for the Irwell Catchment

The vision for the Irwell Catchment is to create a cleaner, safer water environment. We will retain or recreate attractive rivers within continuous, open river corridors with a diverse range of habitats and physical features.

The river will be an attractive feature within the urban environment which people will value. It will enhance the quality of life for the area and encourage inward investment.

The Environment Agency will work with other organisations and individuals to achieve sustainable development within the Catchment. We will meet the needs of today while protecting the water environment for future generations and their needs.

The vision expresses the long term ambitions for the Irwell Catchment.

R. Irwell, Ramsbottom vision

1 2. Introduction

This is the First Annual Review for the River Irwell catchment and this is the third stage in the Catchment Management process as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 The CMP Process

Consultation with key external groups Implementation

Year Year 1 2 Statement Formation of Public of Public the CMP Consultation Consultation Consultation ► working group ► Report (3 months) ►

Year Year Action 3 4 Plan

Annual reviews

Internal consultation

Full Review leading to LEAPS Plan will include consideration of Air/Land/Water

This Annual Review provides a progress update of all the actions stated in the River Irwell Catchment Management Plan Action Report (September 1995) produced under the auspices of the former National Rivers Authority.

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

2 2.1 The Environment Agency 2.2 Environment Agency and Local Environment Agency Responsibilities Plans The Agency has head offices in Bristol and London and On 1 April 1996, the National Rivers Authority (NRA) is divided into eight regions and 26 areas. The River merged with Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Pollution Irwell catchment is in the South Area of the North West (HMIP), Waste Regulation Authorities and smaller units Region. from the Department of the Environment, to form the The Agency has responsibility for: Environment Agency. This merger provides a more comprehensive approach to the protection and management of the environment by combining the • The improvement and regulation of water quality regulation of land, air and water. • Pollution prevention and control As guardians of the environment the Agency's vision is: • The management of water resources "A better environment in England and Wales for present and future generations" • Flood defence

The River Irwell Catchment Management Plan (CMP) • Fisheries was produced by the National Rivers Authority and this • The regulation of the most potentially polluting First Annual Review is the first to be published by the South Area of the North West Region of the industrial processes (Part A processes) Environment Agency. The Agency is committed to the development of an integrated management plan for • The regulation of premises that use, store or the water environment in the River Irwell catchment. dispose of radioactive materials • Licensing and regulation of waste management The Environment Agency has wider responsibilities than the NRA. The River Irwell Action Plan, as a CMP, sites addressed the water environment. This Review has • Waste minimisation taken the opportunity to address wider environmental concerns relating to air, land and water. • Licensing and regulation of waste carriers and The River Irwell CMP will be rewritten as a Local brokers Environment Agency Plan (LEAP) which will reflect the It has general duties with regard to conservation (which aims, objectives and responsibilities of the Agency (see Section 3, Future Review and Monitoring). These includes wildlife, landscape and heritage) and recreation and shares many of its responsibilities with LEAPs, like CMPs, will be local area based plans that address issues and problems through the actions of the local authorities, in particular waste management and Agency in partnership with others or by the agreed the regulation of emissions to air. action of others. LEAPs will play a key role in the delivery of our services through integrated activity and priority business planning and will promote openness and accountability.

In its statutory guidance to the Agency, on sustainable development, the Department of the Environment promotes integrated environmental management in partnership with other organisations, working to shared objectives. LEAPs are not statutory documents.

3 r

3. Future Review and Monitoring

The River Irwell Catchment Management Plan will be rewritten as two separate LEAPs. The Roch, Irk and Medlock LEAP is due to be published in March/April 1998 and the Irwell and Croal LEAP is due to be published in October 1998. The River Irwell Catchment Management Action Plan Second Annual Review will be published before the conversion to LEAPs if timescales allow.

R. Irwell, Salford future ew 4. Action Plans

5 4.1 Catchment Wide Issues

No. ISSUES ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TOTAL 1995 PROGRESS LEAD OTHER COST TO /96 ENVIRON MENT AGENCY (£K) CW1 Development Control - 1. Strengthen input to Environment Agency 300 - ECOLOGY: On The impact that Planning and going development and Development Control FLOOD DEFENCE: development pressures process to highlight flood £400K total cost. Planning have on the water risks, control Completion of flood Authorities environment for all unsympathetic risk assessments by Developers Environment Agency environmental end of March 1998. Riparian functions. development, promote Owners green corridors and enhance river features.

CW2 Lack of survey 1. Collection and Environment Agency 90 - ECOLOGY: On going information on maintenance of information FLOOD DEFENCE: some watercourses to satisfy Water Quality, £105K total cost. Flood Defence, Ecology, Survey collection Heritage and Recreation almost complete. requirements. WATER QUALITY: 2. Organise and promote Environment Agency 40 Zinc and copper surveys of threatened analysis at RQO sites species and their habitats Wildlife Groups now complete. such as Otters, Water Voles and Bats. 3. Create a database of sites 7.5 - On going. suitable for future river rehabilitation schemes. CW6 Culverted Sections 1. Promote policies that Environment Agency 240 On going. and Bridges - Risk of reduce the amount of culverts and bridges culverted watercourse blocking. Clearance through planning liaison and maintenance of and Flood Defence byelaw debris screens. The control. Promote the number and extent opening up of river of culverted sections corridors where and resulting opportunities arise. fragmentation of river habitat. CW7 Instream structures 1. Where possible provision Environment Agency On going such as culverts and for the passage of fish over Riparian weirs. weirs and through culverts. Owners Local Authority CW8 Urban decay and 1. Support riverside Environment Agency 20 On going riverside dereliction. regeneration initiatives and promote sympathetic Local Authorities enhancement works such Voluntary Sectors as riverside footpaths. Mersey Basin Campaign CW9 Litter and rubbish 1. Use enforcement powers Environment Agency 200 A temporary enforcement problems in and near and continue input to officer was appointed in rivers. "Waterwatch" and March 1993, and "Streamcare" and Local Authorities following the success of encourage public this role, has now become awareness and a permanent position. responsibility for litter and Enforcement powers are debris in watercourses. used where necessary, but an educational approach offers the most benefits. The agency will continue to fund waterwatch and streamcare.

6 No. ISSUES ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TOTAL 1995 PROGRESS LEAD OTHER COST TO /9 6 ENVIRON MENT AGENCY (£K)

CW10 Review of "main river" 1. The Environment Agency Environment Agency 15 Programme of reviews lengths to reflect the has agreed guidelines as original action land use of against which application plan, i.e. 97/98, 98/ protected areas. to "main river" shall be 99 & 99/2000. judged. A programme of catchment reviews will consider the implications for Environment Agency resources.

CW 12 Sewer overflows: 1. Reduction in organic NWW Ltd A few improvement Widespread impact in and debris load released schemes have been the catchment of from unsatisfactory sewer completed. A number sewage litter and overflows. of others are under organic load. construction. Discussions on most of the remaining unsatisfactory overflows within the current capital programme have started.

CW1 3 Widespread aesthetic 1. Investigation and Environment Agency Funding for deterioration in the remedial measures to investigations and catchment due to redirect wrong connections NWW Ltd remedial measures has domestic foul wastes to foul sewer. District Councils been and continues to wrongly connected to Private Drainage be pursued with surface water drains. Owners NWW Ltd and District Plumbers Councils. Builders

CW16 Alien Pest Species. 1. Establish a systematic Environment Agency 90 1. Planned spraying treatment programme for programme to control control and eradication of Riparian owner Giant Hogweed. £30K Giant Hogweed, Himalayan per year 97/98 to 99/ Balsam and Japanese 2000. An application Knotweed. for 10K out of the multifunctional pot is 2. Ensure Environment being sought for each of the 3 years from 97/ Agency activities do not 98. This sum is divided encourage the spread of between north Mersey the invasive pest species. catchment and south Mersey catchment 3. Liaison with agencies, Bollin and Weaver. A local authorities and other programme has not owners or tenants for the been established for control and eradication of the other species yet. Giant Hogweed in non­ waterside locations. 2. A series of presentations to 4. Promote public internal functions to awareness concerning increase awareness of safety implications. risk of spread is ongoing.

3. On going

4. On going

7 4.2 Sub-Catchment Wide Issues Upper Irwell Sub-Catchment Wide Issues

No. ISSUES ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TOTAL 1995 PROGRESS LEAD OTHER COST TO /9 6 ENVIRON MENT AGENCY (£K)

SCW1 Compensation water 1. Review compensation Environment Agency A site audit of new (CW18) requirements and discharges and replace sites is currently being in-river structures measuring structures as undertaken. Some require review. necessary. NWW Ltd structures have been replaced. The review is likely to be more widespread in view of 1995/96 drought. SCW2 Widespread aesthetic 1. Investigate the Environment Agency 5 The Coal Authority (CW19) deterioration in the reduction of the impact commenced Catchment due to of ochreous runoff from investigations in ochre. spoil tips, waste tips and September 1996 into apparently natural Coal Authority the feasibility and costs sources. of treatment of the Old Meadows minewater discharge - the most significant within the sub­ catchment.

River Roch Sub-Catchment Wide Issues

TOTAL No. ISSUES ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY 1995 PROGRESS COST TO LEAD OTHER / 96 ENVIRON MENT AGENCY (£K)

SCW1 Compensation water 1. Review compensation Environment Agency 2 A site audit of new (CW18) requirements and discharges and replace sites is currently in-river structures measuring structures as being undertaken. require review. necessary. NWW Ltd Some structures have been replaced. The review is likely to be more widespread in view of 1995/96 drought. SCW2 Widespread aesthetic 1. Investigate the reduction Environment Agency No progress. (CW19) deterioration in the of the impact of ochreous Resolution may now Catchment due to runoff from spoil tips, be a long term ochre. waste tips and apparently issue. natural sources.

River Croal Sub-Catchment Wide Issues TOTAL No. ISSUES ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY 1995 PROGRESS COST TO LEAD OTHER /9 6 ENVIRON MENT AGENCY (£K)

SCW1 Requirement for more 1. Review raingauge Environment Agency 1 Review complete. (CW18) rainfall information. network and identify New raingauge to be improvements. constructed at Sweetloves WwTW in 96/97. 8 River Irk Sub-Catchment Wide Issues

No. ISSUES ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TOTAL 1995 PROGRESS LEAD OTHER COST TO /9 6 ENVIRON MENT AGENCY (£K)

SCW1 Periodic aesthetic 1. Investigate and action Environment Agency 5 Improved trade (CW18) deterioration of the reduction of the effluent control has considerable lengths impact of foam causing been pursued with of watercourse in the or promoting agents in NWW Ltd. catchment due to the effluents from A reduction in the foam. Oldham, Royton and NWW Ltd incidence of foam Castleton STW. has resulted.

SCW2 Poor fishery due 1. Stocking of appropriate Environment Agency 8 The situation is (CW19) primarily to poor fish species as and when monitored as part water quality. prevailing water quality of a 3 year rolling allows, and monitoring of programme. Next fish populations. survey due 1998.

River Medlock Sub-Catchment Wide Issues

No. ISSUES ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TOTAL 1995 PROGRESS COST TO LEAD OTHER / 96 ENVIRON MENT AGENCY (£K)

SCW1 Widespread aesthetic 1. Investigate the Environment Agency No progress. (CW18) deterioration in the ochreous runoff from Resolution may now Catchment due to spoil tips, waste tips and be a long term issue. ochre. apparently natural sources. SCW2 Lack of fishery due 1. Stocking of Environment Agency 5 Stocking has taken (CW19) primarily to poor appropriate fish species place in 1995 and water quality. as and when prevailing 1996, and will again water quality allows, and in 1997 if fish are monitoring of fish available. populations. Success of this stocking will be monitored in 1997 if manpower exists.

Lower Irwell Sub-Catchment Wide Issues

No. ISSUES ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TOTAL 1995 PROGRESS COST TO LEAD OTHER /9 6 ENVIRON MENT AGENCY (£K)

SCW1 Poor fishery due 1. If necessary, stocking Environment Agency 14 A survey is currently (CW18) primarily to poor water of appropriate fish being undertaken. quality. species as and when Full results will be prevailing water quality available in early allows, and monitoring 1997. of fish populations.

9 4.3 Upper Irwell - Site Specific Issues

RESPONSIBILITY TOTAL PROGRESS LEAD OTHER COST TO ENVIRON MENT AGENCY (£K) u. R. Irwell - Source to 1. Monitor natural Environment Agency 0.2 A survey is currently Irwell Cowpe Brook. colonisation and review being undertaken. SSI stocking requirements. Full results will be Lack of fishery. available in early 1997.

U. Greave Clough 1. Carry out feasibility Environment Agency Initial assessment Irwell Brook, Greave. study, select and design complete. No SS2 most favourable solution. further work Risk of flooding to Riparian owner proposed. industrial units and approx. 27 houses.

U. R. Irwell - Cowpe 1. Monitor the impact of Environment Agency A student project Irwell Brook to Kirklees invertebrate community identified tip leachates SS4 Brook. impairment. and pesticide input from Cowpe Brook - Rossendale STW as Boarsgreave to possible sources of the R.Irwell. problem. Studies concerning the impact of Aquatic invertebrate pesticides on the aquatic invertebrate community community severely are continuing. impaired. 2. Investigate the Environment Agency 4 Some remedial measures elimination of the loss of have been undertaken by permethrin from the Kearns of Kearns. Enforcement Kearns of Waterfoot Ltd. Waterfoot Ltd action has been taken Site. against them. The issue is now unlikely to be resolved before 1998 as previously envisaged. U. Whitewell Brook 1. Carry out feasibility Environment Agency 310 Feasibility study Irwell Newchurch. study, select and design complete. SS8 most favourable solution. Recommendation: no Flooding to 1 3 viable scheme. houses, 10 retail and industrial units. U. R. Irwell - down- 1. Review discharge Environment Agency 3 NWW Ltd have been Irwell stream of consent and monitor to notified of the SSI 2 Rossendale STW check/ensure compliance. required discharge standard and they Indications of are pursuing appro­ exceedences of the priate trade effluent Environmental Quality control. Standard for an EC NWW Ltd Exceedences of the List II Dangerous Kearns of EQS for copper have Substance Waterfoot Ltd now also been (Permethrin). recorded. The requirement for control measures is to be evaluated. U. R. Ogden - Holden 1. Negotiate compensation Environment Agency Issue has been raised Irwell Wood Reservoir. flows. with NWW as part of SSI 6 post drought review. No obligation to NWW Ltd discharge compensation water from Holden Wood Reservoir.

10 No. ISSUES ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TO TA L 1995 PROGRESS LEAD OTHER COST TO / 96 ENVIRON MENT AGENCY (£K) U. R. Irwell - Stubbins 1. Initial assessment of Environment Agency 10 Initial assessment Irwell (Strongstry). flooding problem. complete. Feasibility SS18 study planned for 97/98.

Risk of flooding to 2. Remove debris from Environment Agency 5 On going. houses/road due to culverts and river channel river siltation. as necessary, to maintain flood carrying capacity. Control development to avoid reduction in flood protection.

U. R. Irwell - Stubbins 1. Construct engineering Environment Agency 73 Replacement station Irwell (Strongstry). works. now operational SS19 and running Existing gauging concurrently with station provides poor Stubbins to provide hydrometric data. site to site correlation.

U. R. Irwell - 1. Monitor natural Environment Agency Stocked with Brown Irwell Dearden Brook colonisation and Trout 95/96. A SS21 to Holcombe Brook. review stocking survey is currently requirements. being undertaken. Full results will be Vulnerable fishery. available in early 1997. U. R. Irwell - Ramsbottom 1. Carry out feasibility Environment Agency 80 Feasibility study Irwell study, select and design complete. Detailed SS22 most favourable solution. design in 97/98. Flooding to 10 houses and industrial units (5000m2)- U. R. Irwell - Holcombe 1. Monitor natural Environment Agency 0.2 A survey is currently Irwell Brook to Kirklees colonisation and review being undertaken. SS23 Brook. stocking requirements. Full results will be Poor fishery. available in early 1997. U. Gin Hall Landfill Site 1. Monitor and assess Environment Agency Issue resolved. Irwell (Closed). impact. Environment SS25 Agency have Alleged Leachate Site Owner monitored and discharge to found no problem. Walmersley Brook. U. Pigs Lee Brook, Bury. 1. Initial assessment of Environment Agency Initial assessment Irwell flooding problem. complete. SS27 Risk of flooding to A56 Highways No works proposed. if culvert blocks. Authority ' U. R. Irwell - Bury Bridge. 1. Construct engineering Environment Agency 61 Replacement station Irwell works. now operational SS30 Existing gauging and running station provides poor concurrently to hydrometric data. provide site to site correlation. U. R. Irwell - 1. Monitor natural Environment Agency 1 A survey is currently Irwell Kirklees Brook to colonisation and review being undertaken. SS33 confluence R. Croal. stocking requirements. Full results will be available in early Poor fishery. 1997. No. ISSUES ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TOTAL 1995 PROGRESS LEAD OTHER COST TO /9 6 ENVIRON MENT AGENCY (£K)

U. Helmshore and Rawtenstaii. 1. Construct engineering Environment Agency 68 Musbury Brook, Irwell works. Helmshore - SS35 Scheme for the provision of Design work in "Urban Channel Access 97/98. Ramps". Construction planned for 98/ 99. Estimated cost £25K. Ramps at Rawtenstaii removed from programme.

Initial assess­ R Irwell at Radcliffe. Environment Agency U. 1. Initial assessment of 10 - ment complete. Irwell flooding problem. Feasibility study Flooding to Industrial SS37 commenced. Properties. Upper Irwell - New Issues

ISSUES RESPONSIBILITY TOTAL 1995 No. ACTIONS PROGRESS LEAD OTHER COST TO /9 6 ENVIRON MENT AGENCY (£K)

U. Kirklees Brook. 1. Control and eradicate. Environment Agency (see (see CW16) Irwell CWl 6) New Newly identified Issue 1 watercourse population of Giant Hogweed.

U. R. Irwell at Summerseat. 1. Control and eradicate. Environment Agency (see (see CWl 6) Irwell CWl 6) New Newly identified Issue 2 watercourse population of Giant Hogweed.

U. Coney Green High School, 1. Control and eradicate. Irwell Radcliffe. New Issue 3 Newly identified watercourse population of Giant Hogweed. l U. Strong & Fisher (Ex 1. Monitor tipping of inert Environment Agency Irwell Licensed Landfill). wastes and engineering New works to prevent leachate Issue 4 discharge to Irwell.

U. R Irwell at Radcliffe East 1. Applied Reg 15 condition Environment Agency Irwell Lancashire Paper Mills assess loading impact of New Landfill Site. leachate and further action Issue 5 as necessary.

12 No. ISSUES ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TOTAL 1995 LEAD OTHER COST TO /9 6 ENVIRON MENT AGENCY (£K)

U. Tower Farm, Radcliffe. 1. Application for new Environment Agency Irwell waste management New Landfill site. licence in question. Assess Issue 6 situation and capture via contaminated land regulation if necessary. U. Wilcox Drums. 1. Control potential Environment Aqency Irwell pollution to river in WML New conditions. Issue 7 4.4 River Roch - Site Specific Issues

No. ISSUES ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TO TA L PROGRESS LEAD OTHER COST TO 1995 ENVIRON /9 6 MENT AGENCY (£K)

R. R.Roch, 1. Carry out feasibility Environment Agency 1500 Feasibility study Roch Littleborough. study, select and design complete. Design SS5 Flooding to industrial most favourable solution. Stage 1 complete. units of Todmorden Riparian owner Road due to insufficient channel NB Part of River Roch capacity and restricted comprehensive flood flow through bridge. alleviation scheme.

R. Longden End 1. Carry out feasibility Environment Agency Feasibility study Roch Brook, Rakewood. study, select and design complete. Some minor SS8 Flooding to most favourable works completed by properties due to solution. Rochdale MBC. No insufficient channel further works 2. Construct bypass programmed. and culvert capacity. channels. R. Featherstall Brook, 1. Carry out feasibility Environment Agency (see Feasibility study Roch Littleborough. study, select and design SS5) complete. Design SS9 Flooding to industrial most favourable solution. Stage 1 complete. units at Foxcroft Street due to NB Part of River Roch insufficient culvert comprehensive flood Riparian owner capacity. alleviation scheme.

R. R. Roch, Dearnley. 1. Carry out feasibility Environment Agency (see Feasibility study Roch study, select and design SS5) complete. Design Risk of flooding to SSIO most favourable solution. Stage 1 complete. residential and industrial properties Riparian owner in Stubley Mill Road NB Part of River Roch and Peel Street due comprehensive flood to insufficient culvert alleviation scheme. capacity.

R. R. Roch, Smallbridge. 1. Carry out feasibility Environment Agency (see Feasibility study Roch Risk of flooding to study, select and design SS5) complete. Design SS11 industrial units due to most favourable solution. Stage 1 complete. insufficient capacity of NB Part of River Roch bridge at Dye House comprehensive flood Riparian owner Lane. alleviation scheme.

13 No. ISSUES ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TOTAL PROGRESS LEAD OTHER COST TO ENVIRON MENT AGENCY (£K) R. R. Beal, Newhey. 1. Carry out feasibility Environment Agency 34 Feasibility study Roch Risk of flooding to study, select and design currently underway. SS13 residential and most favourable solution. Riparian owner industrial property due to insufficient flow capacity of factory access bridge. R. R.Beal. 1. Monitoring natural Environment Agency 1 The situation is Roch Lack of Fishery. colonisation and review monitored as part of SSI 4 stocking requirements. 3 year rolling programme. Next survey due 1998.

R. R. Beal, Milnrow. 1. Carry out feasibility Environment Agency 120 Feasibility study Roch Risk of flooding to study, select and design currently underway. SSI 6 residential and most favourable solution. Riparian owner industrial property due to insufficient culvert capacity. R. R. Roch, 1. Carry out feasibility Environment Agency (see Feasibility study Roch Howarth Cross study, select and design SS5) complete. Design SSI 8 Flooding to abattoir most favourable solution. Riparian owner Stage 1 complete. due to insufficient NB Part of River Roch channel capacity. comprehensive flood alleviation scheme.

R. R. Roch, Rochdale. 1. Carry out feasibility Environment Agency (see Feasibility study Roch study, select and design SS5) complete. Design SSI 9 Flooding to most favourable solution. Riparian owner Stage 1 complete. industrial units on Belfield Road due to NB Part of River Roch insufficient channel comprehensive flood capacity. alleviation scheme R. R. Roch, Rochdale. 1. Carry out Environment Agency (see Feasibility study complete. Design Roch Major flooding to feasibility study, SS5) SS21 Stage 1 complete. industrial and selec‘ and de* ? n Riparian owner . , most favourable residential properties in . .. /- c, , » n t solution. Gower Street, Kellet Street and Entwistle NB Part °f ^'ver Street due to comprehensive flood insufficient capacity of alleviation scheme structures and channel R. R. Roch downstream 1. Enforce reduction in Environment Agency 4 A feasibility study by Roch of Stanney Brook. release of copper from consultants to Makin SS23 Makin Metal Powders Ltd. Metal Powders Ltd. Exceedence of EC List contaminated land area. Makin Metal Into remedial II Dangerous Powders Ltd measures has been Substances started. The issue Environmental Quality may not now be Standard of copper. resolved before 1998 as previously envisaged. R. Stanney Brook, 1. Carry out feasibility Environment Agency 20 Initial assessment Roch Newbold. study, select and design complete. No SS25 most favourable solution. further work Risk of floodinq to n. proposed. * . _ Riparian owner industrial units due to insufficient channel capacity. 14 No. ISSUES ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TO TAL 1995 PROGRESS LEAD OTHER COST TO / 96 ENVIRON MENT AGENCY (£K)

R. Stanney Brook. 1. Enforce reduction in Environment Agency 4 1. A feasibility study by release of copper from Roch Lack of fishery and consultants to Makin SS26 Makin Metal Powders Ltd. Metal Powders Ltd. aquatic invertebrate Makin Metal & contaminated land area. into remedial measures community severely Powders Ltd SS 27 impaired due has been started. The 2. Monitor natural 1 primarily to poor issue may not now be colonisation and review water quality. resolved before 1998 stocking requirements as previously once water quality issues envisaged. have been resolved. 2. The situation is monitored as part of 3 year rolling programme. Next survey due 1998. R. Buckley Brook, 1. Carry out feasibility Environment Agency (see Feasibility study Roch Buckley. study, select and design SS5) complete. Design SS30 Flooding to most favourable solution. Riparian owner Stage 1 complete. industrial and residential properties NB Part of River Roch due to insufficient comprehensive flood capacity of channel alleviation scheme. and culvert.

R. R. Spodden. 1. Monitor natural Environment Agency 0.2 The situation is of Roch Lack of fishery due colonisation and review monitored as part SS32 primarily to poor stocking requirements. 3 year rolling water quality. programme. Next survey due 1998. Stocked with Brown Trout 95/96. R. Cowm Reservoir and 1. Issue and enforce Environment Agency 4 Site drainage Roch Cowm Brook. consent at Bardon improvements have SS34 Periodic aesthetic Roadstone Quarry. been made by Bardon deterioration due to Roadstone. An Bardon application for discoloration arising Roadstone from fine solids. Consent to Discharge is being processed.

R. Sudden Brook, 1. Initial assessment of Environment Agency 5 Initial assessment Roch Stoneyfield. flooding problem. complete. No SS37 further work Risk of flooding to proposed. industrial properties on Valley Road due to Riparian owner insufficient culvert and channel capacity.

R. Millers Brook, 1. Initial assessment of Environment Agency 5 Roch Heywood. flooding problem. SS38 Risk of flooding to cricket ground due to insufficient Riparian owner capacity of channel. R. Millers Brook - 1. Monitor natural coloni­ Environment Agency 0.2 The situation is Roch Roeacre Lodge to sation and review stocking monitored as part of SS39 R. Roch. requirements. 3 year rolling Lack of fishery due programme. Next primarily to poor survey due 1998. water quality.

15 No. ISSUES TOTAL 1995 PROGRESS COST TO /9 6 ENVIRON MENT AGENCY (£K ) R Cheesden Brook, 1. Seek to restrict Environment Agency Roch Naden Brook and polluting activities or SS41 Old House Brook. development which Local Need to protect would severely constrict Authorities rivers and river the river corridors. corridors of highest 2. Carry out strategic ecological value survey. within catchment.

R. R.Roch, Heap Bridge 1. Remove debris from Environment Agency This site has now Roch river and reinstate bank been redeveloped SS42 Large bankslip and roadway. Provide by B&Q and the upstream of Heap structural support to Riparian owner road upgraded. Bridge. banking. No further action required. R. R.Roch - Gigg Weir at 1. Locate and persuade Environment Agency New owners of the Roch confluence with Gigg owners to take adjacent site are SS44 Brook. responsibility for works to considering weir. Riparian owner redevelopment Site of demolished options. The Agency mill in poor structural is continuing to condition. negotiate over repairs to the weir, pending firm redevelopment proposals.

R. Brightley Brook 1. Initial assessment Environment Agency Initial assessment Roch Heywood. of flooding problem. complete. No SS46 further work Flooding occurs to Riparian owner proposed. fishery due to insufficient flow capacity. R. Rochdale. 1. Construct engineering Environment Agency Feasibility study Roch Six access ramps are works. complete. Design SS50 to be provided at Stage 1 complete. Rochdale on the River NB Part of River Roch Spodden, River Roch, comprehensive flood Hey Brook and alleviation scheme. Buckley Brook. River Roch - New Issues

No. ISSUES ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TO TAL 1995 PROGRESS LEAD OTHER COST TO /9 6 ENVIRON MENT AGENCY (£K)

R. Parr Brook - down­ 1. Agree improvement Environment Agency 2 Discussions have Roch stream Sunny Bank scheme for unsatisfactory started regarding New Road. sewer overflow and issue improvements. Issue 1 appropriate consent. NWW Ltd Aesthetic 2. Undertake capital deterioration due to scheme. sewage litter.

16 No. ISSUES ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TO TAL 1995 PROGRESS LEAD OTHER COST TO / 96 ENVIRON MENT AGENCY (£K)

R. Beal Valley Golf 1. Golf Course subject to Environment Agency Roch Course and Landfill. exemption and landfill New subject to WML condition Issue 2 monitoring and pollution prevention engineering as necessary.

R. Gort Quarry. 1. Subject to remediation Environment Agency Roch and possible license New application and consulta­ Issue 3 tion. 4.5 River Croal - Site Specific Issues No. ISSUES ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TO TA L 1995 PROGRESS LEAD OTHER COST TO /9 6 ENVIRON MENT AGENCY (£K)

R. Belmont Reservoir. 1. Review compensation Environment Agency Issue has been raised discharge. Croal Compensation with NWW Ltd. as SSI requirement in part of post drought excess of reliable review. yield. NWW Ltd R. Eagley Brook, 1. Enforce the reduction Environment Agency 2 A lower consent limit Croal downstream of in the chromium load for chromium in the SS3 Belmont STW. from Belmont STW. discharge from Belmont STW came Exceedence of the into force on 1/1/95. NWW Ltd Environmental Data for Eagley Brook Quality Standard for downstream in 1995 an EC List II complies with the EQS. Dangerous Exceedences of the Substance EQS for copper have (Chromium). now also been recorded. The requirement for control measures is to be evaluated. R. Eagley Brook, 1. Monitor natural Environment Agency 0.2 Croal catchment Croal downstream of Eagley colonisation and review surveyed summer 96. SS7 to Astley Brook. stocking requirements. Overall improvement R.Tonge - Astley Brook recorded indicative of to Bradshaw Brook. success of 95/96 stocking with dace Poor Fishery. and barbel. R. R.Tonge - Astley Brook 1. Seek to promote Environment Agency 1.5 On going. The Croal to Bradshaw Brook. provision of green Environment Agency is SS11 corridors of recreation and actively involved in Continued conservational value Bolton MBC's development pressure Local Planning within industrial Millennium bid to along River Tonge Authority development zone. 'green up' Bolton's river corridors. R. Bradshaw Brook - 1. Monitor natural Environment Agency 0.2 Croal catchment Croal Wayoh Reservoir to colonisation and review surveyed summer 96. SSI 3 Jumbles Reservoir inlet. stocking requirements. No significant change indicated at this site. Lack of fishery due Review water quality primarily to poor water status. quality. 17 No. ISSUES ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TO TA L 1995 PROGRESS LEAD OTHER COST TO /9 6 ENVIRON M ENT AGENCY (£K)

R. Riding Gate Brook, 1. Construct flood 42 Construction Croal Bradshaw. alleviation works. works complete. SSI 4 Risk of flooding to Conservative Club, restaurant and residential properties. R. Middle Brook. 1. Monitor natural Environment Agency 0.2 Croal catchment Croal Sporadic fishery. colonisation and review surveyed summer 96. SS21 stocking requirements. No significant change indicated at this site. Review water quality status. R. Blackshaw Brook - 1. Continue tip Bolton MBC A remediation plan Croal Hall Lane tip to the remediation work. has been produced SS24 R.Croal. by Bolton MBC. The Chromium levels possibilities for causing poor quality finance are now water in this reach. being examined. This may become a long term issue.

R. Blackshaw Brook. 1. Monitor natural Environment Agency 0.2 Croal catchment Croal colonisation and review surveyed summer 96. SS26 Lack of fishery due stocking requirements. No significant primarily to poor change indicated at water quality. this site. Review water quality status.

R. Access Ramps. 1. Construct engineering Environment Agency 102 These ramps will now Croal Provide access ramps works. be constructed as SS28 on the River Croal part of the Agency's and Astley Brook at routine maintenance Bolton. works as required.

R. R.Tonge - Astley 1. Reduction in debris NWW Ltd Discussions on Croal Brook to Bradshaw load from unsatisfactory improvement New Brook. overflows. schemes ongoing. Issue 2. Agree remedial scheme 1995 Intermittent pollution Environment Agency 4 affecting aesthetic and issue appropriate appearance. consents.

R. Croal Minor - Sewer 1. Reduction in organic NWW Ltd - Discussions on Croal overflows to Jenny and debris load from improvement scheme New Beck. unsatisfactory overflows. ongoing. Issue Cause of aesthetic 2. Agree remedial scheme Environment Agency 4 1995 deterioration due to and issue appropriate sewage litter, consents. contribution to failure to achieve water quality classification objectives and impairment of aquatic fauna.

18 River Croal - New Issues

No. ISSUES ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TOTAL 1995 PROGRESS LEAD OTHER COST TO /9 6 ENVIRON MENT AGENCY (£K)

R. Eagley Brook to R 1. Control and eradicate Environment Agency (see (see CW16) Croal Croal at Irwell Giant Hogweed from CWI6) New confluence. banksides. Issue 1 Giant Hogweed poses safety, Croal Irwell Valley conservation and Wardens land drainage. R. Bull Hill Tip. 1. Monitor ex licenced Environment Agency Croal tip and control of New capping and leachate Issue 2 generation. Exemption for import of inert materials to complete capping and regrading (monitor operations).

R. Black Shaw Brook - 1. Capture under Environment Agency Croal Hall Lane Tip. contaminated land New regulation (chromium Issue 3 contamination).

4.6 River Irk - Site Specific Issues

No. ISSUES ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TO TA L 1995 PROGRESS LEAD OTHER COST TO /9 6 ENVIRON MENT AGENCY (£K) R.lrk River Irk - Cedar 1. Reduction in organic NWW Ltd A revised SSI Grove Storm and debris load from improvement Overflow to Royton three unsatisfactory scheme has been STW. sewer overflows at Cedar agreed. A consent Grove, Spaw and for a new discharge Failure to achieve the Haggate. has been issued. proposed water Completion of the quality classification 2. Agree remedial scheme Environment Agency 2 - scheme is due in objective for the and issue consents as early 1997. classified reach. appropriate. R.lrk River Irk - 1. Initial assessment Environment Agency Initial assessment SS2 Ha re wood Drive, of flooding problem. complete. No Royton further work Flooding to houses proposed. and road. ' R.lrk River Irk - Royton 1. Reduction in the NWW Ltd The proposed water SS3 STW to Wince organic load from Royton quality classification Brook. STW. objective has been revised following Failure to achieve 2. Reduction in the NWW Ltd - consultation. 93 -95 data the proposed water organic and debris load for the reach complied quality classification from the unsatisfactory with the new proposed objective for the southern sewer overflow objective although classified reach. at Royton STW. improvements are still required for continued 3. Agree remedial schemes Environment Agency 4 compliance and and issue appropriate improvements to the consents. aquatic fauna throughout the reach.

19 1 No. ISSUES ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TOTAL LEAD OTHER COST TO ENVIRON MENT AGENCY (£K) I R.lrk Whit Brook, Middleton. 1. Initial assessment of Environment Agency Initial assessment SS5 flooding problem. complete. No further work Flooding to industrial proposed. premises.

R.lrk Wince Brook - 1. Reduction in the NWW Ltd Discussion ongoing SS7 Foxdenton Lane to the organic load from regarding R.lrk. Oldham STW. improvements. The improvements 2. Reduction in organic will result in Failure to achieve the and debris load from a improvements to the proposed water quality number of unsatisfactory aquatic fauna. classification objective sewer overflows. for the classified reach. 3. Agree remedial scheme Environment Agency and issue appropriate consents. R.lrk River Irk, Middleton. 1. Construct engineering Environment Agency Construction SS8 works. planned for 97/98. Provide access ramps. Estimated cost: £30K. R. Irk River Irk. 1. Rehabilitation of river Environment Agency The project has SSIO and flood plain avoiding been put on hold River flows in straight­ damage to SBI's and at the moment and ened and listed structures. is unlikely to be "channelised" sections submitted as a through e.g. Local Planning multi-functional Alkrington Woods, Authority project until at least Rhodes Lodges and Riparian owners 1999. Blackley Forest areas. R.lrk River Irk - 1. Support riverside Environment Agency On going. SS20 Central Manchester. regeneration initiatives including renovation of Urban Dereliction. significant or historic industrial buildings, sympathetic Local Authority enhancement works, Voluntary Sector debris removal etc. Mersey Basin

River Irk - New Issues

No. ISSUES ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TO TAL 1995 PROGRESS LEAD OTHER COST TO /9 6 ENVIRON MENT AGENCY (£K)

R Irk R Irk at Royton. 1. Control and eradicate Environment Agency (see - (see CWl 6) New Giant Hogweed from site. CW l 6) Issue 1 Giant Hogweed poses safety, conservation and land drainage problems.

20 RESPONSIBILITY TOTAL 1995 PROGRESS LEAD OTHER COST TO /9 6 ENVIRON MENT AGENCY (£K)

R Irk at M66 1. Control and eradicate Contractor construction site. Giant Hogweed from site.

Giant Hogweed poses safety, conservation and land drainage threat to adjacent river. R. Irk Boarshaw Clough. 1. Regenerate New (rehabilitate) existing Issue 3 Enhancement wetland area. Opportunity for public amenity. R. Irk Moston Brook - Alford 1. Reduction in organic New Street and Suffolk and debris load from Issue 4 Street sewer overflows unsatisfactory overflows

Cause of aesthetic 2. Agree remedial scheme deterioration due to and issue appropriate sewage litter and consents. contribution to failure to achieve proposed water quality classification objective and impairment of aquatic fauna. R.lrk M66 Construction, 1. Monitor licensing New Boothroyden Road. condition after partial Issue 5 removal of Manchester Landscape project Road tip (uncontained) to (Landfill transfer). new containment site. Assess background monitoring and act if triggers exceeded. R.lrk Springbrook Works - 1. WML now subject to New remediation. completion criteria expect Issue 6 to issue soon. R.lrk Foxdenton Lane - 1. Control pollution New Sewage Works, problems to Rochdale Issue 7 Chadderton. canal via WML conditions and engineering. 4.7 River Medlock - Site Specific Issues

No. ISSUES ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TOTAL 1995 PROGRESS LEAD OTHER COST TO / 96 ENVIRON MENT AGENCY (£K)

R. River Medlock - Upper 1. Seek opportunities Environment Agency 2.5 On going. Med­ Strinesdale to A669. to enhance river lock corridor. SSI Lack of continuity of Local Authorities river corridor down­ Medlock Valley stream of Strinesdale Wardens Reservoir. Riparian owner

21 No. ISSUES ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TOTAL 1995 PROGRESS LEAD OTHER COST TO /96 ENVIRON MENT AGENCY (£K)

R. River Medlock - 1. Collect and review Environment Agency Arrangements for Med- Strinesdale Reservoir to further information. data collection have lock the A62. been completed. SS2 Incomplete information indicating failure to achieve the proposed water quality classification objective for the classified reach.

R. River Medlock - 1. Evaluation of perform­ Environment Agency _ The evaluation has Med- Thornley Brook (Wood ance of new sewer over­ been completed and lock Brook) to Glodwick flow of modern design, the operation of the SS7 Brook constructed in sewerage overflow is improvement scheme, considered Long-standing permitting abandonment satisfactory. unacceptable aesthetic of a number of others of Issue resolved. conditions due to older design upstream. An sewage debris. option for further improvement may follow.

R. Holden Clough Brook 1. Protect against GMCU On going. Med- unsympathetic proposals. lock Protection of status as Environment Agency SS10 key conservation Local Authorities feature (Grade A Site Riparian owner of Biological Importance). 2. Gather data on river Environment Agency Programmed to start corridor including summer 1997. biological and fisheries survey.

R. Lumb Brook - Railway 1. Reduction in the NWW Ltd 93 - 95 data Med- crossing to the R. organic and debris load complied with the lock Medlock. from unsatisfactory sewer proposed objective SS11 overflows. although improvements are Failure to achieve the 2. Evaluation of the impact Environment required for present water quality of Lumb Lane sewage Agency continued classification objective pumping station following compliance and for the classified reach. recent remedial measures. improvement to the aquatic fauna. 3. Evaluation of the impact Environment of recently discovered Agency 1. Discussions are sewer overflow near the ongoing regarding NWW Ltd railway crossing. improvement schemes. 4. Investigation of further Environment 2. Significantly sources of contamination Agency improved of culverted sections and performance has culverted tributaries. been recorded. 3. The evaluation has been completed and the operation of the overflow is considered unsatisfactory. 4. No action as yet.

22 No. ISSUES ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TOTAL 1995 PROGRESS LEAD OTHER COST TO / 96 ENVIRON MENT AGENCY (£K)

R. Medlock - Lords Brook 1. Reduce the organic and Environment Agency 20 Improvements on one Medlock to R.Irwell. debris load from the unsatisfactory sewer SSI 3 numerous unsatisfactory NWW Ltd overflow almost Failure to achieve the sewer overflows to the completed. present water quality reach and unclassified Discussions on the classification objective tributaries. improvements for the classified reach. required for the other 2. Reduction in the Environment Agency 4 approximately 30 organic load from unsatisfactory Failsworth STW. NWW Ltd overflows and at Failsworth STW are ongoing. The improvements will result in an improvement to the aquatic fauna.

R. River Medlock, 1. Selective earth Local Authority Feasibility study Medlock Clayton Vale. movement and Warden Service complete. Detailed SSI 4 landscaping, including design to commence Poorly landscaped, some tree clearance/ 97/98. deep, steep sided thinning. valley, severe vandalism. Extensive 2. Removal of artificial Environment Agency Feasibility study tipped areas. River channel features and MCC complete. Detailed corridor extensively return channel to more EC Central design to commence modified in places. natural state. Government 97/98.

R. Clayton Area. 1. Carry out consultation Environment Agency Any future proposed Medlock to form basis of development will SSI 5 Groundwater within groundwater require applicant to the Collyhurst management policy. demonstrate sandstone is fully sustainability of committed and may resource in terms of be inadequate to meet quality and quantity future industrial on a case by case demands. basis.

R. River Medlock - Lords 1. Carry out feasibility Environment Agency 30 Initial study complete. Medlock Brook to R.Irwell. study, select and design Design work depends SSI 7 most favourable solution. MSCC on availability of Pinmill Brow debris Riparian owner external funding. screen - debris bypassing screen at high flows. Difficult to safely clear screen.

R. River Medlock, 1. Promote extension of Environment Agency 1 On going. Medlock downstream Bradford "Linear Park" through SSI 8 Gas Works. land purchase or planning Local Planning gain. Authority Non-continuous "green corridor" between the Gas Works and Ashton New Road.

23 No. ISSUES ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TOTAL 1995 PROGRESS LEAD OTHER COST TO /9 6 ENVIRON MENT AGENCY (£K)

R. River Medlock - Lime 1. Promotion of open Local Authority 2 On going Medlock Kiln Lane to Ashton landscaped areas with Mersey Basin SS19 New Road, Central attractive but substantial Campaign Manchester. boundary fence. Wardening Service

Poorly landscaped, Environment Agency river corridor with partially demolished or 2. Promote the repair and As above vandalised walls and finish walls and other structures. Severe structures. vandalism and litter problems. 3. Increase regular As above wardening "presence".

R. River Medlock, Central 1. The Environment Environment Agency 1200 Bid to Millennium Medlock Manchester. Agency have submitted a Commission SS20 bid to the Millennium MCC unsuccessful. Other Urban Dereliction and Commission to provide Developers possibilities for access problems in recreational habitat and external funding and/ Central Manchester. access improvements to or a smaller project the River Medlock through will now be Central Manchester. considered over the period 97/98 to 99/ 2000. Total cost £240K.

R. River Medlock at 1. Construct engineering Environment Agency 68 Construction planned Medlock Pinmill Brow, works. for 97/98. Estimated SS22 Manchester and cost £35K. Philips Park.

Provide access ramps

4.8 Lower Irwell - Site Specific Issues

No. ISSUESACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TOTAL 1995 PROGRESS LEAD OTHER COST TO /9 6 ENVIRON MENT AGENCY (£ K )

L. Clifton Valley 1. Support the work of the Environment Agency 15 On going. Irwell LIVIA project including SS6 Degraded, old improvements to, and LIVIA Project industrial landscape. deculverting of, Slack Groundwork Trust Brook. Salford MCC

24 No. ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TOTAL 1995 PROGRESS LEAD OTHER COST TO 796 ENVIRON MENT AGENCY (£K)

L. Singleton Brook A56 1. Reduction in the NWW Ltd . The proposed short Irwell to the R. Irwell. organic and debris load term water quality SS9 from unsatisfactory sewer classification objective Failure to achieve the overflows. has been revised. 93 proposed water - 95 data for the reach quality classification 2. Agree remedial scheme Environment Agency 4 - would comply with objective for the and issue appropriate the new objective. classified reach. consents. However, the improvements are still required for continued compliance with the proposed short term objective, progress towards compliance with the proposed long term objective and improvements to the aquatic fauna. Discussions regarding the improvements are ongoing.

L. River Irwell - Lower 1. Construct flood Environment Agency 1000 Construction start Irwell Kersal and Lower alleviation works. planned for 97/98. SS11 Broughton, Salford. Latest cost estimate £14.3M. Flooding to large areas of Salford, including industrial and domestic properties.

L. Trafford Park 1. No significant increase Environment Agency Any future proposed Irwell Groundwater Quality. in abstraction to be development will SSI 6 permitted from require applicant to Saline groundwater groundwater sources. demonstrate due to historic over­ sustainability of abstraction. 2. Carry out groundwater resource in terms of resource assessment to quality and quantity form basis of groundwater on a case by case Management Policy. basis.

L. Folly Brook, Eccles. 1. Initial assessment of Environment Agency Initial assessment Irwell flooding problem. complete. Survey SS21 Risk of blockage to Riparian owner work needed to twin culverts beneath confirm extent of Rocky Lane, Eccles problem. which could result in flooding.

L. Folly Brook, Monton. 1. Investigate options to Riparian owner Investigation to be Irwell install improved screening Environment Agency carried out in 97/98. SS23 Risk of flooding to arrangements. property and park land.

25 No. ISSUES ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TOTAL 1995 PROGRESS LEAD OTHER COST TO / 96 ENVIRON MENT AGENCY (£K)

L. Worsley Brook, Eccles 1. Problem highlighted to Environment Agency Monitoring is Irwell Highways Agency and Highways Agency continuing. SS26 Bank slip adjacent to City of Salford Council. City of Salford M63. Situation to be monitored.

L. Worsley Brook - River 1. Carry out feasibility Environment Agency 30 Additional works have Irwell Gauging Station. study, select and design been carried out to SS 27 most favourable solution. reduce the size of Fatalities due to access downstream ponding. problems caused by This has increased vandalism. public safety at the Poor station record site but data quality is due to design. still extremely poor. To be further assessed.

L. Salteye Brook, Eccles. 1. "Serve notice" to owner Environment Agency The owner has now Irwell of scrap yard to remove completed SS28 Debris on river bank. debris. Riparian owner remediation works at this site, to the Agency's satisfaction. 2. Environment Agency Environment Agency - removes debris and recharge owners.

L. Platts Brook, Irlam and 1. Construct engineering Environment Agency 68 Platts brook now Irwell Salteye Brook, Eccles. works. removed from SS30 programme. Access Ramps. Salteye Brook- Design work in 97/98, and construction planned for 98/99. Estimated cost £25K.

L Irwell Pomona Dock to 1. Pursue with Partners MBC Central 8 A decision has been New Turning Basin, Salford need/implementation of Catchment Group made to pursue Issue Docks. dredging/aeration to (comprising dredging and 1995 improve aesthetic quality. Environment Agency, aeration. Aeration Potential oxygen Seek further funding. NWW Ltd, Salford trials started in August depletion due to CC, Trafford BC and 1996. Environment action of Manchester Ship Agency involvement contaminated silt. Canal Co.) will now continue beyond 95/96.

26 Lower Irwell - New Issues

No. ISSUES ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TOTAL 1995 PROGRESS LEAD OTHER COST TO 796 ENVIRON MENT AGENCY (£K )

L Irwell R Irwell from Croal to 1. Control and eradicate Environment Agency (see (see CW16) New Salford. Giant Hogweed from NWW Ltd CW16) Issue 1 banksides. Giant Hogweed poses Croal Irwell safety, conservation Valley Wardens and land drainage problems.

L Irwell Kempnough Brook, 1. Control and eradicate Salford MBC New Worsley Giant Hogweed from Issue 2 banksides. Environment Agency (see (see CW16) Giant Hogweed poses CW16) safety, conservation and land drainage problems.

L Irwell M61/M62 1. Control and eradicate Highways Agency New interchange. Giant Hogweed from Issue 3 roadside. Non-waterside population of Giant Hogweed poses safety and conservation threat to local river system.

L Irwell Ellenbrook, Worsley. 1. Control and eradicate Salford MBC New Giant Hogweed from Issue 4 Non-waterside roadside. population of Giant Hogweed poses safety and conservation threat to local river system.

L Irwell Folly Brook - former 1. Reduction in organic NWW Ltd Discussions regarding New Swinton STW to and debris load from improvements are Issue 5 Worsley Brook. unsatisfactory sewer ongoing. overflows. Failure to achieve the proposed water 2. Agree remedial schemes Environment Agency quality classification and issue consents as objective for the appropriate. classified reach, impairment of the aquatic fauna and poor aesthetic appearance.

27 No. ISSUES RESPONSIBILITY TOTAL 1995 LEAD OTHER COST TO / 96 ENVIRON MENT AGENCY (£K)

L Irwell Kempnough Brook - 1. Reduction in organic NWW Ltd Discussions New upstream of Old and debris load from the regarding Issue 6 Warke Dam . unsatisfactory sewer improvements not overflow at Atkins St. yet started. Aesthetic deterioration due to discolouration, 2. Agree remedial scheme Environment Agency deposited debris and and issue consent as sewage fungus arising appropriate. from storm sewage discharges.

L Irwell Prestwich Clough 1. Reduction in organic NWW Ltd New Brook. and debris load from an Issue 7 unsatisfactory sewer Aesthetic deterioration overflow. due to discolouration and deposited debris 2. Agree remedial scheme Environment Agency Agreement has been arising from storm and issue consent as reached on an sewage discharges. appropriate. improvement

L Irwell Bridgewater Canal 1. Gather information on New Boothstown to Barton. impact and pursue Issue 8 consideration within Aesthetic deterioration national minewaters due to ochre. remediation proposals by Coal Authority.

L Irwell Clifton Valley 1. WML subject to Reg 15 New Lumms Lane investigation assess and Issue 9 i) Magnesium Elekton. act on information as necessary.

L Irwell ii) Biffa Containment 1. Licensed site, monitor New Site (ex Coal Board for pollution and act Issue 10 waste mining tip). under license condition as necessary (containment site).

L Irwell iii) Ex CEGB Ash tip 1. WML for inert material Environment Agency New rear of Thermalite import. Monitor Issue 11 Brick Works. background and act under WML condition to assist in LIVIA project - decrease infiltration to groundwater and improve Irwell corridor.

L Irwell iv) Old Lumms Lane / 1. Expect capture in Environment Agency New Carrington Road tip. contaminated land Issue 12 regulations.

28 RESPONSIBILITY TOTAL 1995 PROGRESS LEAD OTHER COST TO /9 6 ENVIRON MENT AGENCY (£K)

L Irwell Davyhulme STW. 1. Consideration of Environment Agency New application for Issue 1 3 containment landfill to decrease pollution loading on ground water.

L Irwell Salteye Brook 1. Application for Scrap Environment Agency New Scrap Yard Old Eccles Yard license, control Issue 14 STW, Salford City pollution from Drain Landscape (ex) Crushing and Waste Composting. Transfer Activities and composting.

L Irwell Pomona Docks 1. Exemption application Environment Agency New regeneration (New to control impact of Issue 1 5 road and tram contaminated land areas system). by capping under new structures.

L Irwell North Bank Industrial 1. Control potential Environment New Estate, Irlam. pollution under WML Issue 1 6 condition for remediated sites/deposits to decrease pollution loading on ground water.

L Irwell Peaks Nook, 1. Control deposits of Environment Agency New Carrington. inert wastes under WML Issue 1 7 conditions.

action plans

29 5. Appendices Appendix 1 Overview of the Catchment Due to the heavy urbanisation and the legacy of the Industrial Revolution throughout the Catchment many stretches of river are culverted or channelled. In the Description Roch Catchment these factors result in development occurring over the rivers, with much of the river culverted especially in Rochdale. Similar problems occur on the River Croal as it flows through Bolton, the The River Irwell catchment has a population of River Irk through Royton, Middleton and near its 1,533,000 and includes the Cities of Manchester and confluence with the River Irwell under Victoria Station, Salford. The catchment is densely urban and industrial, Manchester. The River Medlock from Pinmill Brow to its covering an area of 793 km2. The River Irwell rises on confluence with the River Irwell is predominantly in Deerplay Moor, near Bacup, in open moorland before culvert or tunnel through Manchester City Centre, and winding its way south towards Manchester, being where it flows in the open, the river banks are formed joined by the Rivers Roch, Croal, Irk and Medlock on by high retaining walls or by the walls of buildings. This route. Only the upper reaches of the catchment are problem is often made worse by dilapidated channel rural in character. All the major tributaries drain urban walls collapsing into the river, with hard-core then and industrial areas; the Irk and the Medlock flow being carried downstream and often deposited inside through the centre of Manchester. culverts or where access to the river with heavy plant is difficult or impossible. Many of the tributaries of the There are a range of environmental initiatives to River Irk and the Lower Irwell are also culverted. improve the catchment area which the Environment Agency supports. These include the Mersey Basin The Environment Agency is successfully pursuing a Campaign, Streamcare, the Red Rose Community Forest policy of increased access to the river corridor as part of Initiative and the LIVIA Project. the redevelopment proposals. The Upper Irwell is valued as an area of amenity and There are localised areas at risk of flooding throughout conservation because much of the catchment is subject the Catchment. The regular maintenance works to considerable development pressures. Through together with the capital schemes identified in the catchment management planning the Environment Action Plans should reduce flood risk to a minimum. Agency will endeavour to continue to work together with NWW Ltd., Local Authorities, Industrialists and Landowners to improve our water environment. Water Quality

Catchment Uses Some reaches of the catchment are of poor water quality. Discharges from North West Water Ltd. Sewage Treatment Works and from the sewerage networks Flood Defence associated with them are the main cause of the poor quality of the rivers. There are 13 principal Sewage Treatment Works in the Irwell Catchment as well as The Irwell Catchment has 363 Kilometres of "main many smaller Treatment Works. In addition there are river" which principally flow through the heavily over 610 combined sewer overflows, the greatest urbanised areas of Manchester, Salford, Bolton, Bury concentration being in the Lower Irwell with over 140. and Rochdale. There are also over 100 combined sewer overflows in the Croal and Irk Catchments. Discharges of trade Regular inspections of channels and structures are effluent direct to river after treatment rather than to carried out to safeguard the existing standards of flood sewer, generally have more localised impact. There are protection especially in the urbanised areas. a number of direct trade effluent discharges in the Maintenance work includes clearing debris from Lower Irwell Sub-Catchment. channels, culverts, bridges and debris screens as well as de-silting and dredging works. Ochreous land drainage and runoff from contaminated land areas has a very marked impact on the River Roch and widespread localised impact elsewhere.

30 Other sources of pollution are natural acidic runoff in There are 187 abstractions used for industrial purposes the headwaters, runoff from farms, motorways and totalling 111,992 Ml/y. On average only 10% of these industrial sites, and discharges from small sewage abstractions are from groundwater, the exception being treatment plants. These all have a localised impact of the Irk Sub-Catchment which abstracts 73% mainly pollution. from the major Permo-Triassic aquifer.

Storm runoff from streets and domestic and commercial There are 101 abstractions used for agricultural properties have a significant influence as well as storm purposes, totalling 257 Ml/y mainly in the Upper Irwell drains contaminated with domestic foul water. and Roch Sub-Catchments. Again, only groundwater is used for agricultural purposes in the Irk Sub-Catchment. The Lower Irwell suffers from the poor water quality of the other sub-catchments draining to it. Very little water is used for spray irrigation, accounting for only 22 abstractions which reflects the industrial and River Ecosystem River Quality Objectives (RQOs) were urbanised nature of the Irwell Catchment. proposed for the Irwell catchment for the first time in the Water Quality Supplement to the Action Plan. The There is very little abstraction from the Irk, Medlock and first year of the plan until this Annual Review has been Lower Irwell Sub-Catchments for agricultural or spray viewed as a consultation on those proposals. A number irrigation purposes, this possibly reflects the poor water of comments have been received and additional data quality of these rivers and their tributaries. In the Lower collected since the initial assessment. As a result of this Irwell 92% of the abstraction is from the Manchester a number of changes to the original proposals for short Ship Canal and the Bridgewater Canal, there being very and long term RQOs have been made. These are little use of the natural surface water resources within documented in Appendix 6. the catchment. The majority of abstraction takes place in the Trafford Park area.

Water Service Company Funding Development Plans

Land use planning matters are primarily the Schemes under Asset Management Plan 2 (AMP2) for responsibility of County and District Councils. However, water quality improvements are under way. Progress on the Environment Agency is a statutory consultee in the individual schemes has been reported under several planning process and can play a key role in influencing issues. Discussions regarding a further spending plan, such matters. (See Land Use and the Water AMP3 have started. Environment Section).

Due to the urbanised and residential nature of the catchment, increasing pressure on development is Water Abstractions resisted along the river valley corridors, as they are recognised for their open land value.

There are only six groundwater sources used for public water supply within the Irwell Catchment associated with the Millstone Grits, and 14 major surface water abstractions for public supply. These amount to 4,147 Fisheries Ml/y and 71,319 Ml/y respectively all from the Upper Irwell, Roch and Croal Sub-Catchments. Although there are no public water abstractions within the Irk, The River Irwell, because of its physical nature and river Medlock and Lower Irwell Sub-Catchments, it should be quality, was a prime salmon river up until the last borne in mind that many private sources are used for century. The construction of the Manchester Ship domestic supply. Canal, industrialisation and consequent deterioration in water quality have caused many of the tributaries and river stretches to now have few fish or are devoid of fish altogether. Where possible, with the improvement in water quality, provision for the passage of fish over weirs and through culverts.

31 Over the last decade due to general improvement in Mineral extraction via surface mining has also been water quality, fish have begun a natural re-colonisation. extensive and widespread throughout the Irwell This is particularly true in the Upper Irwell where brown Catchment. These workings have mainly been in the trout are breeding throughout the Sub-Catchment, form of clay or marl pits, sand and gravel pits, with some coarse fish populations lower downstream. sandstone quarries in outcrop areas and occasional shale pits. There are substantial sites of mine waste The Roch, Croal, Medlock and Irk Sub-Catchments dumps to be found on low-lying ground to the south of have the potential to be a Trout fishery in their upper Oldham. Within heavily urbanised areas, such as in the reaches and a mixed fishery in their lower reaches, but Lower Irwell Sub-Catchment, surface mineral workings due to the water quality problems either by organic have been localised because of the nature of the pollution or intermittent polluting discharges, fish Catchment. populations are restricted. Many old mine workings have been filled, often with The River Irwell generally maintains populations of waste from a variety of sources. coarse fish which is consistent with the physical habitats present. However, these are susceptible to intermittent pollution events. The main fish species are roach, with Conservation some chub, bream and pike, with some brown trout in the upper reaches. Anglers have good catches of coarse fish through Ringley and Radcliffe. There are several rivers of very high conservation value within the Catchment. They are most unspoilt near the high open moorland in the upper reaches. Wooded valleys, doughs and wetlands are associated with a number of rivers. For example, Cheesden Brook and Landfill and Solid Waste Disposal Naden Brook in the River Roch Sub-Catchment which are designated Grade A Sites of Biological Importance (SBI's). There are a large number of reservoirs, old mill The Environment Agency is a statutory consultee on lodges and ponds in the Catchment which are of Waste Disposal matters. A wide range of waste disposal conservation value, for example, the Kirklees Valley. operations require a Waste Disposal Licence including scrap yards, transfer stations, incinerators and waste Rivers provide essential wildlife corridors especially in storage. the City Centre where the rivers are channelised. In the urban areas especially in the Irk Sub-Catchment, the There are 34 operational landfill sites within the Irwell green corridors associated with many of the Catchment and considerably more old disused sites, watercourses may be the only open space for people many of which are not documented and may be and wildlife. A larger number of watercourses have causing some pollution. Any existing operational and been seriously degraded and fragmented during urban proposed landfill sites must specify engineering development, due to culverting, infilling valleys, tipping measures to minimise the potential for any leachate on flood plains, debris in the river channels and generated to escape. In addition, a regular monitoring building to the waters edge. Extensive natural regime is undertaken to ensure containment. regeneration and tree planting have masked some of the destructive efforts of historical industry. Nob End SSSI, in the Upper Irwell Sub-Catchment is a good example of an old waste tip which has naturally Mineral Extraction developed a rich lime-loving flora.

In the Croal Sub-Catchment there are a higher diversity Throughout the Irwell Catchment mineral extraction is of invertebrates than elsewhere in the Catchment and very difficult to quantify as it has been extensive and there is a variety of organisms present including some largely unrecorded. There has been extensive pollution sensitive species. underground mine-workings for the extraction of coal, as well as other minerals on a much smaller scale. There has also been extensive sandstone extraction from underground workings in the Rawtenstall area.

32 Many foreign plants were introduced to Britain in the Support will be given to riverside regeneration 19th century, mainly for ornamental reasons. A few initiatives including renovation of historical buildings have become aggressively dominant, creating serious especially if they include the provision of riverside problems in some areas. Three such invasive plants are walkways and use local or natural materials. japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed and Himalayan Balsam. Giant Hogweed, which poses a serious health hazard, is a particular problem in the Croal Catchment. Recreation and Amenity

Landscape and Heritage There has been an increase in leisure demand for water sports and outdoor recreation. The water environment forms an important component of many leisure The value of open land within the river valleys has been activities such as angling, canoeing, boating, rowing, identified throughout the Irwell Catchment as an sailing and bird-watching. Activities such as rambling, important landscape resource for a predominately orienteering, horse riding and picnicking bring the urban area. In the Upper Irwell, Roch and Medlock public into close proximity with the water environment. Sub-Catchments, the open landscape, mainly Within the Irwell Catchment there are many areas of moorland, are designated as Special Landscape Areas. amenity and recreation activity. However, in the highly industrialised and urban areas recreation is often limited River character is influenced by past and present land­ to pockets of open space. use. In the Roch Sub-Catchment the countryside landscape may change due to the decline of agriculture The Irwell Valley Way and the Medlock Valley Way are in the area. The promotion of woodland planting long distance footpaths which follow the river valley, schemes will be encouraged. Mill buildings and weirs but in the Irk Sub-Catchment access by foot varies are a typical landscape feature reflecting Rochdale's along the watercourses and is often limited. In the importance in the textile industry. There are also Sites Upper Irwell Sub-Catchment a canoe slalom course - is of Ancient Monuments. available at Burrs Mill, Ramsbottom.

The Croal Sub-Catchment has distinct river valleys with Reservoirs are used for boating, sailing, rowing and diverse landscapes from upland moorland to low lying wind surfing. Boating also takes place on canals and farmland intersected by sandstone ridges. The river rowing on the River Irwell at Agecroft. Golf courses valleys have a high amenity value with 25 Areas of and small sports grounds, bowling greens and cricket Special Landscape Value or Green Belt. The Croal Valley grounds adjacent to watercourses are available in the has been separately identified for conservation and River Irk Sub-Catchment. Clifton Country Park is enhancement under the Croal - Irwell Valley Plan. adjacent to the right bank of the Lower Irwell and Bradshaw Brook maintains a high amenity value into provides woodland walks, industrial archaeology, the built up area. angling, orienteering, horse riding and cycling. There is also a cycle track and public footpath which follows The Irk Sub-Catchment is predominantly built-up with the Manchester Ship Canal. Still waters and canal just a few public open spaces, for example, Heaton lengths throughout the Catchment are used for Park, with only one Special Landscape Area and no angling, pond dipping and general educational uses. Scheduled Ancient Monuments. Heaton Park is listed on the Historic Parks and Gardens register. Navigation Much of east Manchester's open space lies within the Medlock Valley, Daisy Nook Country Park being part of the Greater Manchester Green Belt. There are plans to Navigation relates to waterways for which there is a extend the Green Belt closer to the city by upgrading public right of passage for boat traffic. Navigation is Philips Park and including Clayton Vale, a former limited in the Irwell Catchment being on canals and in industrial site where the character of the river valley the extreme lower reaches of the Irwell before it enters changes noticeably from rural to urban fringe. The the Manchester Ship Canal. Lower Irwell is the most developed Sub-Catchment within the Irwell Catchment area and shows the pressures of past and present land uses. There are many opportunities for enhancement with the redevelopment of sites, for example, alongside the Manchester Ship Canal.

33 Land Use and the Water Environment

Land Use and resource management have a major associated lands. Addressing water issues will assist the impact on the water environment. However, while the formulation of settlement strategies, the location, Environment Agency is well placed to influence some of attractiveness and sustainability of developments. It will the factors affecting the water environment, particularly also improve the quality of policies for landscape, in relation to the river corridor itself, it has no direct nature and urban conservation, recreation and tourism. control over the mechanisms which determine land use Plans sensitive to water matters will be protecting and change on a catchment wide basis. This is largely the enhancing a vital natural resource and the surrounding responsibility of local planning authorities through the environment. implementation of the Town and Country Planning Acts. To guide local authorities, the Environment Agency has prepared a set of statements relating to the broad The policies in statutory development plans are headings of water quality and water resources, flood important in this regard in that they set out the defence, fisheries, conservation, recreation and framework for land use change, and provide the key navigation in the river corridor and mineral workings reference in determining development implications; the and waste disposal. Environment Agency encourages the inclusion of policies which reflect its concerns and responsibilities. These statements are summarised in the Environment Agency's "Guidance Notes for Local Planning The role of planning authorities in determining Authorities on the Methods of Protecting the Water development of the urban and rural environment and Environment through Development Plans". The its subsequent impact on the water environment Catchment Management Plan set out issues and actions cannot be overstated. specific to this catchment which have been agreed within the framework of these Guidance Notes. The local planning authorities are responsible for the determination of land use changes and promoting Involvement by the Environment Agency in the forward planning policies. As a statutory consultee the production of local, strategic and national plans is vital Environment Agency provides local planning to the well being of the water environment. authorities with guidance statements to assist them in Catchment Management Plans, and their successors formulating policies for inclusion in their plans which Local Environment Agency Plans, outlining the reflect the Environment Agency's concerns and Environment Agency's vision for sustainable responsibilities including the statutory requirement to development will help focus this process and promote conserve and enhance the water environment and close liaison with development bodies.

New Development, R. Irwell, Central Manchester

34 Appendix 2

Catchment Facts

Total Area 793 km2

Population 1,533,000

Administrative Details District Councils:- Manchester City Council Salford City Council Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council Bury Metropolitan Borough Council Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council Blackburn District Council Rossendale District Council

Water Resources Largest Abstraction 1 73 Ml/d

Average Annual Rainfall 1200 mm Rainfall ranges from 1554mm at Springs Reservoir near Bolton, to 855mm at Weaste in Salford (Based on 1961 - 90 Average)

Flood Protection Length of Designated "Main River" Watercourses:- 362.54 km (maintained by Environment Agency)

Water Quality Length of classified river:- 327 km

Fisheries Length of trout fishery:- 96 km Coarse fishery:- 36 km

Conservation Number of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI):- 1 7 (+1 proposed) Number of Site of Biological Importance (SBI):- 367 (excluding Blackburn) N.B. Blackburn sites not available.

Heritage Sites Number of Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAM's): 12 Number of Conservation Areas: 43 Number of Historic Parks and Gardens: 2

N .B. These figures are for designated sites located near to "main river" and, therefore, do not include all sites within the catchment boundary.

35 Appendix 3

Glossary

Abstraction Licence A licence to abstract water issued by the Environment Agency. The maximum annual, daily, and hourly abstraction rates are normally set within the terms of the licence.

Bed The bottom of a river.

Bed Control Stable river bed which limits the movement of bed materials.

Channel A cutting in land along which a river flows.

Confluence Point where two, or more, rivers meet.

Clough A small steep sided river valley.

Compensation Water Water released from a reservoir to maintain the flow required in the river.

Culvert A man-made structure, for example a pipe, carrying a watercourse underground.

Eutrophication Enrichment of water by nutrients causing an accelerated growth of algae and higher forms of plant life to produce an undesirable disturbance to the balance of organisms present in the water and to the quality of the water concerned.

Fauna Animal life.

Flora Plant life

Freshwater Fish For the purpose of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975, fish other than salmon, brown trout, sea trout, rainbow trout and char.

Geomorphological Physical features of a river, which include meandering (winding) channel, gravel beds Features and shoals, ox-bows, earth cliffs and river terraces.

Invertebrate Animal without a backbone for example insects.

Load A measure of the material carried by a river either in suspension or as dissolved material.

Main River Some, but not all, watercourses are designated as Main River. Main River status of a watercourse must first be approved by MAFF. The Environment Agency has the power to carry out works to improve drainage or protect land and property against flooding on watercourses designated as Main River.

Marginal At the water's edge.

Nutrients Providing or contributing nourishment.

Ochre Iron based orange discolouration.

Pasture Semi-improved and improved grazed grassland.

Riparian Of, or on, the banks of a river.

Riparian Owner Owner of land abutting a river or lake. Normally riparian owners own the bed of river to the mid point of the channel.

River Corridor Stretch of river including its banks and the land close by.

Salmonids Fish classified as belonging to the Salmon family, such as Salmon, Trout and Char.

Shoal A sand and/or gravel deposit at the edge of or within river channel.

36 Appendix 4

Abbreviations

AOD- Above ordnance datum

AMP2 - Asset Management Plan

BC - Borough Council

CC - City Council

CEGB - Central Electricity Generating Board

CMP - Catchment Management Plan

EC - European Community

EQS - Environmental Quality Standard

GMCU - Greater Manchester Countryside Unit

HMIP - Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Pollution

IPC - Integrated Pollution Control

LA21 - Local Agenda 21

LEAP - Local Environment Agency Plan

LIVIA - Lower Irwell Valley Integrated Action

LPA - Local Planning Authority

MAFF - Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

MBC - Metropolitan Borough Council

MCC - Manchester City Council

Ml/y - Megalitres per year

MSCC - Manchester Ship Canal Company

NRA - National Rivers Authority

NWW Ltd - North West Water Limited

QSL - Quality Survey Limit

RQO - River Quality Objective

SBI - Site of Biological Importance

SSSI - Site of Special Scientific Interest

STW - Sewage Treatment Works (also referred to as Waste Water Treatment Works)

WML - Waste Management Licence

WRA - Waste Regulation Authorities

37 Appendix 5

Issues omitted from the First Annual Review

The following issues are to be undertaken as routine work:

Upper Irwell

SS10 Limy Water, Constable Lee, Rawtenstall. Flooding to 40 houses and road. 5528 Kirklees Brook, Woodhill. Flooding to industrial units caused by silting of two culverts. 5529 Irwell, Bury. Tipping problem upstream of Bolton Street Bridge. SS32 River Irwell, Bury to Radcliffe. Large amounts of material deposited in river bed.

River Roch

SS24 River Roch and River Beal. Widespread tipping. SS31 River Roch, Rochdale. Risk of flooding due to insufficient capacity of bridge structures in town centre.

River Croal

SS9 Astley Brook (Dean Brook), Bolton. Continued maintenance to brook to remove shoals. SS18 Middle Brook, Bolton. Continued maintenance to channel. SS22 River Croal, Bolton. General Maintenance works required between Bolton and confluence with the River Irwell.

River Irk

SS6 River Irk, Middleton Town Centre. Siltation Problem. S S I2 River Irk, Delaunays Road, Blackley. Siltation of ICI, Hexagon Tower culvert. SSI4 River Irk, Hendam Vale. Maintenance required to maintain the existing level of flood protection. SSI 7 Moston Brook, Collyhurst. Frequent heavy maintenance is required to the lower reaches of Moston Brook, to maintain the existing level of flood protection. SSI8 River Irk - Red Bank, Collyhurst Road to Don Mintex, Hendon Vale. Maintenance works are required to maintain the existing level of flood protection.

River Medlock

555 Thornley Brook (Wood Brook), Grotton. Grotton Hollow Estate head of culvert prone to blockages during flood flows. 556 Thornley Brook (Wood Brook), Grotton. Flood risk due to unstable bank downstream of culvert at Grotton Hollow Estate. SSI6 River Medlock, Philips Park. Loss of natural river channel through Philips Park Area, cemetery and downstream of Clayton Vale.

38 Lower Irwell

SS10 Singleton Brook, Prestwich. Risk of flooding to factory units. SS22 Folly Brook, Monton. Risk of flooding to Worsley Golf Club. SS24 Folly Brook, Eccles. Access problems between Parrin Lane and Napier Road.

Water Quality Issues:

Upper Irwell

SS3 Cowpe Brook - Higher Boarsgreave to the River Irwell. Failure to achieve the proposed water quality classification objective for the classified reach. Review of data. No issue in terms of River Ecosystem RQO. Impact of permethrin now incorporated in SS4. SS31 Elton Brook - Dow Lane to River Irwell. Failure to achieve the proposed classification objective for the classified reach. Review of data.

Croal

SS23 Blackshaw Brook - Red Bridge to Hall Lane Tip. Failure to achieve the present water quality classification objective for the classified reach. Review of data. N ew Issue Bradshaw Brook - Jumbles Reservoir inlet to Bradshaw Brow. Failure to achieve proposed water quality classification objective. Review of data. The RQOs have also been tightened.

Lower Irwell

5514 Corn Brook - Openshaw to the Manchester Ship Canal. Failure to achieve the proposed water quality classification objective for the classified reach. Water quality classification objective reviewed and no short - term RQO now set. See also Appendix 6. 5515 M anchester Ship Canal - Salford Docks to the River Mersey. Failure to achieve the proposed water quality classification objective for the classified reach. Water quality classification objective reviewed and no short - term RQO now set. See also Appendix 6.

39 Appendix 6 Changes to Proposed Short-Term River Ecosystem RQOs

RIVER STRETCH ACTION PLAN REVISED SHORT­ REASON FOR CHANGE PROPOSED SHORT­ TERM RE RQO TERM RE RQO

Limy Water QSL at Clow Bridge RE2(1995) RE4(1995) Intermittent pollution of unknown to Loveclough origin became more apparent during 1995. Revised objective reflects this and protects against deterioration.

Limy Water Loveclough RE2(1995) RE3(1995) Some implications from the to Irwell upstream reach. Also now perceived that the Action Plan proposal may not be achievable consistently given the areas of road and housing draining to the brook.

Irwell Chest Wheel Bridge RE4(1995) RE3(1995) RE3 is now perceived as consist­ to Roch ently achievable in the short­ term.

Irwell Rossendale STW to RE4(1995) RE3(1995) RE3 is now perceived as Chest Wheel Bridge consistently achievable in the short-term.

Irwell Whitewell Bk. to RE4(1995) RE2(1995) RE2 is now perceived as Rossendale STW consistently achievable.

Irwell QSL at Deerplay to RE3(1995) RE2(1995) RE2 is now perceived as Whitewell Bk. consistently achievable in the short­ term.

Pigs Lee Bk. QSL AT A56 to Irwell RE5(1995) RE3(1995) Recognising significant improvements in water quality since the Action Plan assessment period.

Lydgate Bk. Ochre Stream RE2(1995) Data is now available to make the to Roch assessment. Data for pH may have to be set aside in the future because it is affected by drainage for which there is currently no practical solution.

Beal QSL at Royton RE2(1995) RE4(1995) Review of data. Additional data Sidings to indicates that RE2 and RE3 cannot Piethorn Bk. be consistently achieved and this reflects the urban and industrial nature of the catchment.

40 RIVER STRETCH ACTION PLAN REVISED SHORT­ REASON FOR CHANGE PROPOSED SHORT­ TERM RE RQO TERM RE RQO

Sudden Brook QSL at Balderstone RE3(1995) RE4(1995) Additional data has indicated that to Roch RE3 cannot be consistently achieved in the short-term.

Roch Rochdale STW to RE5(1998) RE5(1995) Change of date recognising that Irwell complies with RE5 now.

Naden Bk. QSL at Doctor Dam RE5(1995) RE2(1 995) Additional data has indicated that to Cheesen Bk. consistent compliance with RE2 is now possible particularly with the closure of a problem industrial site. Compliance assessment is based on 2 years (1994/1995) data only.

Roch QSL at Chelburn RE5(1995) RE2(1995) In a review of the low pH values Resvr. Trib to which prevent compliance with an Summit RQO of higher quality than RE5, because these arise from natural sources this parameter is to be set aside to ensure continued control of other parameters.

Whittle BK. QSL at Birch Services RE5(1995) RE3(1995) Review of data. Trib. to Roch

Astley Bk. A666 to Eagley Bk. RE4(1995) RE3(1995) Review of data. Recognising significant improvements in water quality since the Action Plan assessment.

Tonge Astley Bk. to RE3(2001) RE3(1995) Significant improvement in water Bradshaw Bk. quality since the Action Plan assessment period. Improvements to unsatisfactory overflows affecting the reach in NWW Ltd's current programme are mainly in terms of debris rather than organic load.

Captains Clough QSL at Doffcocker RE4(1995) RE4(2006) A review of data has indicated Lodge to Middle although currently achieving RE4 Brook this may not be consistent until completion of the sewerage improvements at present scheduled for years 2000-2005.

Croal Croal Minor to Irwell RE3(1995) RE4(1995) Additional data indicates RE3 cannot be consistently achieved in the short term. Sewerage improvements are planned in the catchment but it is not certain at this stage that they will result in consistent achievement of RE3.

41 RIVER STRETCH ACTION PLAN REVISED SHORT­ REASON FOR CHANGE PROPOSED SHORT­ TERM RE RQO TERM RE RQO

Bradshaw Bk. jumbles Resvr. inlet RE4(1995) RE2(1995) Review of data. One a typical result to Bradshaw Brow affecting previous assessment.

Blackshaw Bk. QSL at Red Bridge RE2(2001) RE2(1995) Review of data and effect of to HallLane Tip improvements. Improvements on sewer overflow now scheduled for years 2000-2005 and would have most effect on downstream reach. RE2 considered achievable objective for upstream.

Croal Minor Captains Clough to RE5(2001) RE4(2006) Review of planned improvements. Croal All upstream sewerage improvements currently due to be completed by 2006. Replacing stepping stone RQO of consistent achievement of RES by 2001 relating to resolution of some overflow problems.

Irk Royton STW to RE3(2001) RE4(1995) Review of effects of improvements. Wince Brook Commitment on expenditure limited to achievement of RE4.

Irk Cedar Grove SSO to RE3(2001) RE3(1997) Change of compliance date. Royton STW Improvement plans for unsatisfactory sewer overflows finalised.

Irk Wince Brook to RE3(2006) RE4(2006) Review of the effects of upstream Moston Brook improvements. No certainty that self purification will result in RE3 although still a long-term aspiration.

Medlock QSL at Upper RE1 (1995) RE2(1995) Additional data indicates that RE1 is Strinesdale to not consistently achievable. Such Strinesdale inputs as run-off from roads and discharges from septic tanks in the catchment could account for this.

Singing Clough Bk. QSL at Worsley Road RE5(2006) No short term RQO Review of data. Indications are that to Irwell sources other than the unsatisfactory sewer overflows due to be improved in the period 2000- 2005 would prevent achievement of RE5.-

Unity Bk. QSL at Moss Lane RE5(1995) No short term RQO Review of data. Indications that RES to Irwell cannot be consistently achieved in the short-term.

42 RIVER STRETCH ACTION PLAN REVISED SHORT­ REASON FOR CHANGE PROPOSED SHORT­ TERM RE RQO TERM RE RQO

Singleton Bk. QSL at A56 to Irwell RE4(2001) RE5(2001) Review of data. Although significant improvements are expected as a result of sewerage schemes other sources of pollution will still prevent achievement of RE4 in the short­ term.

Corn Bk. QSL at Openshaw RE4(2001) No short-term RQO Review of data and expected to MSC improvements. Sewerage scheme now deferred to 2000-2005. No commitment on other sources of pollution.

Folly Bk. QSL at Swinton RE3(1995) RE4(2001) Review of data and predicted effects STW to Worsley Bk. of improvements. Current quality possibly worse than previously assessed. Sewerage improvements should achieve RE4.

Worsley Bk. QSL at Folly Brook RE4(1995) RE4(2001) Review of data. Risk of failure of RE4 to Eccles STW until sewerage improvements completed.

Worsley Bk. Eccles STW to MSC RE5(1995) RE5(2006) Review of data. RE5 cannot be consistently achieved until completion of sewerage improvements.

Irwell Roch to Salford RE4(2006) RE5(1995) Review of the predicted effects of University committed improvements. Will not result in RE4.

Manchester Ship Salford Docks to RE5(2001) No short-term RQO Review of the predicted effects of Canal Mersey committed expenditure. Although very significant improvements are taking place these will not result in achievement of RE5 particularly in terms of the dissolved oxygen standard. short-term river ecosystem RQOs

43 Changes to Proposed Long-Term River Ecosystem RQOs

RIVER STRETCH ACTION PLAN REVISED LONG­ REASON FOR CHANGE PROPOSED LONG­ TERM RE RQO TERM RE RQO

Whitewell Bk. QSL Clough Bottom RE1 RE2 Review of data. RE1 is not perceived to Shawclough Bk. as a consistently achievable objective. Areas of road, housing and industry drain to the brook and several storm sewer overflows have outfalls to it.

Irwell Whitewell Bk. to RE4 RE2 As for short-term RQO RE2 is now Rossendale STW perceived as consistently achievable.

Whitewell Bk. Shawclough Bk. RE1 RE2 Review of data. RE1 is not perceived to Irwell as a consistently achievable objective. Areas of road, housing and industry drain to the brook and storm sewer overflows have outfalls to it.

Limy Water Loveclough to Irwell RE2 RE3 Review of data. As with short-term RQO RE2 may not be achievable consistently given the areas of road and housing draining to the brook.

Swinnel Bk. QSL at Hud Hey to RE4 RE3 Review of data. RE3 is perceived as Ogden an achievable long-term objective although may not be achieved consistently in the short term. This objective may be reviewed in the future with a detailed assessment of costs and benefits.

Ogden Swinnel Bk. to Irwell RE2 RE3 Review of data. RE2 may not be consistently achievable particularly given the quality of Swinnel Brook.

Pigs Lee Bk. QSL at A56 to Irwell RE4 RE3 RE3 is currently being achieved due to significant water quality improvements and it is perceived that this can be achieved consistently in the long term.

Lydgate Bk. Ochre Stream RE2 Data now available to make the to Roch assessment. Data for pH may have to be set aside in the future because it is affected by drainage for which there is currently no practical solution.

44 RIVER STRETCH ACTION PLAN REVISED LONG­ REASON FOR CHANGE PROPOSED LONG­ TERM RE RQO TERM RE RQO

Beal QSL at Royton RE2 RE3 There are indications that RE2 Sidings to cannot be consistently achieved in Piethorn Bk. the long term although it is hoped that RE3 might be. This reflects the urban and industrial nature of the catchment.

Piethorn Bk. QSL Head Piethorn RE2 RE1 Cause of current problems Resvr. to Ogden unknown. No known reason why Resvr. RE1 should not be achievable in the long term.

Stanney Bk. QSL at Newbold to RE4 RE3 Review of data. Following resolution Roch of contaminated land and sewer overflow problems RE3 should be achievable. This objective may be reviewed in the future with a detailed assessment of costs and benefits.

Roch Stanney Bk. to RE4 RE3 Review of data. Compliant with RE3 Rochdale STW on 93/95 data. Could be consistently in the long term.

Roch Rochdale STW to RE4 RE3 RE3 is perceived as an achievable Irwell objective. This objective may be reviewed in the future with a detailed assessment of costs and benefits.

Captains Clough QSL at Doffcocker RE2 RE3 Improvements planned but the Lodge to Middle catchment is urban and lengths of Brook the brook are in culvert. RE2 is perceived as not consistently achievable. RE4 may be considered in the future with detailed assessment of costs and benefits of RE3.

Astley Bk. A666 to Eagley Bk. RE4 RE3 As for short-term RQO, review of data. Recognising significant improvements in water quality since the Action Plan assessment.

Croal Minor Captains Clough RE4 RE3 Review of data. RE3 perceived as an to Croal achievable objective. This objective may be reviewed in the future with detailed assessment of costs and benefits.

Bradshaw Bk. Jumbles Resvr. Inlet RE4 RE2 As for short-term RQO, review of to Bradshaw Brow data. One atypical result affecting previous assessment.

45 RIVER STRETCH ACTION PLAN REVISED LONG­ REASON FOR CHANGE PROPOSED LONG­ TERM RE RQO TERM RE RQO

Whit (Trub) Bk. QSL at Castleton RE4 RE3 RE3 perceived as an achievable STW to Irk. objective. This objective may be reviewed in the future with a detailed assessment of costs and benefits.

Irk Cedar Grove SSO RE2 RE3 Review of data and nature of to Royton STW. catchment. Although significant improvements are taking place RE2 is not perceived as a consistently achievable objective.

Thornley Bk. QSL at Wood Bk. RE4 RE3 Review of data. RE3 is perceived as a to Medlock. consistently achievable objective in the long- term.

Lumb Bk. QSL at Railway to RE4 RE3 Review of data and effects of first Medlock. stage of improvements. RE3 is perceived as an achievable objective in the long term. This objective may be reviewed in the future with a detailed assessment of costs and benefits.

Medlock QSL at Upper RE1 RE2 As for short-term RQO, additional Strinesdale to data indicates that RE1 is not Strinesdale. consistently achievable.

Medlock Glodwick Bk. to RE4 RE3 Review of data, recognising Lords Bk. improvements completed since the Action Plan assessment period. RE3 is perceived as consistently achievable in the long-term.

Medlock Lords Bk. to Irwell RE4 RE3 RE3 perceived as an achievable objective. This objective may be reviewed in the future with a detailed assessment of costs and benefits.

Folly Bk. QSL at Swinton STW RE2 RE3 Review of data and nature of the to Worsley Bk. catchment. RE3 is perceived as a consistently achievable objective in the long-term. RE4 might be considered in the future with a detailed assessment of costs and benefits of RE3.

46 RIVER STRETCH ACTION PLAN REVISED LONG­ REASON FOR CHANGE PROPOSED LONG - TERM RE RQO TERM RE RQO

Worsley Bk. QSL at Folly Brook RE4 RE3 Review of data and expectations for to Eccles STW upstream tributary, Folly Brook. RE3 is perceived as a consistently achievable objective in the long­ term. This may be reviewed in the future with a detailed assessment of costs and benefits.

Irwell Roch to Salford RE4 RE3 RE3 now perceived as an achievable University objective. This may be reviewed in the future with a detailed assessment of costs and benefits.

long-term river ecosystem RQOs MANAGEMENT AND CONTACTS:

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AREA OFFICES

SO UTH AREA NORTH AREA M irwell Chertsey Hill Carrington Lane London Road Sale M33 5NL Carlisle CA1 2QX Tel: 0161 973 2237 Tel: 01228 25151 Fax: 0161 973 4601 Fax: 01228 49734

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

The 24-hour emergency hotline number for ENVIRONMENT AGENCY reporting all environmental incidents relating to air, r iy| f RC ENC Y HOTLINE land and water. ______0800 80 70 60

E n v ir o n m e n t A g e n c y

NW-02/97-500-CAXMU