View from Twyford Village along the looking upstream towards Willington.

Willington C Gas Pipeline Environmental Statement

Appendix 8.15 Aquatic Invertebrate and River Survey Report

Version 1, July 2013 – Approved for Submission Application Reference Number – EN060001 Document Reference – WCGP 014.2.8.15

Required document as set out in Section 5(2)(a) of the Infrastructure Planning (Applications: Prescribed Forms and Procedure) Regulations 2009

APPENDIX 8.15 AQUATIC INVERTEBRATE AND RIVER SURVEY REPORT

WILLINGTON C GAS PIPELINE ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT VERSION 1

RWE NPOWER

WILLINGTON C GAS PIPELINE

ECOLOGY BASELINE ASSESSMENT

AQUATIC INVERTEBRATE AND RIVER SURVEY REPORT JUNE 2012

APPENDIX 8.15

______RWE NPOWER WILLINGTON C GAS PIPELINE ECOLOGY BASELINE ASSESSMENT AQUATIC INVERTEBRATE AND RIVER SURVEY REPORT JUNE 2012 APPENDIX 8.15 ______

Penny Anderson Associates Limited ‘Park Lea’ 60 Park Road SK17 6SN

Project Manager Gerard Hawley, BA (Hons), MSc, DipPSE (Dist), MIEEM

Author Emily Williams, BSc (Hons), MSc

June 2012

This project has been undertaken in accordance with PAA policies and procedures on quality assurance.

Signed:______

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ECOLOGY BASELINE ASSESSMENT

AQUATIC INVERTEBRATE AND RIVER SURVEY REPORT JUNE 2012

APPENDIX 8.15

Version Date Sent Status/Comments PAA Ref V1 01/03/12 First Draft 120039 V2 22/3/2012 Second Draft 120039 V3 20/6/2012 Final version with amended wording 120039 for working areas.

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1. INTRODUCTION...... 3 Background ...... 3 Aims...... 3 2. METHODS ...... 4 Desk Study ...... 4 Biological Water Quality ...... 4 Interpretation...... 4 Biological Monitoring Working Party Score (BMWP)...... 4 Average Score Per Taxon (ASPT) ...... 5 Taxon Richness ...... 5 Chemical Water Quality...... 5 River Survey ...... 5 Survey Limitations ...... 6 3. RESULTS ...... 7 Desk Study ...... 7 Macroinvertebrates ...... 7 Environment Agency General Quality Assessment (GQA) Classification...... 7 Macrophytes ...... 12 Field Survey...... 12 Biological Water Quality...... 12 Table 6 Summary of Biological Water Quality Samples, January 2012...... 12 RX1, River Swarbourn at Yoxall...... 14 RX2, Mill Fleam at Rolleston on Dove, Upstream...... 14 RX3, Mill Fleam at Rolleston on Dove, Downstream ...... 14 RX5, Hilton Brook Upstream ...... 14 RX6, Egginton Brook Downstream Saltersford Bridge...... 15 RX7, Unnamed Ditch at Willington ...... 15 DX4, Unnamed Ditch near Anslow Gate...... 15 DX5, Tributary to Rolleston Brook near Stockley Park ...... 15 DX6, Rolleston Brook near Belmot Bridge ...... 15 DX11, Unnamed Ditch near Fishing Lakes ...... 15 DX12, Unnamed Ditch near Willington Chicken Farm ...... 16 Chemical Water Quality...... 16

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River Survey ...... 16 4. SUMMARY...... 21 5. REFERENCES...... 22

TABLES

1 Biological Water Quality Categories (Environment Agency 1999) 2 GQA Classification: Biology 3 GQA Classification: Chemistry 4 Summary of Biological Water Quality Monitori ng Results from the Environment Agency 5 Summary of Fisheries Interest from EA Desk Study Data 11 6 Summary of Biological Water Quality Samples, January 2012 7 Chemical Water Quality, January 2012 8 River Survey Site Descriptions

FIGURES

1 Gas Pipeline Route Water Crossings 2 Desk Study Results for Aquatic Species 3a River Crossings – 2012 Macroinvertebrate Sample Site (South) 3b River Crossings – 2012 Macroinvertebrate Sample Site (North)

APPENDICES

A Environment Agency Desk Study B Macroinvertebrate Samples Species Lists C River Survey Photographs

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1. INTRODUCTION

Background 1.1 RWE npower has submitted a proposal to the Department of Energy and Climate Change for consent to construct a new gas-fired power station on the former site of Willington A and Willington B Power Stations in . S36 consent for the new power station was granted 4th March 2011.

1.2 A new gas pipeline is required to link the proposed power station with the National Transmission System (NT S). This is a national network of large gas transmission pipelines operated by the National Grid. The proposed pipeline would connect with th e NTS near the village of Yoxall in Staffordshire, where an Above Ground Installation (AGI) would be constructed. The pipeline would run from Yoxall for approximately 27km to the site of the proposed gas-fired power station in Willington, Derbyshire.

1.3 Consent for the new gas pipeline is required in the form of a Development Consent Order under the Planning Act (2008) and subject to The Infrastructure Planning (EIA) Regulations (2009). The body responsible for the administration of this process is currently the Planning Inspectorate (PINS), formerly the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC).

1.4 The route of the pipeline crosses under a number of rivers, streams and drainage ditches. The aquatic macroinvertebrate and river survey examines the physical character of the channels at the point where the pipeline crosses and assesses the ‘health’ of the watercourse by examining the macroinvertebrate assemblage. This information will be used to assess the impacts of the proposals upon rivers.

1.5 The aquatic macroinvertebrate and river survey is one of a number of ecology surveys carried out along a land corridor following the route of the proposed pipeline as part of an ecological baseline assessment.

1.6 This is to establish the character of habitats, presence of protected species, protected areas of wildlife value and featu res of ecological interest. The results of the surveys will be used to evaluate the immediate and long-term impacts of the pipeline and inform appropriate routing, construction methods and mitigation measures.

1.7 This report presents the results of Aquatic Macroinvertebrate and River Surveys completed in January 2012.

Aims

 Examine river habitat features and physical character of rivers, streams and ditches at the point where the pipeline crosses;

 Assess the biological water quality of each watercourse; and

 Produce recommendations and inform mitigation for any predicted adverse impacts (included within ES).

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2. METHODS

Desk Study 2.1 The desk study consisted of a consultation exercise whereby the Environment Agency (EA) was contacted to gather local and site-specific ecological information f or watercourses within the study area and wider catchment.

2.2 Information was sought on existing aquatic data, namely taxa lists for macroinvertebrates, fish and macrophytes.

Biological Water Quality 2.3 Between 17th and 19 th January 2012, sampling was undertaken on all permanent flowing watercourses identified as being crossed by the proposed Willington gas pipeline potentially using open-cut methods, to provide a baseline of current biological water quality. This excludes the Trent and Mersey Canal and the River Dove as these will be traversed by non-open cut methods. The watercourses sampled include the River Swarbourn, Mill Fleam, Rolleston Brook, Hilton Brook and Egginton Brook plus several tributaries to these and other small flowing ditches. All watercourses are shown in Figure 1 including those found to be dry ditches unsuitable for water quality assessment.

2.4 The method employed to sample watercourse macroinvertebrates followed the standard four- minute combined kick sampling technique, adhering to EA guidelines (Environment Ag ency 1999). Briefly, this methodology comprises:

 30 seconds of netting of any surface-active insects, such as pond skaters Hemiptera: Gerridae and whirligig beetles Coleoptera: Gyrinidae;

 30 seconds of hand searching for macroinvertebrates, such as those attached to submerged logs, stones or other debris, for example leeches Hirudinea and caddisfly Trichoptera; and

 3 minutes of active kicking and disturbing substrates and sediment with possible additional sweeping of vegetation where present with a net. Care is taken to ensure that all habitats and microhabitats are proportionally represented in the sample. 2.5 Samples were preserved in methylated spirits and stored at the PAA laboratory. These were then sorted and, as far as possible, any macroinvertebrates identified to species level. In addition, the relative abundance of each identified taxa was recorded. Species distribution status was checked using the Recorder 2002 software package and the National Biodiversity Network (NBN). Interpretation 2.6 The following interpretive tools were used to examine the resultant macroinvertebrate datasets. Collectively, these are referred to as the biotic scores of a sample and are explained below. Biological Monitoring Working Party Score (BMWP) 2.7 The BMWP score relates to the pollution tolerance of a macroinvertebrate assemblage and, therefore, the biological water quality of the relevant waterbody. This ascribes a numerical score (from 1 to 10) to arrange of macroinvertebrate families, depending on their

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tolerance/intolerance to organic (and other) pollution, which can be related to water quality. Pollution sensitive families score more highly than pollution tolerant ones. The cumulative score of these assigned values therefore provides a good indication of biological water quality, with higher values indicating better water quality.

2.8 Table 1 allows general comparisons to be drawn regarding BM WP scores and actual water quality categories, as used by the EA (1999).

Table 1 Biological Water Quality Categories (Environment Agency 1999)

Category BMWP score Very Good >150 Good 101 – 150 Moderate 51 – 100 Poor 16 – 50 Very Poor 0 - 15

Average Score Per Taxon (ASPT) 2.9 The ASPT is a derived index obtained simply by dividing the B MWP score by the number of scoring families. The product is, therefore, somewhat independent of the taxon richness. Using ASPT together with BM WP thus allows easier comparisons across samples and sites. Both measures are routinely used by the EA in assessing the biological water quality of rivers.

2.10 As a guid e, a BMWP sco re of over 8 0 and an ASPT score of 5.0 or above may be used to indicate 'good to very good' biological water quality. A BMWP score of 50 to 80 and ASPT score of 4.0 to 5.0 may indicate 'moderate to good' water quality. BMWP scores less than 50 and ASPT scores of less than 4.0 suggest ‘reduced to poor’ water quality. Taxon Richness 2.11 This is defined as the number of taxa (a g roup of related animals, such a s a given species, genus or family) recorded, and is the most widely used measure of biodiversity. Normally referred to as ‘Number of Scoring Taxa’ (NST).

Chemical Water Quality 2.12 Basic chemical determinations were undertaken in situ at each sample location using a hand held Hanna electronic water quality analyser. The suite of analyses recorded included pH, conductivity and temperature.

River Survey 2.13 To enable a greater understanding of each watercourse in terms of its opportunities for macroinvertebrates and other fauna and flora, a river survey was conducted to record the major habitats, vegetation and physical features present, its banks and the land close by. Each site was walked for 60m upstream and downstream of the macroinvertebrate sample point to give a total survey length of 120m.

2.14 The survey recorded information on fo ur principle zones: aquatic zone, marginal zone, bank- side and adjacent land. Specific attention was paid to features that could influence the aquatic macroinvertebrate assemblages such as water clarity, velocity etc. Details of aquatic and

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marginal habitats, bank a nd adjacent land zones were re corded, including dominant plant species. Signs of protected species were searched for and notes made of any incidental sightings.

2.15 This information was recorded on a proforma, together with detailed descriptions. A photographic log was taken. Survey Limitations 2.16 In common with most ecological assessments, the current study was subject to minor constraints and limitations although none are considered to have compromised the survey results or conclusions made. Perhaps the most obvious constraint was that some rivers were flowing too fast or were too deep to allow an in-channel survey to take place and sampling had to take place from the bank side, limiting the range of habitats that could be sampled.

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3. RESULTS

Desk Study Macroinvertebrates 3.1 Macroinvertebrate data was available from the EA for nine biological monitoring sites within the study area and wider catchments. The locations of these sites are illustrated in Figure 2 along with the biological water quality category assigned to each, based on the most recent biotic data. The sites are identified below. Dates when each site was last surveyed are presented in brackets.

 Hilton Brook at Hilton SK 24200 30600 (2000 to 2011);

 Hilton Brook at Longford Mill SK 21900 37400 (2000 to 2009);

 Egginton Brook at Egginton SK 27000 28600 (2009);

Brook upstream Longsford SK 22300 38000 (2000 to 2004);

 Swarbourn at Yoxall Meadow Lane SK 15100 17700 (2007 to 2011);

 Rolleston Brook downstream Rolleston WRW SK 24400 28400 (2003 to 2006); and

 River Dove at Claymills Viaduct SK 26774 27213 (2006 to 2011). 3.2 Biological monitoring data for all sites indicate good to very good biological quality, based on most recent BMWP scores, with a diverse macroinvertebrate community represented by pollution sensitive mayflies, stoneflies and caddisflies. Species lists for EA monitoring sites are presented in Appendix A.

Environment Agency General Quality Assessment (GQA) Classification

3.3 In addition to the classification of the quality of the rivers using biotic scores, the EA classif ies the biological and chemical quality of rivers throughout the UK using the GQA classification system. This process results in a GQA for the watercourse, based on comparisons of actual data collected from the river, with expected out comes produced by the EA’s RIVPACS model. The biological and chemical GQA results are then categorised into one of six classes, as set out in Tables 2 and 3 (taken from https://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/).

3.4 The GQA is now being replaced by the Water Framework Directive (WFD) classification system. The WFD specifies the qu ality elements that are u sed to assess the ecological and chemical status of a waterbody. Quality elements are generally biological e.g. fish, invertebrates and macrophytes, or chemical e.g. heavy metals, pesticides and nutrients. The WFD data is not as readily available as GQA and the latter is considered the most appropriate way of characterising the condition of the rivers in this instance.

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Table 2 GQA Classification System: Biology

Classification Description A - Very good Biology similar to that expected for an unpolluted river B - Good Biology is a little short of an unpolluted river C - Fairly good Biology worse than expected for an unpolluted river D - Fair A range of pollution tolerant species present E - Poor Biology restricted to pollution tolerant species F - Bad Biology limited to a small number of species very tolerant of pollution

Table 3 GQA Classification System: Chemistry

Classification Likely Uses and Characteristics* All abstractions Very good salmonid fisheries A - Very good Cyprinid1 fisheries Natural ecosystems All abstractions Salmonid fisheries B - Good Cyprinid fisheries Ecosystems at or close to natural Potable supply after advanced treatment Other abstractions C - Fairly good Good cyprinid fisheries Natural ecosystems, or those corresponding to good cyprinid fisheries Potable supply after advanced treatment Other abstractions D - Fair Fair cyprinid fisheries Impacted ecosystems Low grade abstraction for industry E - Poor Fish absent or sporadically present, vulnerable to pollution** Impoverished ecosystems Very polluted rivers which may cause nuisance F - Bad Severely restricted ecosystems * Provided other standards as specified by the EA are met ** Where the grade is caused by discharges of organic pollution 1 Fishery that is suitable for roach, carp, chub and bream 3.5 GQA data available from the EA fo r sites they monitor within the study area indicate that the Rolleston Brook, Hilton Brook and River Dove are currently achieving Grade A for both biology and chemistry. The River Swarbourn and Egginton Brook are achieving Grade A for biology but grade B for Chemistry (Environment Agency 2012).

3.6 Table 4 summarises the biological water quality monitoring results provided by the EA including the BMWP score, the average score per taxon and an assessment of the water quality category based upon Table 1. Brailsford Brook is included because it is a nearby sampling point on a

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tributary to Hilton Brook and therefore provides additional background on the water quality at this location.

Table 4 Summary of Biological Water Quality Monitoring Results from the Environment Agency including their GQA assessment (Environment Agency 2012)

Site Name: Hilton Brook at Hilton BMWP Average Score Per Sample: Biological Water EA GQA Survey Score Taxon (ASPT) Quality Category Assessment Spr 2000 157 6.04 Very Good Aut 2000 158 5.85 Very Good Aut 2001 151 5.81 Very Good Sum 2002 214 6.29 Very Good Spr 2003 212 6.24 Very Good Aut 2003 175 5.83 Very Good Spr 2006 181 5.66 Very Good Aut 2006 186 5.81 Very Good Biological:A; Spr 2007 189 5.91 Very Good Chemical A Aut 2007 218 6.06 Very Good Spr 2008 185 5.97 Very Good Aut 2008 190 5.59 Very Good Spr 2009 168 5.79 Very Good Aut 2009 167 5.76 Very Good Spr 2010 192 5.82 Very Good Aut 2010 185 5.61 Very Good Spr 2011 204 6 Very Good Site Name: Hilton Brook at Longford Mill Spr 2000 180 6 Very Good Aut 2000 183 5.55 Very Good Aut 2001 139 5.79 Good Spr 2003 210 6.36 Very Good Biological:A; Aut 2003 179 6.17 Very Good Chemical A Spr 2006 182 5.87 Very Good Aut 2006 171 5.9 Very Good Spr 2009 199 6.22 Very Good Aut 2009 147 5.65 Good Site Name: Egginton Brook at Egginton Spr 2009 171 5.52 Very Good Biological:A; Aut 2009 178 5.74 Very Good Chemical B Site Name: Brailsford Brook u/s Longford Spr 2000 164 6.07 Very Good Aut 2000 177 6.32 Very Good Aut 2001 144 5.76 Good N/A Spr 2003 197 5.97 Very Good Spr 2004 201 6.28 Very Good Aut 2004 219 6.08 Very Good Site Name: River Swarbourn at Yoxall Meadow Lane

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Spr 2007 136 5.44 Good Aut 2007 137 5.27 Good Spr 2008 138 5.52 Good Aut 2008 92 4.84 Moderate Biological:A; Spr 2009 118 5.9 Good Chemical B Aut 2009 129 5.61 Good Spr 2010 100 5 Good Aut 2010 86 5.38 Moderate Spr 2011 135 5.4 Good Site Name: Rolleston Brook d/s Rolleston WRW Spr 2003 155 5.54 Very Good Aut 2003 143 5.3 Good Biological:A; Spr 2006 96 4.57 Moderate Chemical A Aut 2006 122 5.08 Moderate Site Name: Dove at Claymills Viaduct Spr 2006 139 5.79 Moderate Spr 2007 172 6.14 Very Good Aut 2007 227 6.14 Very Good Sum 2008 152 6.61 Very Good Aut 2008 162 6.23 Very Good Biological:A; Spr 2009 184 6.81 Very Good Chemical A Aut 2009 162 6 Very Good Spr 2010 162 6.48 Very Good Aut 2010 199 6.22 Very Good Spr 2011 222 6.34 Very Good Fisheries 3.7 Fisheries data were available from the EA fo r five monitoring sites within the study area and wider catchments. The locations of these sites are illustrated in Figure 2 and are identified below. Dates when each site was last surveyed are presented in brackets.

 Swarbourn at Yoxall Nature Reserve SK 14800 18500 (1997)

 Swarbourn at Far Hoar Cross SK 13500 22800 (1997)

 Swarbourn at Woodmill SK 13700 21000 (1997)

 Egginton Brook downstream Egginton SK 28013 27582 (2011)

 Etwall Brook upstream SK 26415 30509 (2009)

 Etwall Brook downstream SK 26471 29890 (2009)

 River Dove at Claymills SK27662 26554501 (2009)

 River Dove at Rolleston on Dove SK 2035 28 (2008)

 River Dove at Tutbury SK 21473 29545 (2007-2009)

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 Hilton Brook at Shirley Mill Farm SK 21262 41055 (2005) 3.8 Desk study results indicate a diverse coarse fishery within the study area, including 3-spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus, spined loach Cobitis taenia, chub Leuciscus cephals), grayling Thymallus thymallus and perch Perca fluviatilis. A full list of species is included in Appendix A.

3.9 Bullheads Cottus gobia were identified at four sites. Records for brown trout Salmo trutta and European eel Anguilla anguilla exist on the Etwall B rook, Hilton Brook, River Swarbourn and River Dove. Records for Atlantic salmon Salmo sala), grayling and brook lamprey Lampetra planeri exist for the River Dove.

3.10 A current list of species’ conservation status is maintained by JNCC on their website. The version used here was entitled ‘Taxon_designations_20111020’ (JNCC 2011). Atlantic salmon, brook lamprey, spined loach and bullhead are all listed on Annex II of the European Union’s Habitats Directive as non-priority species, being animals whose conservation requires the designation of Special Areas of Conservation (SAC). Atlantic salmon and grayling are liste d on Annex V which defines species of European interest whose taking in the wild may be subject to management measures The UK has special responsibility for Atlantic salmon on account of the importance of the British Isles for the species in a European context (JNCC 2012). These together with brown trout are all considered ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN red list.

3.11 European eels are listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List. The EU Eel Regulations require Member States to prepare and implement Eel Management Plans in order to achieve an increase in the numb ers of adult (silver) eels returning to sea. In 2010 the Eels ( and Wales) Regulations 2009 were im plemented, affording new powers to the Environment Agency to implement measures for the recovery of European eel stocks with implications for operators of discharges into a watercourse.

3.12 European eel, Atlantic salmon and brown trout are all UK BAP P riority Species. A summary of the fishery conservation interest for the watercourses is presented in Table 5.

Table 5 Summary of Fisheries Interest from EA Desk Study Data

Fish Species Status

- Habitats Directive annex II & V; UK has special responsibility for this species Atlantic Salmon - ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Red List Salmo salar - UK BAP priority species

- R Dove (1 record in 2007 at Tutbury)

Brook Lamprey - Habitats Directive annex II Lampetra planeri - ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Red List - R Dove (1 in 2007, Tutbury)

- ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Red List Brown Trout - UK BAP priority species Salmo trutta - Hilton Brook (39 in 2005), R Swarbourn (84 caught across 3 sites in 1997) and R Dove (1 in 2007, Tutbury), Etwall Brook (tributary to Egginton Brook) (9 in 2009)

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- Habitats Directive annex II Bullhead - ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Red List Cottus gobio - Hilton Brook, R Dove and Egginton Brook (present at all sites)

- Habitats Directive annex II Spined loach - ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Red List Cobitis taenia - Egginton Brook (3 in 2011) and R Dove at Clay Mills (2007)

- ‘Critically Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List - EU and UK regulations to aid stock recovery European Eel - UK BAP priority species Anguilla anguilla - Hilton Brook (1 in 2005), R Swarbourn (3 in 1997 at 2 sites) and R Dove (10 caught 2007-09 at 2 sites including elvers)

Grayling - Habitats Directive annex V Thymallus - ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Red List thymallus - R Dove (19 at Tutbury in 2007, fewer at other sites and in later years 2007-2009)

Macrophytes 3.13 Macrophyte data were available from the EA for one biological monitoring site within the study area and wider catchment. This was the Hilton Brook at Hilton, where data exists for three years between 2002 and 2008. Mean Trophic Rank (MTR) scores aim to allow the assessment of the trophic status of rivers using macrophytes (Holmes et al. 1999), with sites scoring below 45 considered likely to be eutrophic. MTR data derived from taxa lists provided for this site indicate the Hilton Brook is eutrophic, obtaining a score of 36.6.

Field Survey Biological Water Quality 3.14 A total of eleven watercourses were sampled during this survey. Figures 3a and 3b illustrate the location of each monitoring site within the study area.

3.15 Appendix B presents the f ull macroinvertebrate species lists and the resulting biotic scores for this survey. A summary of Biological Water Quality Category for the samples observed during field surveys is presented in Table 6, using the categories set out in Ta ble 1. The Biological Water Quality Categories for the nearest macroinvertebrate monitoring point provided by the EA is also presented.

3.16 Appendix C presents photographs for each surveyed stretch.

Table 6 Summary of Biological Water Quality Samples, January 2012

Average Biological Water Sample Site Number BMWP Score Quality Category Site Visit Date Scoring Score per Taxa Crossing Name Taxon Sample: Nearest

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Point EA site:

RX1 River Swarbourn, Yoxall 17/1/2012 142 25 5.68 Good Good

Mill Fleam at Rolleston on RX2 19/1/2012 59 15 3.93 Moderate - Dove, upstream

Mill Fleam at Rolleston on RX3 19/1/2012 74 17 4.35 Moderate - Dove, downstream

Very RX4 River Dove Not surveyed - - - - Good

Good- Hilton Brook upstream RX5 17/1/2012 90 18 5 Moderate Very Egginton Good

Egginton Brook downstream Very RX6 17/1/2012 130 25 5.2 Good Saltersford Bridge Good

RX7/DX13 Unnamed Ditch at Willington 18/1/2012 85 18 4.72 Moderate -

DX1 Dry ditch Dry - - - - -

DX2 Dry ditch Dry - - - - -

DX3 Dry ditch Dry - - - - -

Unnamed ditch near Anslow DX4 18/1/2012 61 12 5.08 Moderate - Gate

Tributary to Rolleston Brook DX5 18/1/2012 59 13 4.54 Moderate - near Stockley Park

Very Rolleston Brook near Belmot DX6 18/1/2012 106 23 4.61 Good Good- Bridge Moderate

DX7 Dry ditch Dry - - - - -

DX8 Dry ditch Dry - - - - -

DX9 Dry ditch Dry - - - - -

DX10 Dry ditch Dry - - - - -

Unnamed Ditch near fishing DX11 18/1/2012 64 15 4.27 Moderate - Lakes

Unnamed Ditch near DX12 18/1/2012 27 6 4.5 Poor - Willington Chicken Farm

CX1 Trent and Mersey Canal Not surveyed - - - - -

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RX1, River Swarbourn at Yoxall

3.17 RX1 is located on the River Swarbourn at Yoxall. Biotic scores recorded at RX1 are indicative of good biological quality (taxon richness, 30; BMWP score 142; ASPT 5.68). A diverse macroinvertebrate community was recorded represented by pollution sensitive species including cased caddisflies Athripsodes cinereus, Sericostoma personatum and Lepidostoma hirtum and mayflies Ephemera danica.

3.18 The surveyed stretch of the River Swarbourn was characterised by pool-riffle sequences and a channel substrate dominated by gravel and cobbles. Overhanging tree boughs, submerged tree roots and in channel vegetation provide fo raging and refuge opportunities to a potentially diverse assemblage of aquatic fauna.

RX2, Mill Fleam at Rolleston on Dove, Upstream

3.19 RX2 is located on the Mill Fleam at Rolleston on Dove upstream. Biotic scores recorded at RX2 were indicative of moderate biological quality (taxon richness 24; BMWP score 59; ASPT 3.93) with a macroinvertebrate community dominated by pollution tolerant taxa including gastropods, water hoglouse Asellus aquaticus and fly larvae (diptera). Recorded fauna were typically representative of a slow-flowing, silt dominated environment. More pollution sensitive species such as the banded demoiselle Calopteryx splenden) and cased caddisflies Limnephilus lunatus and Limnephilus flavicornis were also identified.

3.20 The watercourse at this sample site was a characteristically slow-flowing environment with a channel substrate dominated by gravel. However, large deposits of silt were recorded within the channel along with laye rs of org anic matter and detritus. Bank sides were heavily poached which may increase turbidity and limit aquatic flora and fauna.

RX3, Mill Fleam at Rolleston on Dove, Downstream

3.21 RX3 is located on the Mill Fleam downstream of Rolleston on Dove. Biotic scores at this site are indicative of moderate biological qualit y (taxon ric hness 20; BMWP score 74; ASPT 4.3 5). Again, the sample was dominated by species characteristic of slow-flowing water. High abundances of freshwater shrimp Gammarus pulex and water hoglouse were identified. Pollution sensitive species such as the cased caddisfly Silo pallipe), and banded demoiselle were identified, further suggesting good biological quality.

3.22 The watercourse at this sample site was characteristically a slow-flowing environment with a channel substrate dominated by gravel and pebbles with silt deposits. Again, poaching was recorded, which may introduce silt to the watercourse.

RX5, Hilton Brook Upstream Egginton

3.23 RX5 is located on the Hilton Brook upstream of Egginton. Biotic scores at this site are indicative of moderate biological quality (taxon richness 24; BMWP score 90; ASPT 5.00). The macroinvertebrate community was represented by a diversity of pollution sensitive species including caseless caddisflies Lype reducta, cased caddisflies Mystacides longicornis and banded demoiselles Calopteryx splendens.

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RX6, Egginton Brook Downstream Saltersford Bridge

3.24 RX6 is located on the Egginton Brook downstream of Saltersford Bridge. Biotic scores at this site are indicative of good biological quality (taxon richness 29; BMWP score 130; ASPT 5.20). A diverse macroinvertebrate community was recorded at this site and a number of pollution sensitive taxa identified.

RX7, Unnamed Ditch at Willington

3.25 RX7 is located on an unnamed agricultural ditch at Willington. Biotic scores at this site are indicative of moderate biological quality (taxon richness 24; BMWP s core 85; ASPT 4.7 2). Again the sample is representative of a diverse macroinvertebrate community. However, pollution sensitive species were largely absent and the sample was dominated by pollution tolerant taxa.

3.26 RX7 is a heavily-shaded, narrow shallow ditch largely overgrown with scrub and brambles, which may limit a pollution sensitive community.

DX4, Unnamed Ditch near Anslow Gate

3.27 DX4 is a ditch bordering agricultural fields near Anslow Gate. Biotic scores at DX4 are indicative of moderate biological quality (taxon richness 17; BMWP score 61; ASPT 5.08). However, overall diversity is relatively lower than other sites and the sample was dominated by very high numbers of freshwater shrimp and scavenger beetles Scirtidae suggesting a high nutrient input into this watercourse. However, a number of relatively pollution sensitive species such as caseless caddis were identified and account for the high ASPT.

DX5, Tributary to Rolleston Brook near Stockley Park

3.28 DX5 is located on a ditch near Stockley Park. Biotic scores at this sample site are indicative of moderate biological quality (taxon richness 19; BMWP score 59; ASPT 4.54). Again the sample was dominated by high abundances of scavenger beetles and a largely pollution tolerant macroinvertebrate community. Relatively pollution sensitive species were nevertheless identified in the sample.

DX6, Rolleston Brook near Belmot Bridge

3.29 DX6 is located on a ditch near Belmot Bridge. Biotic scores are indicative of good biological quality (taxon richness 33; BMWP score 106; ASPT 4.61). The sample is dominated by very high numbers of freshwater shrimp suggesting high nutrient levels. The community is relatively diverse though dominated by pollution tolerant taxa, which accounts for the lower ASPT.

DX11, Unnamed Ditch near Fishing Lakes

3.30 DX11 is located on a ditch downstream of two fishing lakes at Egginton. Biotic scores at this site are indicative of moderate biological quality (taxon ric hness 20; BMWP score 64; ASPT 4.2 7). The sample was dominated by high numbers of pollution tolerant taxa in cluding non-biting midge Chironomidae, water hoglouse and pea mussels Pisidium sp..

3.31 DX11 is a shallow, narrow ditch with a channel substrate almost entirely dominated by silt. The channel is heavily shaded and overgrown with no in-channel vegetation. Such limited habitat features may potentially limit a pollution sensitive macroinvertebrate community.

Ref. No.120039 15 RWE npower June 2012 Willington C Gas Pipeline Aquatic Invertebrate and River Survey Report Appendix 8.15

DX12, Unnamed Ditch near Willington Chicken Farm

3.32 DX12 is an unnamed ditch near Willington Chicken Farm. Biotic scores at this site are indicative of poor biological quality (taxon richness 6; BMWP score 27; ASPT 4.5) and were the lowest recorded during this survey. The sample was dominated by pollution tolerant taxa. High numbers of freshwater shrimp (Crangonyx pseudogracilis) were also recorded. Chemical Water Quality 3.33 Chemical water quality data for sampled sites is presented in Table 7.

Table 7 Chemical Water Quality, January 2012

Sample Sample Conductivity Temperature Watercourse Name pH No. Date µS/cm (ºC) River Swarbourn, Yoxall RX1 17/01/2012 2281 10.07 1.1 Mill Fleam at Rolleston on Dove, RX2 19/01/2012 1042 8.59 5.6 upstream Mill Fleam at Rolleston on Dove, RX3 19/01/2012 1430 8.62 4.6 downstream Hilton Brook upstream Egginton RX5 17/01/2012 671 8.61 1.3 Egginton Brook downstream Saltersford RX6 17/01/2012 1329 8.46 4.1 Bridge Unnamed ditch at Willington RX7 18/01/2012 981 8.81 1.3 Unnamed ditch near Anslow Gate DX4 18/01/2012 616 8.66 7.9 Tributary to Rolleston Brook near DX5 18/01/2012 661 8.48 4.8 Stockley Park Rolleston Brook near Belmot Bridge DX6 18/01/2012 1032 8.75 6.2 Unnamed ditch near fishing lakes DX11 18/01/2012 905 8.36 7.1 Unnamed ditch near Willington Chicken DX12 18/01/2012 1248 8.4 2.3 Farm

3.34 The chemical data indicates that all sampled waterbodies are broadly alkaline in nature. No further inferences can be made based on one dataset as water chemistry can vary widely depending upon air temperature, wind speed, recent precipitation and other factors. However, the chemical parameters recorded do provide further characterisation of site conditions and act as a baseline against which additional data c an be compared should fu rther monitoring be required. The high recording for conductivity and pH on the River Swarbourn is due to l ocal anomalies at the site at the time of survey, which is upstream of the local waste water treatment plant, but downstream of Yoxall village. Biological monitoring provides a m uch more reliable indicator of recent water quality conditions. Please see below. River Survey 3.35 A full description of the ha bitat features recorded within each surveyed stretch is presented in Table 8. A photographic log of each stretch is illustrated in Appendix C.

Ref. No.120039 16 RWE npower June 2012 Willington C Gas Pipeline Aquatic Invertebrate and River Survey Report Appendix 8.15

Table 8 River Survey Site Descriptions.

NGR

Site description No.) Up- Point Name (Site Down- stream stream stream Watercourse Watercourse Sample

RX1 is a relatively wide (6m) river channel flowing through both agricultural land and suburban housing. Water depth is 15cm. Within the surveyed stretch, pool and riffle sequences were present. The channel substrate was predominantly cobbles and gravel with an overlying layer of silt. A deep silt and detritus layer had accumulated within deeper, slow-flowing stretches. Both banks were characterised by an intermittent tree line. Shading of the channel was light. Trees were regularly recorded within the channel contributing leaf matter and influencing flow. Submerged tree roots were also present and provide potential refuges. Filamentous algae was recorded but not in any great abundance. Marginal macrophyte species were similarly noted. An inspection of the channel substrate identified trace quantities of grey fungus. This was visible only as a thin layer on the underside of stones and is characteristic of watercourses influenced by urban outputs. Downstream of the sample site cattle are permitted access to SK 14123 18205 14123 18205 SK 14110 18145 SK 14114 18075 SK the bank side to drink. However, fencing has been erected and livestock are unable to directly enter the watercourse. Poaching is limited. Bank sides were

River Swarbourn, Yoxall (RX1) (RX1) Yoxall Swarbourn, River relatively bare with minimal coverage of scrub. Erosion was evident within surveyed sections and deep pools had formed here. Both vegetated and unvegetated sidebars were recorded throughout the surveyed stretch. A stretch of artificial bank side and toe reinforcement was recorded on the right hand bank upstream of the sample site. RX2 is a characteristically deep, slow-flowing river bordered by grazed pasture, with an underlying channel substrate dominated by gravel. However, large deposits of silt were also recorded within the channel. Average channel width is 4m, water depth 20cm.Upstream of the sample site the watercourse was largely deep and narrow, fringed by large stands of canary reed grass Phalaris arundinacea. Submerged macrophytes and filamentous algae were also recorded in low abundances. Intermittent bank side trees provide light shading. Large stretches of bank sides appeared to have collapsed previously and have become heavily vegetated. Poaching was evident within this stretch and has contributed silt to the watercourse. A cattle crossing was recorded within the Upstream (RX2) (RX2) Upstream SK 24074 28324 24074 28324 SK 24126 28297 SK 24151 28226 SK survey stretch. The watercourse at this point was very silty and turbid. Downstream from the sample site the watercourse became shallow and wider. Marginal reed beds were less abundant. A tributary converges with RX2 Mill Fleam at Rolleston on Dove, Mill downstream of the surveyed stretch.

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RX3 is a deep (>50cm), slow-flowing river with a channel of approximately 6m wide and substrate largely dominated by gravel and pebbles and an overlying layer of silt. Deep silt deposits were recorded within the centre of the channel. Submerged macrophytes were recorded in the channel and marginal reeds were abundant. The watercourse is largely unshaded with only discrete areas of bank side trees. Poaching was recorded in the survey stretch. Downstream of the sample site, water depth increases and becomes more turbid. A gauging station is located within this stretch next to an artificial weir. Either side of the weir bank

SK 24338 28198 24338 28198 SK 24343 28268 SK 24346 28331 SK sides are constructed from reinforced concrete for a length of approximately 20m. A Water Treatment Works is located 50m upstream of the surveyed Dove, Downstream (RX3) (RX3) Downstream Dove, Mill Fleam at Rolleston on Mill stretch. RX5 is a relatively small (5m wide), deep (>50cm) watercourse with slow flow. Due to limited access and turbidity of the water the channel substrate could not be assessed. The upper reaches of the survey stretch were relatively uniform with vertical bank sides and vegetated, marginal silt deposits. Marginal macrophytes (reed canary grass) were abundant along the surveyed stretch.

upstream Downstream of the sample site shade is more abundant and trees were Hilton Brook Hilton

Egginton (RX5) (RX5) Egginton recorded within the channel. Debris dams were noted and rubbish had built up SK 25606 28475 25606 28475 SK 25663 28438 SK 25712 28400 SK against debris dams. Some poaching was evident. RX6 is a relatively slow-flowing, shallow watercourse flowing through arable

farmland and rough pasture. Average channel width is 8m, water depth is 30cm. k The channel substrate is dominated by pebbles/gravel and sand with an roo overlying silt layer. The watercourse is heavily shaded on both banks by scrub B 6) and broadleaved trees. Submerged tree roots and boughs were regularly on t RX recorded within the surveyed stretch. The right hand bank was relatively steep ( n i and bare with little vegetative growth. The left hand bank was sloped gently with downstream gg

E stands of canary reed grass recorded. Pools were abundant providing potential SK 26529 29057 26529 29057 SK 26573 29007 SK 26616 28957 SK Saltersford Bridge Saltersford additional refuges to fish species and vegetated side bars were noted within the sampled stretch. RX7 is a narrow (1m), shallow (15cm) ditch with a channel substrate dominated by pebbles and gravel and little to no flow. The ditch is bordered by a dense hedgerow on both banks, which heavily shades the channel. Bank sides are typically bare and slope steeply towards the channel. Rabbit burrows were (RX7) (RX7) 29015 29015 28969 28925 recorded within 5m of the surveyed channel and have undermined bank stability. SK 28822 SK 28873 SK 28925 SK

at Willington at The ditch flows through an area of rough pasture. Though fenced it was evident Unnamed Ditch Unnamed that sheep are able to gain access to the watercourse. DX4 is a narrow (<0.5m), shallow (5cm) ditch with no flow and a channel substrate dominated by sand and gravel. This watercourse issues approximately 65m upstream of the sample point. The ditch is heavily shaded by dense scrub bordering the right hand bank side. Detritus is widespread within the channel and large stretches are overgrown with bramble and scrub. The left hand bank side is unshaded, with steep vegetated bank sides. In channel vegetation is limited and restricted to discrete patches of marginal species such as willowherb. The ditch is culverted beneath a track across the watercourse upstream of the sample site. SK 18965 24794 18965 24794 SK 19020 24833 SK 19078 24821 SK Anslow Gate (DX4) AnslowGate

Unnamed Ditch near near Ditch Unnamed The watercourse flows through arable land. Buffers between the farmed land and bank sides are less than 2m wide.

Ref. No.120039 18 RWE npower June 2012 Willington C Gas Pipeline Aquatic Invertebrate and River Survey Report Appendix 8.15

The surveyed stretch is a narrow (1m) shallow (10cm) ditch with little to no flow and a channel substrate dominated by pebbles and gravel. Beds of silt have built up within the margins supporting further growth of reed canary grass and willowherb Epilobium angustifolium. Upstream of the sample site the stretch is characterised by steeply sloping vegetated bank sides. The channel is heavily shaded by encroaching marginal species which also restrict flow. In channel

(DX5) (DX5) vegetation is limited to discrete patches of bryophytes. This stretch borders an area of rough pasture and plantation. Downstream of the sample site the

SK 19691 25548 19691 25548 SK 19748 25582 SK 19798 25623 SK watercourse is culverted beneath a footbridge before adopting a more sinuous

Tributary to Rolleston to Tributary pattern. Bank sides here are shallower and the watercourse becomes heavily Brook near Stockley Park Stockley near Brook shaded as a tree line develops along the watercourse.

DX6 is a narrow (2m) ditch relatively straight with a uniform bank side profile. Water depth is 10cm. The watercourse is largely slow-flowing with small stretches characterised by riffles and runs. Four concrete weirs were recorded within the surveyed stretch. Associated with these were sections of reinforced bank sides (wood piling, concrete and rip rap). Therefore, flow within the stretch was largely uniform and water levels were typically between 30cm and 50cm deep. Macrophytes were recorded within 33% of the channel and were dominated by fool's water cress Apium nodiflorum. The watercourse is largely unshaded. The channel substrate was dominated by gravel and pebbles with an overlying layer of silt. Silt was more proliferate in sections characterised by deep, slow-flowing water immediately before weirs. Downstream of the sample site, SK19979 26278 26278 SK19979 SK 19914 26267 19914 26267 SK 20048 26270 SK channel substrate was characterised by large boulders and cobbles which also offered potential refuges for aquatic species. At the far upstream end of the surveyed reach, livestock were permitted access to the watercourse and channel substrate was heavily silted. Both arable land and pasture borders the ditch but buffer zones appear intact. Rolleston Brook near Belmot Bridge (DX6) Bridge (DX6) Belmot near Brook Rolleston

DX11 is a shallow (20cm), narrow (2m) ditch with a channel substrate almost entirely dominated by a deep (50cm) layer of silt. The channel is heavily shaded by scrub and is largely overgrown. Leaf litter is abundant, forming deep litter layers and restricting flow. The far upstream end of the surveyed reach flows through woodland and is characterised by steep bare, heavily shaded bank sides. The ditch then flows under a footbridge through an area of dense reeds into the sample area. A small tricklet of ochre-coloured was recorded entering the ditch on its left hand bank. Ochre was recorded at this inlet. Ochre and

SK 25819 28616 25819 28616 SK 25847 28574 SK 25891 28525 SK sewage fungus was also recorded further downstream. The full length of the Unnamed Ditch near near Ditch Unnamed Fishing Lakes (DX11) Lakes Fishing stretch could not be surveyed due to limited access to the watercourse but appeared similar in character.

Ref. No.120039 19 RWE npower June 2012 Willington C Gas Pipeline Aquatic Invertebrate and River Survey Report Appendix 8.15

DX12 is a narrow (2m), relatively deep (60cm) ditch with little to no flow. At the time of sampling the water was turbid so an accurate assessment of its substrate could not be made but is considered to be gravel with an overlying layer of silt. Rubbish was recorded within the watercourse. The ditch is lightly shaded by a row of scrub and trees on the right hand bank. The left hand bank remains open and is characterised by short scrub and vegetated. Macrophytes were abundant within the watercourse at the sample site and were dominated by fool’s water cress. Upstream of the sample site the watercourse is bordered by a tree line on either bank which provides heavy shading. Submerged tree roots were recorded

(DX12) (DX12) within the channel and detritus was widespread. The bank sides are largely steep and bare with evidence of rabbit burrowing. Another ditch converges with

SK 28250 28165 28250 28165 SK 28284 28111 SK 28305 28066 SK the watercourse upstream of the sample site. Downstream of the sample site the ditch flows under a track and becomes shallower (20cm). Macrophyte growth is limited within this stretch with discrete patches of reed canary grass present and the channel is considerably overgrown by bank side scrub. The watercourse borders an area of arable land on the right hand bank. A free range chicken farm is located upstream of the surveyed stretch. Unnamed Ditch near Willington Chicken Farm Chicken Willington near Ditch Unnamed

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4. SUMMARY

 The results of the desk study show Environment Agency (EA) monitored sites in the locality of the proposals to be representative of good to very good biological quality for macroinvertebrates. GQA data available for EA monitored sites in the study area indicate the Rolleston Brook, Hilton Brook and River Dove are currently achieving Grade A fo r both biology and chemistry. Both the River Swarbourn and Egginton Brook are achieving Grade A for biology but Grade B for chemistry. Macrophyte data for Hilton Brook suggest the watercourse is slightly eutrophic.

 The EA also reported a diverse coarse fishery within the study area, including 3-spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus, spined loach Cobitis taenia, chub Leuciscus cephalus, grayling Thymallus thymallus and perch Perca fluviatilis. Bullheads Cottus gobio were present at four sites. Records for brown trout Salmo trutta and European eel Anguilla anguilla exist on the Etwall Brook, Hilton Brook, River Swarbourn and River Dove. Records for Atlantic salmon Salmo salar and Lampetra planeri were provided for the River Dove.

 Atlantic salmon, brook lamprey, spined loach and bullhead are all listed on Annex II of the European Union’s Habitats Directive as non-priority species. Atlantic salmon and grayling are listed on Annex V. These five species, together with brown trout are all considered ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN red list. European eels are listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List and the EU Eel Regulations apply. European eel, Atlantic salmon and brown trout are all UK BAP Priority Species.

 Biological sampling undertaken for this study indicates moderate to good biological quality across most sample sites, with the better sites supporting a diverse macroinvertebrate community represented by a number of pollution sensitive species. An analysis of the macroinvertebrate community at the Unnamed Ditch near Willington Chicken Farm (DX12) indicates poor biological quality with few taxa identified at this site. Given the b roadly good water quality recorded at the sites sampled, any development should avoid deterioration in water quality as a result of their operations.

 A survey of the rive rine characteristics of each watercourse indicates they typically flow through agricultural land and therefore may be subject to diffuse sources of pollution and eutrophication. However, the small number of rivers sampled, had attributes of healthy ecosystems with a variety of habitats and microhabitats available to aquatic fauna that supported a number of fish species. Ditches were found to be largely uniform with little to no flow and dominated by silt and gravel offering few habitat opportunities to support a diverse pollution-sensitive community. However, biological quality remains moderate and any deterioration in quality should be avoided.

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5. REFERENCES

Environment Agency, 1999. Procedures for collecting and analysing macro-invertebrate samples.

Environment Agency, 2009. River Basin Management Plan, River Basin District Main document December 2009. http://publications.environment-agency.gov.uk/PDF/GENE0910BSQR-E-E.pdf

Environment Agency, 2012. GQA data obtained from: http://maps.environment- agency.gov.uk/wiyby/wiybyController?x=357683.0&y=355134.0&scale=1&layerGroups=default&ep=map &textonly=off&lang=_e&topic=riverquality#x=527907&y=141081&lg=2,7,&scale=4 Accessed on 25/11/09 at 11:53.

Holmes, N.T.H., Newman, J.R, Chadd, S., Rouen, K.J., Saint, L. and Dawson, F. H., 1999. Mean Trophic Rank: A User’s Manual. R & D Technical Report E38. Environment Agency, Bristol.

JNCC, 2012. Vertebrate species: fish 1106 Atlantic Salmon Salmo salar Background to selection. http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/protectedsites/sacselection/species.asp?FeatureIntCode=S1106 Accessed 15/2/2012.

JNCC, 2011. Conservation Designations Spreadsheet: Taxon_designations_20111020. http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-3408 Accessed 16th February 2012.

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FIGURES

413000 414000 415000 416000 417000 418000 419000 420000 421000 422000 423000 424000 425000 426000 427000 428000 429000 430000 431000

CX1 ! RX6 ! RX7 ! 329000 329000 RX5 ! RX2 RX3 ! DX11 DX9 ! ! ! !! ! DX10 RX4 DX12 328000 328000

! DX8 327000 327000 DX7! ! DX6 326000 326000 ! DX5

325000 ! DX4 325000 324000 324000

DX3 ! 323000 323000 322000 322000 321000 321000 320000 320000 319000 319000 DX1 !! RX1 ! DX2 318000 318000

413000 414000 415000 416000 417000 418000 419000 420000 421000 422000 423000 424000 425000 426000 427000 428000 429000 430000 431000

Title: Project Name British National Grid Indicative pipeline working area Willington C Gas Pipeline RWE npower Projection: Transverse Mercator Windmill Hill Business Park False Easting: 400000.000000 False Northing: -100000.000000 Gas Pipeline Route: Discipline Swindon Central Meridian: -2.000000 ISO A3 Water Crossings Ecology SN5 6PB Scale Factor: 0.999601 ´ Latitude Of Origin: 49.000000 ! Water Crossings Scale Drawing No. River 1:50,000 Figure 1 Metres ! Drawn By Originator Date Penny Anderson Associates Ltd, Canal CC HH Parklea, 60 Park Road, 0250 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 13/06/2012 Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6SN. ! Ditch PA A R ef. G:\RWEN01_Willington_Pipeline\Maps Revision Telephone 01298 27086 \RWEN06_Inverts_2012 A Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown Copyright and database right 2012. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence number 100017907 405000 410000 415000 420000 425000 430000 435000

Hilton Brook at Shirley Mill Farm Brailsford Brook u/s Longford Fisheries Assessment (2005): Macroinvertebrate Assessment (2004): Brown/sea trout, European eel and bullhead (! Very good 340000 340000

Hilton Brook at Longford Mill Macroinvertebrate Assessment (2009): (! Etwall Brook u/s Good (! Fisheries Assessment (2009): Legend Coarse fishery Indicative pipeline route (! EA Fisheries sample site Hilton Brook at Hilton (! EA Macrophyte sample site Macrophyte Assessment (2000): Etwall Brook d/s Eutrophied or at risk EA Macroinvertebrates sample Fisheries Assessment (2009): (! site* Macroinvertebrate Assessment (2011): 335000 335000 Coarse fishery and brown/sea trout Very good

*Assessment based on most the recent Egginton Brook at Egginton BMWP scores for each site River Dove at Rolleston on Dove Macroinvertebrate Assessment (2009): Fisheries Assessment (2008): Very good Coarse fishery, brown/sea trout and European eel

(! (! River Dove at Tutbury (! 330000 330000 Fisheries Assessment (2007-2009): (! Coarse fishery, brown/sea trout, Atlantic salmon, brook lamprey, European eel and bullhead (! (! (! Egginton Brook d/s Egginton Fisheries Assessment (2011): Coarse fishery and bullhead River Swarbourn at Far Hoar Cross (! Fisheries Assessment (1997): (! Coarse fishery, brown/sea trout and European eel (! British National Grid Projection: Transverse Mercator False Easting: 400000.000000 False Northing: -100000.000000 Central Meridian: -2.000000 ISO A3 Scale Factor: 0.999601 ´ Latitude Of Origin: 49.000000 River Dove at Clay Mills Fisheries Assessment (2009): km Coarse fishery, European eel 012340.5 325000 325000 and bullhead River Swarbourn at Woodmill Fisheries Assessment (1997): RWE npower Brown/sea trout and European eel Windmill Hill Business Park Swindon (! SN5 6PB River Dove at Claymills Viaduct Macroinvertebrate Assessment (2011):

Very good Penny Anderson Associates Ltd, Parklea, 60 Park Road, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6SN. (! Telephone 01298 27086 Project Name Willington C Gas Pipeline River Swarbourn at Yoxall Nature Reserve Rolleston Brook d/s Rolleston WRWt Discipline Fisheries Assessment (1997): Ecology Macroinvertebrate Assessment (2006): Title: 320000 320000 Coarse fishery and brown/sea trout Good Desk Study Results (! for Aquatic Species ocations River Swarbourn at Yoxall Meadow Lane (! Macroinvertebrate Assessment (2011):

Scale Drawing No. Good 1:100,000 Figure 2

Drawn By Originator Date CC HH 16/02/2012

PAA Ref. G:\RWEN01_Willington_Pipeline\Maps Revision \RWEN06_Inverts_2012 A

405000 410000 415000 420000 425000 430000 435000 Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown Copyright and database right 2010. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence number 100017907 412000 413000 414000 415000 416000 417000 418000 419000 420000 421000 422000

DX6 DX6 Rolleston Brook (R007a) (! 326000 326000

(! DX5

DX6 (! DX4 325000 325000 (!

Legend Macroinvertebrate sample (! location Waterbody Indicative pipeline working area 324000 324000 Works Limits River survey Area (60m either side of invertebrate sample point) DX4 DX5 Ditch (D035a) Trib to Rolleston Brook (D035a) 323000 323000

(!DX5 (!DX4 322000 322000

British National Grid Projection: Transverse Mercator False Easting: 400000.000000 False Northing: -100000.000000 Central Meridian: -2.000000 ISO A3 Scale Factor: 0.999601 Latitude Of Origin: 49.000000 321000 321000 ´ m 0 250 500 1,000 1,500

RWE npower Windmill Hill Business Park Swindon SN5 6PB 320000 320000

Penny Anderson Associates Ltd, Parklea, 60 Park Road, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6SN. Telephone 01298 27086 Project Name (!RX1 Willington C Gas Pipeline Discipline Ecology 319000 319000 Title:

Water Crossings - RX1 2012 Macroinvertebrate Sample Sites (South) (! RX1 Scale Drawing No. 318000 318000 River Swarbourn (R004a) 1:35,000 Figure 3a Drawn By Originator Date CC HH 18/06/2012

PAA Ref. G:\RWEN01_Willington_Pipeline\Maps Revision \RWEN06_Inverts_2012 A

412000 413000 414000 415000 416000 417000 418000 419000 420000 421000 422000 Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown Copyright and database right 2010. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence number 100017907 421000 422000 423000 424000 425000 426000 427000 428000 429000 430000 431000 432000

DX11 RX6 RX7 333000 333000 Ditch (D069a) Egginton Brook (R018a) Ditch (D092a)

DX11 (! 332000 332000 (!RX7 (!RX6

RX5 (!

Legend 331000 331000 Macroinvertebrate sample RX5 (! location Hilton Brook (R016a) Waterbody Indicative pipeline working area Works Limits

River survey Area (60m either

330000 330000 side of invertebrate sample point)

(! RX7 (! 329000 329000 RX6 RX2 & RX3 (! (! (! (! RX5 & DX11 DX12 (! 328000 328000

British National Grid Projection: Transverse Mercator False Easting: 400000.000000 False Northing: -100000.000000 Central Meridian: -2.000000 ISO A3 Scale Factor: 0.999601 ´ Latitude Of Origin: 49.000000 m 0 250 500 1,000 1,500 327000 327000

RX2, RX3 RWE npower Windmill Hill Business Park Swindon Mill Fleam (R012a) SN5 6PB

Penny Anderson Associates Ltd, 326000 326000 Parklea, 60 Park Road, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6SN. Telephone 01298 27086 (!RX2 Project Name (!DX12 Willington C Gas Pipeline (!RX3 Discipline Ecology

Title:

River Crossings - 325000 325000 RX1 2012 Macroinvertebrate Sample Sites (North) DX12 Scale Drawing No. Ditch (D087a) 1:35,000 Figure 3b Drawn By Originator Date CC HH 18/06/2012

PAA Ref. G:\RWEN01_Willington_Pipeline\Maps Revision \RWEN06_Inverts_2012 A 324000 421000 422000 423000 424000 425000 426000 427000 428000 429000 430000 431000 432000 Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown Copyright and database right 2012. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence number 100017907

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A ENVIRONMENT AGENCY DESK STUDY

APPENDIX B MACROINVERTEBRATE SAMPLES SPECIES LISTS

Appendix B. Macroinvertebrate Samples Species List

Sample Location Species Description Habitat Conservation Status BMWP Score RX1 RX2 RX3RX5 RX6RX7 DX4 DX5DX6 DX11 DX12 ARACHNIDA Hydracarina 0 Unidentified species Water mite 3 COLEOPTERA Dytiscidae 5 Unidentified larvae Diving beetle 22 12 1 12 37 Elmidae 5 Under stones in moving Elmis aenea (adult) Riffle beetle Common 2 11 water Under stones in moving Elmis aenea (larvae) Riffle beetle Common 10 1125 water Under stones of gravel Limnius volckmari (adult) Riffle beetle Common 2 1 2 bottomed streams Under stones of gravel Limnius volckmari (larvae) Riffle beetle Common 2 1 5 24 5 2 bottomed streams Gyrinidae 5 Unidentified larvae Whirligig beetle 18 Hydrophilidae 5 Common in stagnant or Helophorus grandis Scavenger beetle Common 8 slow flowing water Helophorus sp. Scavenger beetle Unidentified adult Scavenger beetle 2 Scirtidae 5 Unidentified larvae Marsh beetle 22 115 150 1 CRUSTACEA Asellidae 3 Tolerant of low oxygen Asellus aquaticus Common hog-louse Common 11 17 43 37 23 20 2 45 126 conditions Slightly less common Asellus meridianus A water louse than A. aquaticus but Common equally widespread. Crangonyctidae 6 Ponds, lakes and canals where it can tolerate Crangonyx pseudogracilis Introduced shrimp Naturalised 1* 2* 1* 40 saline, polluted and low oxygen conditions Gammaridae 6 A common freshwater shrimp, often abundant in running water but less Gammarus pulex Freshwater shrimp Common 45 20 60 40* 95 955 1* 508* 7* frequently found in still water. An important detritivore. Niphargidae 6 Niphargus sp. Subterranean shrimp 1* Ostracoda 0 Unidentified ostracod Seed shrimp 1`1 DIPTERA Ceratopogonidae 0 Unidentified larvae Biting midges 11121 Chironomidae 2 Unidentified larvae Non-biting midges 406 75203646729030170 Unidentified pupae Non-biting midges Dixidae 0 Unidentified larvae Meniscus midge 1 Empididae 0 Unidentified larvae Dancefly 11 Muscidae 0 Unidentified larvae Dungfly 1 Limoniidae 5 Unidentified larvae Cranefly 141123655 Pediciidae 5 Dicranota sp. Cranefly 21 1 7 53 1 Psychodidae Unidentified larvae Mothfly 111 Simuliidae 5 Unidentified larvae Blackfly 30 2 1 3 14 3 50 Syrphidae 0 Unidentified larvae Hoverfly 36 Tabanidae 0 Unidentified larvae Horsefly 1 Tipulidae 5 Tipula sp. Cranefly 11 EPHEMEROPTERA Baetidae 4 Widespread in a range Baetis rhodani A mayfly Common 27 13 5 9 of flowing waters Caenidae 7 Caenis luctuosa A mayfly Stony streams and rivers Common 7 Ephemerellidae 10 Occurs in rivers where Ephemerella ignita A mayfly Local 1 the vegetation is thick Ephemeridae 10 Common in silty Ephemera danica A mayfly Common 5 1 sediment HEMIPTERA Corixidae 5 Wide range of still and Siagra dorsalis Lesser water boatman Common 4 2 slow-flowing waters HIRUNDINEA Erpobdellidae 3 Erpobdella octoculata A leech 26 9 Erpobdella sp. A leech 4 Glossiphoniidae 3 Found in almost all types of freshwater, Helobdella stagnalis A leech except sphagnum bogs. Common 112 Found more on macrophytes than stones

Occurs in all types of freshwater, including fast flowing rivers and Glossiphonia complanata A leech Common 12 1 2 3 11 4 streams, most abundant where there are large populations of snails MOLLUSCA BIVALVIA Sphaeriidae 3 Found in a variety of Pisidium sp. Pea mussels Common 11 30 3 8 6 75 3 2 113 water types. Sphaerium sp. Orb mussel 3 GASTROPODA Acroloxidae 6 Clean still or slow flowing Acroloxus lacustris Lake limpet Common 3 waters Ancylidae 6 Tends to be associated Ancylus fluviatilis River limpet with reasonably clean Common 35 1 3 and faster flowing waters Bithyniidae 3 Tends to be restricted to Bithynia leachii An operculate snail Common 2 hard waters Found in lakes and slow Bithynia tentaculata An operculate snail Common 16 1 flowing waters Hydrobiidae 3 Widespread in a range Potamopyrgus antipodarum Jenkins' spire snail Naturalised 80 65 66 33 40 1 of habitats Lymnaeidae 3 Highly susceptible to environmental Lymnaea peregra Wandering pond snail Common 2 1 6 1 influences, found in most lowland waterbodies

A variety of still and slow Lymnaea stagnalis Great pond snail Common 1 3 flowing freshwaters Neritidae 6 Theodoxus fluviatilis River nerite 52 Physidae 3 Typically found in clean Physa fontinalis Bladder snail Common 3 weedy waters Planorbidae 3 Anisus vortex A ramshorn snail 323 14 Widespread and found Gyraulus albus White ramshorn Common 7 6 1 in almost all waterbodies Gyraulus laevis Smooth ramshorn 211 Widespread in a range Planorbis carinatus Keeled ramshorn Common 3 1 1 of habitats Widespread, usually in soft water but found in a Planorbis contortus Twisted ramshorn Common 2 variety of freshwater situations Planorbis planorbis 1 Valvatidae 3 Found in a variety of Valvata piscinalis Valve snail Common 13 8 1 3 habitats NEUROPTERA Sialidae 4 Found in sluggish to Sialis lutaria Alder fly larvae stationary water with an Common 1 7 3 70 21 2 7 34 abundance of silt ODONATA ZYGOPTERA Calopterygidae 8 Large metallic blue (males) or metallic green (females) damselfly. The males have a dark band across the wings which Calopteryx splendens Banded demoiselle is used in threat displays Common 1 1 6 to delineate their territory. Prefers slow flowing streams and rivers, usually with muddy bottoms. Coenagriidae 6 Breeds in all types of still and flowing water. Pyrrhosoma nymphula Large red damselfly Slightly tolerant of Common 1 polluted and acidic conditions OLIGOCHAETA A worm 1 11 4 18 3 27 1* 2* 1 11 Lumbricidae A worm 1* 22* PLECOPTERA Leuctridae 10 Leuctra fusca Stonefly 1 Nemouridae 7 Nemoura sp. Stonefly 11 TRICHOPTERA Brachycentridae 10 Moderate to fast flowing rivers and streams, Brachycentrus subnubilis Cased caddisfly Throughout Britain 2 principally attached to vegetation Glossosomatidae 7 Common in stony streams. Also found in Agapetus fuscipes Cased caddisfly Throughout Britain 61 2 large rivers and stony lake shores Goeridae 10 Mainly small rivers, and Silo pallipes Cased caddisfly Throughout Britain 1 stony streams Hydrophysidae 5 Rich warm streams and Hydropsyche angustipennis Caseless caddisfly Common 55 small rivers Lepidostomatidae 10 Rivers, stony lake shores Lepidostoma hirtum Cased caddisfly Throughout Britain 5 2 and large streams Leptoceridae 10 Found in silty ponds, Athripsodes cinereus Cased caddisfly lakes, slow rivers and Common 2 canals Ponds, lakes, canals and very slow flowing rivers Mystacides longicornis Cased caddisfly Common 3 1 on muddy or fine sand substrata. Limnephilidae 7 Early instar 85 Ditches, slow streams, Glyphotaelius pellucidus Cased caddisfly pools, ponds and lake Common 1 1 20 6 margins Ponds, lakes, canals, Limnephilus flavicornis Cased caddisfly Throughout Britain 17 3 15 6 1 3 ditches and pools Throughout Britain. Permanent water of streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, canals and marshes. Found associated with Limnephilus lunatus Cased caddisfly vegetation. One of Common 11 16 40 17 9 26 9 50 35 Britain's commonest caddis and consequently, females may occasionally lay in inappropriate water- bodies which dry up later Streams which usually diminish during summer. Micropterna sequax Cased caddisfly Throughout Britain 71 Usually found on a mineral bottom Unidentified larvae 1 22 Polycentropodidae 7 Throughout Britain. Plectrocnemia conspersa Caseless caddisfly Small streams and Common 13 1 flowing marshes Streams, rivers and Polycentropus flavomaculatus Caseless caddisfly Common 16 5 2 stony lake shores Psychomyiidae 8 Submerged rotting twigs Lype reducta Caseless caddisfly Common 1 2 5 1 and branches in streams

Lakes and predominantly slowly Tinodes waeneri Cased caddisfly Common 1 flowing sections of rivers and large streams Sericostomatidae 10 Rivers, streams and Sericostoma personatum Cased caddisfly Throughout Britain 40 stony lake shores TRICLADIDA Dendrocoelidae 5 Dendrocoelum lacteum A flatworm 4131 Dugesiidae 5 Dugesia polychroa/lugubris A flatworm 13 Planariidae 5 Polycelis tenuis/nigra A flatworm 1 No. of Macroinvertebrate Taxa 30 24 20 24 29 24 17 19 33 20 6 Total BMWP Score 142 59 74 90 130 85 61 59 106 64 27 No. of Scoring Families 25 15 17 18 25 18 12 13 23 15 6 ASPT Score 5.68 3.93 4.35 5 5.20 4.72 5.08 4.54 4.61 4.27 4.50

*Composite taxa

APPENDIX C RIVER SURVEY PHOTOGRAPHS

Plate 1 River Swarbourn at Yoxall (RX1), upstream view

Plate 2 River Swarbourn at Yoxall (RX1), downstream view Plate 3 Mill Fleam at Rolleston on Dove, upstream (RX2), upstream view

Plate 4 Mill Fleam at Rolleston on Dove, upstream (RX2), downstream view Plate 5 Mill Fleam at Rolleston on Dove, upstream (RX2), cattle crossing and bank side poaching

Plate 6 Mill Fleam at Rolleston on Dove, downstream (RX3), upstream view Plate 7 Mill Fleam at Rolleston on Dove, downstream (RX3), downstream view

Plate 8 Hilton Brook upstream Egginton (RX5), upstream view Plate 9 Hilton Brook upstream Egginton (RX5), downstream view

Plate 10 Egginton Brook downstream Saltersford Bridge (RX6), upstream view Plate 11 Egginton Brook downstream Saltersford Bridge (RX6), downstream view

Plate 12 Unnamed Ditch at Willington (RX7), upstream view Plate 13 Unnamed Ditch at Willington (RX7) downstream view

Plate 14 Unnamed Ditch at Willington (RX7), adjacent land use Plate 15 Unnamed Ditch near Anslow Gate (DX4), upstream view

Plate 16 Unnamed Ditch near Anslow Gate (DX4), downstream view Plate 17 Tributary to Rolleston Brook near Stockley Park (DX5), upstream view

Plate 18 Tributary to Rolleston Brook near Stockley Park (DX5), downstream view Plate 18 Rolleston Brook near Belmot Bridge (DX6), upstream view

Plate 19 Rolleston Brook near Belmot Bridge (DX6), downstream view Plate 20 Unnamed Ditch near Fishing Lakes (DX11), upstream view

Plate 21 Unnamed Ditch near Fishing Lakes (DX11), downstream view Plate 22 Ochre at Unnamed Ditch near Fishing Lakes (DX11)

Plate 23 Ochre at Unnamed Ditch near Fishing Lakes (DX11) Plate 24 Unnamed Ditch near Willington Chicken Farm (DX12), upstream view

Plate 25 Unnamed Ditch near Willington Chicken Farm (DX12), downstream view Park Lea, 60 Park Road, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 6SN

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