Evidence Review of Lake Eutrophication in Wales

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Evidence Review of Lake Eutrophication in Wales Evidence Review of Lake Eutrophication in Wales Dr Tristan Hatton-Ellis NRW Evidence Report No 135 Date www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk About Natural Resources Wales Natural Resources Wales is the organisation responsible for the work carried out by the three former organisations, the Countryside Council for Wales, Environment Agency Wales and Forestry Commission Wales. It is also responsible for some functions previously undertaken by Welsh Government. Our purpose is to ensure that the natural resources of Wales are sustainably maintained, used and enhanced, now and in the future. We work for the communities of Wales to protect people and their homes as much as possible from environmental incidents like flooding and pollution. We provide opportunities for people to learn, use and benefit from Wales' natural resources. We work to support Wales' economy by enabling the sustainable use of natural resources to support jobs and enterprise. We help businesses and developers to understand and consider environmental limits when they make important decisions. We work to maintain and improve the quality of the environment for everyone and we work towards making the environment and our natural resources more resilient to climate change and other pressures. www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk Page 1 Evidence at Natural Resources Wales Natural Resources Wales is an evidence based organisation. We seek to ensure that our strategy, decisions, operations and advice to Welsh Government and others are underpinned by sound and quality-assured evidence. We recognise that it is critically important to have a good understanding of our changing environment. We will realise this vision by: Maintaining and developing the technical specialist skills of our staff; Securing our data and information; Having a well-resourced proactive programme of evidence work; Continuing to review and add to our evidence to ensure it is fit for the challenges facing us; and Communicating our evidence in an open and transparent way. This Evidence Report series serves as a record of work carried out or commissioned by Natural Resources Wales. It also helps us to share and promote use of our evidence by others and develop future collaborations. www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk Page 2 Report series: NRW Evidence Reports Report number: 135 Publication date: September 2016 Title: Evidence Review of Lake Eutrophication in Wales Author(s): Hatton-Ellis TW. NRW Peer Reviewer(s) Jones PS, Duigan CA. Independent Expert Review: Bennion H (University College London). Approved By: Evans, M. Restrictions: None Distribution List (core) NRW Library, Bangor 2 National Library of Wales 1 British Library 1 Welsh Government Library 1 Scottish Natural Heritage Library 1 Natural England Library (Electronic Only) 1 Distribution List (others) James Dowling, Welsh Government Rachel Lewis-Davies, NFU Cymru Andrew Sherlock, Welsh Government Peter Howells, NFU Cymru Natalie Hall, NRW Karen Anthony, CLA Mark Squire, NRW Paul Henderson, DC / WW Brian Pawson, NRW Environment Agency, Bristol Andrea Winterton, NRW Katie-Jo Luxton, RSPB Cymru Ged Davies, NRW Stewart Clarke, National Trust Robert Edwards, NRW Sean McHugh, Wales Biodiversity Helen Millband, NRW Partnership Hazel Wright, FUW Jo-Anne Pitt, Environment Agency Rhianne Jones, FUW Recommended citation for this volume: Hatton-Ellis, T.W. 2016. Evidence Review of Lake Nitrate Vulnerable Zones in Wales. NRW Evidence Report No: 135, 163pp, Natural Resources Wales, Bangor. www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk Page 3 Contents 1. Crynodeb Gweithredol .................................................................................................... 9 2. Executive Summary ...................................................................................................... 11 3. Introduction ................................................................................................................... 13 3.1. The Nitrates Directive Evidence Review Process .............................................................13 3.2. The Eutrophic Waters NVZ Criteria ..................................................................................15 4. Methods ........................................................................................................................ 17 4.1. Nitrogen Thresholds ..........................................................................................................17 4.2. Updates to the WFD monitoring methods .........................................................................18 4.3. Impact of the classification tool updates ...........................................................................20 4.4. Interpretation of other evidence ........................................................................................20 4.5. Update to the Environment Agency Weight of Evidence (WoE) Tool ..............................20 4.6. Combination of nitrogen and WoE results ........................................................................22 4.7. Nitrogen Limitation ............................................................................................................23 4.8. Data used in the Assessment ...........................................................................................24 4.9. Catchment Land Use ........................................................................................................24 4.10. Source Apportionment ......................................................................................................25 4.11. Pumped Storage Reservoirs .............................................................................................26 4.12. Managing Uncertainty .......................................................................................................26 4.13. Independent Expert Review ..............................................................................................27 5. Results ......................................................................................................................... 28 5.1. Nitrogen concentrations ....................................................................................................28 5.2. Ecological Evidence using the WoE Tool .........................................................................30 6. Summary Information for Individual Lakes .................................................................... 33 6.1. Bosherston Lakes .............................................................................................................33 6.2. Plas Uchaf and Dolwen Reservoirs ..................................................................................38 6.3. Llyn Coron .........................................................................................................................42 6.4. Llyn Maelog .......................................................................................................................46 6.5. Cefni Reservoir .................................................................................................................50 6.6. Valley Lakes ......................................................................................................................53 6.7. Llyn Alaw ...........................................................................................................................61 6.8. Llyn yr Wyth Eidion ...........................................................................................................64 6.9. Llangorse Lake .................................................................................................................68 6.10. Hanmer Mere ....................................................................................................................72 6.11. Llyn Pencarreg ..................................................................................................................77 6.12. Llandegfedd Reservoir ......................................................................................................81 6.13. Llyn Tegid..........................................................................................................................83 6.14. Witchett Pool .....................................................................................................................90 6.15. Eglwys Nunnydd Reservoir ...............................................................................................94 6.16. Llwyn-On Reservoir ..........................................................................................................98 6.17. Llyn Elsi Reservoir ..........................................................................................................101 www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk Page 2 6.18. Llyn Padarn .....................................................................................................................103 6.19. Llyn Tryweryn ..................................................................................................................107 6.20. Pant-yr-Eos Reservoir .....................................................................................................110 6.21. Ty Mawr Reservoir ..........................................................................................................112 6.22. Wentwood Reservoir .......................................................................................................115 6.23. Ynysyfro Reservoirs ........................................................................................................117
Recommended publications
  • Welsh Bulletin
    BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF THE BRITISH ISLES WELSH BULLETIN Editors: R. D. Pryce & G. Hutchinson No. 76, June 2005 Mibora minima - one oftlle earliest-flow~ring grosses in Wales (see p. 16) (Illustration from Sowerby's 'English Botany') 2 Contents CONTENTS Editorial ....................................................................................................................... ,3 43rd Welsh AGM, & 23rd Exhibition Meeting, 2005 ............................ " ............... ,.... 4 Welsh Field Meetings - 2005 ................................... " .................... " .................. 5 Peter Benoit's anniversary; a correction ............... """"'"'''''''''''''''' ...... "'''''''''' ... 5 An early observation of Ranunculus Iriparlitus DC. ? ............................................... 5 A Week's Brambling in East Pembrokeshire ................. , ....................................... 6 Recording in Caernarfonshire, v.c.49 ................................................................... 8 Note on Meliltis melissophyllum in Pembrokeshire, v.c. 45 ....................................... 10 Lusitanian affinities in Welsh Early Sand-grass? ................................................... 16 Welsh Plant Records - 2003-2004 ........................... " ..... " .............. " ............... 17 PLANTLIFE - WALES NEWSLETTER - 2 ........................ " ......... , ...................... 1 Most back issues of the BSBI Welsh Bulletin are still available on request (originals or photocopies). Please enquire before sending cheque
    [Show full text]
  • Brecon Beacons Weekends
    The 'diving board' on Fan y Big with Cribyn behind BRECON BEACONS WEEKENDS Weekend walking adventures for London-based hikers www.walkyourweekends.com 1 of 34 CONTENTS Introduction • Main features of interest 3 • Resources 5 • Where to stay 5 • Decision time! Weekend options summary 7 • Getting there 8 • Getting around 9 Suggested weekend itineraries • Weekend 1: Merthyr Tydfil & Abergavenny/Crickhowell 10 • Weekend 2: Merthyr Tydfil 13 • Weekend 3: Abergavenny/Crickhowell 15 The Walks 17 • A BEACONS TRAVERSE 18 • B LOW LEVEL WALK TO TALYBONT-ON-USK 21 • C PEN Y FAN CIRCULAR 23 • D TAFF TRAIL TO MERTHYR TYDFIL 26 • E CRICKHOWELL WALKS 27 • F SUGAR LOAF 30 • G FAN FAWR 31 • H SKIRRID FAWR 31 • I MERTHYR GENTLE WALK 32 Staying in Abergavenny 33 Staying in Merthyr Tydfil 34 www.walkyourweekends.com 2 of 34 INTRODUCTION MAIN FEATURES OF INTEREST The Brecon Beacons is a mountain range in south Wales and a national park. → CLICK HERE to see a n overview map of the Brecon Beacons ← Trail magazine's list of the 100 best mountains to climb in the UK (which is of course entirely subjective but is a useful place to start!) includes three peaks in the Brecon Beacons: • Pen y Fan – the highest peak in South Wales; between Brecon and Merthyr Tydfil. Pen y Fan sits in a cluster of other peaks including Corn Du, Cribyn and Fan y Big, so most of them can be climbed in a single walk. These are the main 'Beacons' in the Brecon Beacons. In this guide I'll refer to them as “Pen y Fan et al”.
    [Show full text]
  • Handbook to Cardiff and the Neighborhood (With Map)
    HANDBOOK British Asscciation CARUTFF1920. BRITISH ASSOCIATION CARDIFF MEETING, 1920. Handbook to Cardiff AND THE NEIGHBOURHOOD (WITH MAP). Prepared by various Authors for the Publication Sub-Committee, and edited by HOWARD M. HALLETT. F.E.S. CARDIFF. MCMXX. PREFACE. This Handbook has been prepared under the direction of the Publications Sub-Committee, and edited by Mr. H. M. Hallett. They desire me as Chairman to place on record their thanks to the various authors who have supplied articles. It is a matter for regret that the state of Mr. Ward's health did not permit him to prepare an account of the Roman antiquities. D. R. Paterson. Cardiff, August, 1920. — ....,.., CONTENTS. PAGE Preface Prehistoric Remains in Cardiff and Neiglibourhood (John Ward) . 1 The Lordship of Glamorgan (J. S. Corbett) . 22 Local Place-Names (H. J. Randall) . 54 Cardiff and its Municipal Government (J. L. Wheatley) . 63 The Public Buildings of Cardiff (W. S. Purchox and Harry Farr) . 73 Education in Cardiff (H. M. Thompson) . 86 The Cardiff Public Liljrary (Harry Farr) . 104 The History of iNIuseums in Cardiff I.—The Museum as a Municipal Institution (John Ward) . 112 II. —The Museum as a National Institution (A. H. Lee) 119 The Railways of the Cardiff District (Tho^. H. Walker) 125 The Docks of the District (W. J. Holloway) . 143 Shipping (R. O. Sanderson) . 155 Mining Features of the South Wales Coalfield (Hugh Brajiwell) . 160 Coal Trade of South Wales (Finlay A. Gibson) . 169 Iron and Steel (David E. Roberts) . 176 Ship Repairing (T. Allan Johnson) . 182 Pateift Fuel Industry (Guy de G.
    [Show full text]
  • 2 Powys Local Development Plan Written Statement
    Powys LDP 2011-2026: Deposit Draft with Focussed Changes and Further Focussed Changes plus Matters Arising Changes September 2017 2 Powys Local Development Plan 2011 – 2026 1/4/2011 to 31/3/2026 Written Statement Adopted April 2018 (Proposals & Inset Maps published separately) Adopted Powys Local Development Plan 2011-2026 This page left intentionally blank Cyngor Sir Powys County Council Adopted Powys Local Development Plan 2011-2026 Foreword I am pleased to introduce the Powys County Council Local Development Plan as adopted by the Council on 17th April 2017. I am sincerely grateful to the efforts of everyone who has helped contribute to the making of this Plan which is so important for the future of Powys. Importantly, the Plan sets out a clear and strong strategy for meeting the future needs of the county’s communities over the next decade. By focussing development on our market towns and largest villages, it provides the direction and certainty to support investment and enable economic opportunities to be seized, to grow and support viable service centres and for housing development to accommodate our growing and changing household needs. At the same time the Plan provides the protection for our outstanding and important natural, built and cultural environments that make Powys such an attractive and special place in which to live, work, visit and enjoy. Our efforts along with all our partners must now shift to delivering the Plan for the benefit of our communities. Councillor Martin Weale Portfolio Holder for Economy and Planning
    [Show full text]
  • A TIME for May/June 2016
    EDITOR'S LETTER EST. 1987 A TIME FOR May/June 2016 Publisher Sketty Publications Address exploration 16 Coed Saeson Crescent Sketty Swansea SA2 9DG Phone 01792 299612 49 General Enquiries [email protected] SWANSEA FESTIVAL OF TRANSPORT Advertising John Hughes Conveniently taking place on Father’s Day, Sun 19 June, the Swansea Festival [email protected] of Transport returns for its 23rd year. There’ll be around 500 exhibits in and around Swansea City Centre with motorcycles, vintage, modified and film cars, Editor Holly Hughes buses, trucks and tractors on display! [email protected] Listings Editor & Accounts JODIE PRENGER Susan Hughes BBC’s I’d Do Anything winner, Jodie Prenger, heads to Swansea to perform the role [email protected] of Emma in Tell Me on a Sunday. Kay Smythe chats with the bubbly Jodie to find [email protected] out what the audience can expect from the show and to get some insider info into Design Jodie’s life off stage. Waters Creative www.waters-creative.co.uk SCAMPER HOLIDAYS Print Stephens & George Print Group This is THE ultimate luxury glamping experience. Sleep under the stars in boutique accommodation located on Gower with to-die-for views. JULY/AUGUST 2016 EDITION With the option to stay in everything from tiki cabins to shepherd’s huts, and Listings: Thurs 19 May timber tents to static camper vans, it’ll be an unforgettable experience. View a Digital Edition www.visitswanseabay.com/downloads SPRING BANK HOLIDAY If you’re stuck for ideas of how to spend Spring Bank Holiday, Mon 30 May, then check out our round-up of fun events taking place across the city.
    [Show full text]
  • THE ROLE of GRAZING ANIMALS and AGRICULTURE in the CAMBRIAN MOUNTAINS: Recognising Key Environmental and Economic Benefits Delivered by Agriculture in Wales’ Uplands
    THE ROLE OF GRAZING ANIMALS AND AGRICULTURE IN THE CAMBRIAN MOUNTAINS: recognising key environmental and economic benefits delivered by agriculture in Wales’ uplands Author: Ieuan M. Joyce. May 2013 Report commissioned by the Farmers’ Union of Wales. Llys Amaeth,Plas Gogerddan, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3BT Telephone: 01970 820820 Executive Summary This report examines the benefits derived from the natural environment of the Cambrian Mountains, how this environment has been influenced by grazing livestock and the condition of the natural environment in the area. The report then assesses the factors currently causing changes to the Cambrian Mountains environment and discusses how to maintain the benefits derived from this environment in the future. Key findings: The Cambrian Mountains are one of Wales’ most important areas for nature, with 17% of the land designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). They are home to and often a remaining stronghold of a range of species and habitats of principal importance for the conservation of biological diversity with many of these species and habitats distributed outside the formally designated areas. The natural environment is critical to the economy of the Cambrian Mountains: agriculture, forestry, tourism, water supply and renewable energy form the backbone of the local economy. A range of non-market ecosystem services such as carbon storage and water regulation provide additional benefit to wider society. Documentary evidence shows the Cambrian Mountains have been managed with extensively grazed livestock for at least 800 years, while the pollen record and archaeological evidence suggest this way of managing the land has been important in the area since the Bronze Age.
    [Show full text]
  • OSWESTRY Where Shropshire Meets Wales
    FREE MAPS What to see, do & where to stay 2019 OSWESTRY Where Shropshire meets Wales Surprising - Historic - Friendly P L A C T H E R O I F B • • 1893 1918 W I N L E F W www.borderland-breaks.co.uk OswestryTourism R E D O Do you like surprises? Then visit Oswestry... This small border town on the edge of Shropshire and the brink of Wales may not be familiar to you and certainly, many of the visitors that arrive here say: What a surprise Oswestry is – there is so much to see and explore. We’ll have to come back again. Information at Visitor & Exhibition So let us surprise you and tempt you to visit. Take a look through our Centre brochure and we hope it will make you want to visit Oswestry – 2 Church Terrace where Shropshire meets Wales. Oswestry SY11 2TE Firstly, take a spectacular, dramatic and What’s on? Let us entertain you. We say 01691 662753 mysterious 3000 year old hill fort that was Oswestry is ‘Fest Fabulous’ because there are the beginning of Oswestry and add a so many different events and the variety is Photo thriving town that still has a weekly market. impressive. Don’t miss the free town centre Reference: There’s a lively café culture which, combined events which are in the streets and our Front cover: with the eclectic mix of small independent beautiful park. The Hot Air Balloon Carnival, Hot air balloon over shops, entices visitors from miles around. Food and Drink Festival and Christmas Live Oswestry Town Then scatter a few castles around; sprinkle are the main happenings there.
    [Show full text]
  • Groundwater Level and Quality Monitoring in Wales: An
    Natural Resources Wales’ monitoring networks for groundwater level and quality Authors: David A Jones1 Gareth J Farr2 1Natural Resources Wales (formerly Environment Agency Wales) Ty Cambria, 29 Newport Road, Cardiff, CF24 0TP 2Present address: British Geological Survey, Columbus House, Greenmeadow Springs, Tongwynlais, Cardiff, CF15 7NE Introduction Natural Resources Wales, which was formed in April 2013, has taken over the functions of the Countryside Council for Wales, Environment Agency Wales and Forestry Commission Wales, as well as some functions of Welsh Government. Its purpose is to ensure that the natural resources of Wales are sustainably maintained, enhanced and used, now and in the future. This includes ensuring that the quality of groundwater, surface water and coastal waters continues to improve. In Wales, groundwater only contributes around 3% of the total public water supply (Environment Agency, 2008a). However, it is still an important resource in rural areas where records held by local authorities identify at least 21,000 private water supplies, typically comprising shallow wells, boreholes and spring sources. Groundwater also provides baseflow to rivers and groundwater dependent wetlands. Therefore it is important that sufficient data is available to understand, manage, protect, forecast and report on the quality and availability of groundwater. 1 Since 2000 the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) (WFD) has been the key driver for monitoring groundwater levels and quality. The data that is collected is used to define the status of groundwater in both quantitative and chemical terms as either ‘good’ or ‘poor’. Data is also needed to inform decisions on groundwater protection, abstraction licensing, groundwater modelling and other local investigations.
    [Show full text]
  • The Draft Flood Risk Management Plan for the Severn River Basin District
    The draft flood risk management plan for the Severn River Basin District Environmental report October 2014 Environmental report The Severn draft flood risk management plan This is a joint draft plan prepared by the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales and Lead Local Flood Authorities who protect and improve the environment and make it a better place for people and wildlife. The Environment Agency We are the Environment Agency. We protect and improve the environment and make it a better place for people and wildlife. We operate at the place where environmental change has its greatest impact on people’s lives. We reduce the risks to people and properties from flooding; make sure there is enough water for people and wildlife; protect and improve air, land and water quality and apply the environmental standards within which industry can operate. Acting to reduce climate change and helping people and wildlife adapt to its consequences are at the heart of all that we do. We cannot do this alone. We work closely with a wide range of partners including government, business, local authorities, other agencies, civil society groups and the communities we serve Natural Resources Wales Our purpose is to ensure that the natural resources of Wales are sustainably maintained, used and enhanced, now and in the future We will work for the communities of Wales to protect people and their homes as much as possible from environmental incidents like flooding and pollution. We will provide opportunities for them to learn, use and benefit from Wales' natural resources We will work for Wales' economy and enable the sustainable use of natural resources to support jobs and enterprise.
    [Show full text]
  • Management of River Severn Regulation
    EA-MIDLANDS RIVER SEVERN E n v ir o n m e n t Regulation - fact sheet 3 Ag e n c y Management of River Severn Regulation Regulation of the River Severn balances the needs of parties warning them to prepare for any restrictions that water users with the protection of the environment. may be placed on them during regulation. The letter states This balance is managed by the Environment Agency that regulation releases may be required from Llyn in liaison with water users, to ensure that the river Clywedog in the next fortnight. and the estuary are protected from damage resulting from low flows. Supporting the river Controlling the flow Increased flow monitoring takes place during a Regulation Alert. Actual and proposed water use information from the The Act of Parliament which allowed the creation of water companies and other major users, such as Ironbridge LJyn Clywedog also set down a minimum flow to be Power Station, is analysed. This data is used to forecast maintained at a control point at Bewdley in the middle when flows are likely to fall below the 850 Ml/d minimum reaches of the River Severn. The minimum flow was originally flow at Bewdley. The forecasts are based on current trends, defined as 720 million litres a day (Ml/d) to ensure dilution of historic flow patterns, predicted abstractions and weather waste water discharges from the Black Country and to allow forecasts. When it appears likely that the minimum flow for abstractions and environmental needs downstream. This will be reached, releases are planned from Llyn Clywedog has now been changed to a five day average minimum flow to support the flow.
    [Show full text]
  • Bwlch Circular (Via Mynydd Troed and Lllangorse Lake) Bwlch Circular (Via Pen Tir and Cefn Moel)
    Bwlch Circular (via Mynydd Troed and Lllangorse Lake) Bwlch Circular (via Pen Tir and Cefn Moel) 1st walk check 2nd walk check 3rd walk check 1st walk check 2nd walk check 3rd walk check 05th May 2018 09th April 2019 Current status Document last updated Saturday, 25th July 2020 This document and information herein are copyrighted to Saturday Walkers’ Club. If you are interested in printing or displaying any of this material, Saturday Walkers’ Club grants permission to use, copy, and distribute this document delivered from this World Wide Web server with the following conditions: • The document will not be edited or abridged, and the material will be produced exactly as it appears. Modification of the material or use of it for any other purpose is a violation of our copyright and other proprietary rights. • Reproduction of this document is for free distribution and will not be sold. • This permission is granted for a one-time distribution. • All copies, links, or pages of the documents must carry the following copyright notice and this permission notice: Saturday Walkers’ Club, Copyright © 2018-2020, used with permission. All rights reserved. www.walkingclub.org.uk This walk has been checked as noted above, however the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any problems encountered by readers. Bwlch Circular (via Mynydd Troed and Lllangorse Lake) Start & Finish: Bwlch (All Saints Church/New Inn) Bus Stop. Bwlch (All Saints Church/New Inn) Bus Stop, map reference SO 148 220, is 219 km west northwest of Charing Cross, 223m above sea level and in Powys, Wales. Length: 21.6 km (13.4 mi), of which 5.5 km (3.4 mi) are on tarmac or concrete.
    [Show full text]
  • Is Wales' Highest Mountain the Perfect Starter Peak for Kids?
    SNOWDON FOR ALL CHILD’S PLAY Is Wales’ highest mountain the perfect starter peak for kids? We sent a rock star to find out... WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHS PHOEBE SMITH ver half a million an ideal first mountain for kids visitors a year would to climb. Naturally, we wanted to suggest the cat is well put that theory to the test, so we and truly out of the went in search of an adventurous bag with Snowdon. family looking for their first taste Arguably, it’s the perfect of proper mountain walking. We mountain for walkers. weren’t expecting that search to Undeniably, it’s one of lead us to a BBC radio presenter OEurope’s most spectacular. This is who also happened to be the lead a peak of extraordinary, unrivalled singer of a multi-million-selling versatility, one that’s historically 1990s rock band. But that’s been used as a training ground exactly what happened. for Everest-bound mountaineers, The message arrived quite but also one where you could unexpectedly one Wednesday achievably stroll with your afternoon. Scanning through my children to the summit. emails, it was a pretty normal day. Then I saw it, the There are no fewer than 10 recognised ways one that stood out above the rest. The subject line to walk or scramble to Snowdon’s pyramidal read: ‘SNOWDONIA – February half-term?’ 1085m top. The beginner-friendly Llanberis Path The message was from Cerys Matthews, the offers the most pedestrian ascent; the South Ridge former frontwoman of rock band Catatonia and holds the key to the mountain’s secret back door; a current BBC Radio 6 Music presenter, who I’d while the notoriously nerve-zapping and razor-sharp accompanied on a wild camping trip a few months ridgeline of Crib Goch is reserved for those with a earlier.
    [Show full text]