F r e e G7V - fA^LAwpS UcKFS t»iX 1+

local plan

MIDDLE SEVERN CONSULTATION REPORT SUMMARY APRIL1997

E n v ir o n m e n t Ag en cy Key details

General Pollution Prevention and Control Area 2,634 km2 Waste Regulation No.

Administrative Details Landfill Sites (Inert) 29 Landfill Sites (biodegradable) 14 County Councils & Unitary Authorities % of Area Waste Treatment Plants 4 CC 77% Metal Recycling Stations 18 Staffordshire CC 7% Household Waste Reclamation Sites 10 Hereford & Worcester CC 16% Incinerators 1 Wrexham County Borough < 1 % Former Landfill Sites 55 Powys County - Montgomeryshire < 1 % Transfer Stations 28 Population (estimated from 1991 census) Number of Integrated YEAR POPULATION Pollution Control authorisations 12 1991 506,324 Total number of radioactive 2001 (predicted) 552,834 substances authorisation 4 Total number of radioactive Wildlife and Conservation substances registrations 42 Sites of special scientific interest 158 Water Quality Water related special wildlife sites 628 Length of watercourse (km) in each Special areas of conversation 2 component of General Quality Assessment World heritage site: Gorge GQA Areas of outstanding Grade natural beauty: (1995) Chemistry Biology Length of watercourse designated under EC A GOOD 7.5 105.0 directive for fresh water fisheries (78/659 EEC) B 327.4 258.1 Salmonid 98.4 km C FAIR 239.3 160.7 Cyprinid - rivers 126.4 km D 34.8 68.4 Cyprinid - canals 49.0 km E POOR 29.2 14.4 Water Resources and Flood Defence F BAD 1.5 Average annual rainfall 696 mm Consented discharges to water: Length of main river in catchment 484 km 760 including: Number of operational sluices/ 364 sewage discharges and storm overflows, pumping stations 3 264 private sewage treatment plants and Number of licensed abstraction (Surface and groundwater) 1,756 132 industrial Water Companies and Internal Drainage Boards Copyright Waiver Severn Trent Water Ltd and This report is intended to be used widely and South Staffordshire Water Company Ltd may be quoted, copied or reproduced, provided that Internal the extracts are not quoted out of context Drainage Boards: Strine IDB and Rea IDB and that due acknowledgment is given to the Environment Agency.

MIDDLE SEVERN g l SUMMARY REPORT Contents Page

Map 3 Key details 4 Vision 5 Introduction 6 Protection through Partnership 6 Local Environment Agency Plans (LEAPs) 6 The Consultation Process 7 Biodiversity 7 The Local Environment 8 Issues and Options 12 Questionnaire Centre pages We need your views Local Environment Agency Plans Please write to: (LEAPs) rely on the opinions of Shelly Beckett individuals and groups who have an Environment Planner interest in the protection and Environment Agency enhancement of the local Hafren House environment. The full Consultation Road Report (available from the Environment Agency and local Shropshire SY3 8BB libraries) to which this document is a Telephone: (01 743) 272828 summary is the first such plan to be Fax: (01743) 272138 produced for the Middle Severn area. Further copies of this summary report If you have any comments about the and the full report are available at the local planning process or issues raised above address. then we would like to hear from you. All comments received will be treated as Comments are required public information unless you explicitly by 25 July 1997. stated otherwise in your response.

MIDDLE SEVERN SUMMARY REPORT Middle Severn Area

/ L Wrexham Maelor CC

South Shropshire DC

t

Infrastructure

KEY Area Boundary •— Motorway ----- Main River Main Road ---- Ordinary Watercourse — Railway HEREFORD ----- Canal County Boundary WORCESTER Built up Area District Boundary

MIDDLE SEVERN SUMMARY REPORT Vision

Top left: . Top right: Otters. • Educate and raise awareness of the Bottom left: common spotted orchids. Above: Ironbridge, . environment and environmental issues.

• Protect and improve the landscape and conservation value of our environment.

• Manage our water resources in an environmentally sustainable way balancing abstraction with the needs of the water environment and its legitimate users.

• Protect and improve, where necessary, the quality of water in rivers and canals.

MIDDLE SEVERN SUMMARY REPORT Introduction

The Environment Agency was formed comprehensive approach to the on the 1st April 1996 bringing protection and management of our together the expertise of the National environment. Rivers Authority (NRA), Her Majesty's The Agency's statutory roles include Inspectorate of Pollution (HMIP), pollution prevention and control, Waste Regulation Authorities (WRA's) water resource management, flood and a number of smaller units from defence, wildlife conservation, the Department of the Environment. recreation and navigation. This merger provides a more Protection through partnership

We aim to work in partnership with the area. This will enable us to protect Local Authorities, industry, environment and enhance the environment while groups and many other agencies and working towards the worldwide goal of individuals who share the interests of sustainable development.

Local environment agency plans

Local Environment Agency Plans balanced and integrated approach to (LEAPs) are non statutory action plans environmental management. which will contribute to the principle LEAPs will also play a key role in: of sustainable development. They will provide a focus for those concerned • Developing liaison and partnership with the future of the local area. The with key groups. Middle Severn LEAP will establish a • Educating the public on local common vision for the area and environmental issues. provide a framework for protecting and improving our local environment. • Prioritising and establishing an It will raise local environmental issues action plan for managing and and through partnership will direct improving the local area over the resources where they are most needed. next five years. We aim to use the local planning process to promote input from a • Promoting openness and number of sources and adopt a more accountability.

MIDDLE SEVERN SUMMARY REPORT The consultation process

The Consultation Report is the first and develop a shared vision. The output from the LEAP process for the publication of this report marks the Middle Severn area and is not the final start of this consultation period. plan. Before a finalised plan is The Action Plan will be published in produced the Environment Agency November 1997. enters a three month consultation period which enables all interested The diagram below shows the LEAP parties to liaise and reach a consensus process. about the management of the area

The Middle Severn - The LEAP Process

Full review leading to next Local Environment Agency Plan

Biodiversity

Nationally our wildlife is under threat. The Agency has a responsibility towards the implementation of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and will be developing targets for species and habitats of conservation concern. Examples of target species in this area include the otter and water vole.

Water vole

MIDDLE SEVERN m M SUMMARY REPORT The local environment Overview The Middle Severn area lies mainly residents and tourists alike. A major within the counties of Shropshire and feature of the area is the middle reaches Hereford & Worcester and covers an of the River Severn which provide good area of 2,634 square kilometres with a quality water and supports a diversity population of 500,000. The landscape is of wildlife and habitat. one of contrasts with two distinct Over the years, however, increasing domains; the flat Shropshire plain in the industrial, agricultural and domestic north and the wooded Severn valley demands have impacted on the area. with its fast flowing brooks to the south. This has resulted in a loss of wildlife and At the heart of the area is Ironbridge habitat, threats to our water resources Gorge which is designated a World and low flow in rivers. In addition urban Heritage site and is recognised as the development has had an effect on land birthplace of the industrial revolution. use in the area. These development The area is one of outstanding natural pressures impact on our natural beauty and unspoilt countryside which resources, transport routes, flood defence provides a constant variety for local and on the local residents and wildlife. Land The plan area exhibits a high landscape high conservation interest such as the quality and varied geology which is not classic 'kettle holes' of the Meres and found anywhere else in Britain. Eleven peaty Mosses such as Moss and of the thirteen recognised periods of Whixall Moss. Larger meltwater lakes geological time, ranging from about formed between Shrewsbury and 700 million years old to those formed Telford, eventually these spilled at a low in the last ice age, only a few thousand point near Ironbridge redirecting the years ago are present. As a result the river's flow southwards and cutting the scenery is dramatic and varied. This present day gorge. includes the flat north Shropshire plain, Land use in the area is dominated by the prominent features of the Wrekin, agriculture which is supported by the the craggy Stiperstones, the Wenlock variety of rich soils and favourable Edge and the rolling hills of climate. The region is primarily low and Clee. lying with little above 224 metres. The last glacial advance was responsible 46.6% of the area is arable and 30% is for many minor topographic features of grassland. Dairy farms represent the

MIDDLE SEVERN ■ ■ SUMMARY REPORT single largest section of the industry produced is disposed of in the area's 43 with large increases in poultry farming landfill sites. There is some import and seen in recent years. Only 5.3% of the export of waste from the area and at area is urban. Centres of population present there is sufficient landfill and industry give rise to waste which voidage to take the area's waste. has to be managed. Most of the waste Air The predominantly rural nature of the The Agency contributes to the area with its limited heavy industry is management of air pollution through reflected in good air quality. Any the Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) emissions from heavy industrial system. We have no regulatory control processes are regulated to minimise over air quality, the responsibility of their impact upon the environment. which lies with local authorities.

,v»• r '

Brown Moss. Whitchurch Water The main river in the area is the River power station. Many parts of the area Severn which is fed by six smaller are now closed to further abstractions rivers, the Perry, Tern, , or require compensation discharges to Worfe and Salwarpe and the two large be made to nearby watercourses to tributaries of the Tern - the Meese and protect the environment and the the Roden. Water is abstracted from rights of existing abstractors. surface and underground sources such The River Severn is regulated in order as the sandstone aquifers which to meet the water resource demands of underlie 40% of the area. Water is major abstractors on the river, while used for irrigation, public and private maintaining an acceptable flow for the water supply, dilution of effluent and purpose of fisheries, conservation, industrial purposes such as Ironbridge

MIDDLE SEVERN SUMMARY REPORT Water (Continued) recreation and effluent dilution. The fisheries, supporting very good principle storage components providing salmonid and cyprinid stocks. Natural this regulation are Llyn Clywedog and groundwater is also of a very high Lake Vyrnwy. Since 1984 the Shropshire standard, suitable for drinking without Groundwater Scheme has been the treatment that surface waters developed to supplement releases from require although nitrate levels are Clywedog during periods of drought. rising due to the intensity of The scheme abstracts water from the agricultural practices in some areas. large quantities stored naturally under­ To protect areas and populations at ground in the Permo-Triassic sandstone risk from flooding the Agency formations underlying much of north operates a flood warning system, this Shropshire and discharging it to the involves the 24 hour monitoring of nearby watercourses; the Perry, Tern, rainfall and river levels. When there is Roden and Severn. a risk that flooding could occur, flood Throughout the plan area the River warnings will be issued for the area Severn is a good quality watercourse, affected. Through the plan area the suitable for drinking water supply. The River Severn is split into five flood rivers in the area are EC designated warning sections. Wildlife The Middle Severn area is diverse, raft spider are also present in the area. containing many different types of Scarce flora include the floating water habitat which in turn support an plantain and ribbon-leaved water abundant and varied flora and fauna. plantain. Threats to wildlife arise through Fauna associated with aquatic habitats land drainage, agricultural intensification include otters and mink, kingfishers, and urban development which has led dippers, sand martins and grey wagtails. to a subsequent loss of habitat. Of the native British species of freshwater fish nearly all are found in the area including the rare twaite and allis shads. Salmon pass through the area on their migration to spawning areas further upstream and wild brown trout are present in a number of the tributary streams. The dominant fish in the area are barbel, chub, dace and roach. Rare invertebrates such as the Desmoulin's whorl snail, club tailed dragonfly and the

Club Tailed Dragonfly

MIDDLE SEVERN iTl SUMMARY REPORT Heritage The region is dominated by Gorge, now a world heritage site. agricultural landscapes with a number Wetland areas such as the Strine of large estates, historic parks and levels are of archaeological interest gardens such as Aqualate, Attingham as they retain environmental deposits and Dudmaston. The River Severn has and waterlogged objects are usually long been a focal point of settlement well preserved. Along the River and was once an important Severn are the remains of historic navigation route. The most striking fish weirs and eel traps. evidence of this is seen at Ironbridge

Pleasure boat at Worcester Recreation The natural beauty and tranquillity of renowned for their fisheries attract the area combined with its proximity large numbers of anglers. Throughout to the large the River Severn rowing and conurbation, means it is a H, canoeing are widely enjoyed, popular tourist area attracting and boating is a common large numbers of walkers, B pastime particularly in the watersports enthusiasts, bird south of the area. watchers and holiday makers. Care is required to balance the The Severn Way footpath pressures associated with this high promoted by the Agency, the Jack level of recreational use and the need Mytton and Silkin ways have proved to preserve the quality of the popular walking routes while the rivers environment on which this depends.

MIDDLE SEVERN SUMMARY REPORT Issues and options This section of the plan details specific Midlands Region of the Environment environmental issues in the area. Agency and do not constitute policy statements. They are intended to The issues have been identified by: facilitate improvements to the local • Using the local knowledge of environment for the benefit of all users. Environment Agency staff. Their implementation will require the co-operation and commitment of • Informal consultation with a range of many organisations and individuals. organisations and interested groups. The issues identified are not in priority • Comparing the current state of the order but are presented in associated area with national and regional targets. issue groups under four main categories. The options presented are the initial Some issues are site specific whilst views of the Upper Severn Area, others can affect many parts of the area.

1. Land use and development impacts on the environment Issues 1 -6

The interaction between land use and development and its impact on the environment.

ISSUE NO: 1 Agricultural pollution and the land spreading of controlled waste

Options/Actions Responsibility Benefits Constraints

Inspect land spreading activities as Env Agency Better monitoring Manpower a priority. Provide advice to Industrialists of processes. resources industry, contractors and farmers Contractors Reduced pollution on best practice STW Ltd risk Farmers

Monitor and report water quality Env Agency Possible reduction Restrictions effects of measures taken in NSAs MAFF in groundwater on farmers and NVZs in the area Farmers nitrates

Umbilical spreading

MIDDLE SEVERN SUMMARY REPORT ISSUE NO: 2 The disposal of sewage in rural areas

Options/Actions Responsibility Benefits Constraints

Establish the impact of Env Agency Improvements in Cost of inadequate rural sewerage Local Authority local environments improvement facilities within the area STW Ltd schemes. Manpower resources. Lack of information on problem areas

Seek improvements to village STW Ltd Local environmental Cost - may require drainage systems in Vennington Env Agency improvements AMP3 investment and Lyneal

Press for sewerage improvements Env Agency Environmental Cost - may require at Hartlebury STW improvements AMP3 investment Local Authority

ISSUE NO: 3 The impact of contaminated sites

Options/Actions Responsibility Benefits Constraints

Investigate the potential for Shropshire Waste Identification of pollution from Betton Abbots Management/ any sources of landfill site Env Agency pollution

Investigate the risk of pollution Agropharm/ Identify any from Overly Hill, Telford Env Agency remedial actions to alleviate pollution of groundwater Cost Continue groundwater Owners Hydrocarbon Technical limitation remediation, at the Bridgnorth Env Agency pollution is Site, to Agency satisfaction removed from the aquifer

Investigate the source and impact Owners Identification of of pollution at the Telford site Env Agency any remedial actions to alleviate the ground-water pollution

MIDDLE SEVERN iTl SUMMARY REPORT ISSUE NO: 4 Monitoring of Ironbridge Power Station air emissions

Options/Actions Responsibility Benefits Constraints

Undertake dispersion modelling Eastern Merchants Increased Need co-operation to estimate concentration of Generation Ltd/ knowledge of of relevant local pollutants in air Env Agency impact of power authorities station on air quality

Measure the concentration of As above Identification of any As above pollutants in air local to station problems with air quality local to the station

Identify the main areas where As above Information on As above emissions have greatest impact where the station is and measure the concentration having greatest of pollutants impact and measure this impact

Ironbridge Power Station

MIDDLE SEVERN ■FI SUMMARY REPORT Questionnaire Your views count

The aims of this booklet are: 2. Write any extra comments on the back of this questionnaire. • To share our vision and proposals for the Middle Severn area. 3. Pull the questionnaire out of the booklet. • To ask you for your views and comments. 4. Send it to us in the FREEPOST envelope provided, even if you have This is your opportunity to tell us what not answered all the questions. you think. Please: This can be posted or placed in the 1. Answer the quick questionnaire on comments box provided with the the next three pages. display boards.

How did you first find out about this Local Environment Agency Plan?

Please tick appropriate box TV □ Letter from the Agency □ Radio □ Agency's display □ Newspapers □ Agency poster □ Other, please specify

Where did you get this booklet?

In which town or area do you live? Our vision for our area is to protect and enhance the natural resources and beauty of our local area, for all to enjoy.

Do you agree with this? Yes □ No □

If you disagree, please tell us your vision for the area.

Please tick the three objectives that you feel are the most important.

□ Promote and implement sustainable development. □ Educate and raise awareness of the environment and environmental issues. □ Protect and improve the landscape and conservation value of our environment including wetlands, rare and threatened species, fisheries and biodiversity, where the opportunity exists. □ Manage our water resources in an environmentally sustainable way, balancing abstraction with the needs of the water environment and it's legitimate users. □ Protect and improve the water quality. □ Reduce the environmental impact of waste. □ Protect people and the developed environment from flooding by providing effective defenses and warnings and protecting the natural floodplain.

Are there other key objectives you would like to see included?

0 Are there any errors or omissions in this booklet? Yes □ No □

If yes, please give details. ^ We have identified the issues on pages 12 to 24. Please tick the five issues that are the most important to you:

Land use and development impacts on the environment Issues 1 - 6 Issue 1 Agricultural pollution and the land spreading of controlled waste Issue 2 The disposal of sewage in rural areas Issue 3 The impact of contaminated sites Issue 4 Monitoring of Ironbridge Power Station air emissions Issue 5 The impact of urban pollution and development Issue 6 Caravan site development in the floodplain

Losses affecting our environment Issues 7 - Issue 7 Decline in eel fisheries Issue 8 Degradation of wetland and riverine habitats Issue 9 Failure to comply with water quality objectives and EC standards Issue 10: Impacts of water abstraction

Protection and improvement of our environment Issues 1 1 - Issue 11: other wetland habitats Issue 12: Protection of biodiversity Issue IB : Protection of existing fisheries Issue 14: Protection of high quality water resources Issue 15: Water temperature impact of Shropshire Groundwater Scheme on the aquatic habitat Issue 16: Threats to the Farley Brook, Issue 17: Stability in the area Issue 18: Flood alleviation schemes

Opportunities for sustainable development Issues 19 - Issue 19: Opportunities for amenity, recreation and navigation Issue 20: The management of industrial and commercial wastes Issue 21: River Severn control rules Issue 22: Floodplain management Are there other issues you would like to see included in the action plan?

No □ Yes □ If yes, please give details.

This document is part of a consultation process about the Middle Severn area.

Do you think this process is appropriate? Yes □ No □ How could the process be improved?

< D If you would like a reply, please write your name and address below. Your name and address will not be given to anyone else.

Name......

Address......

Postcode

If you have any other comments please write them here, (including your ideas for the future of the area) and continue on another piece if needed. ISSUE NO: 5 The impact of urban pollution and development

Options/Actions Responsibility 1 Benefits Constraints Ensure that unsatisfactory STW Ltd Improvement in Competition with combined sewer overflows are Env Agency water quality and other AMP3 included in future improvement aesthetics priorities programmes

Investigate the cause and effects STW Ltd Assess any impact. Assessment of cause of the discoloured discharge from Env Agency Prevent problem may prove difficult Rushmoor STW from occurring

Target inspections of industrial Env Agency Improve quality of Manpower resource units draining to the Battlefield STW Ltd the brook. Reduce Costs of improve­ Brook, Shrewsbury Industrialists pollution incidents ments

Maintain ordinary watercourses to Local Authority Visual amenity Cost of an acceptable standard improved, risk maintenance e.g. Ketley and Battlefield Brooks of blockages and flooding reduced

Raise pubic awareness of urban Local Authorities Less urban debris debris and litter Keep Tidy Britain produced. group Improvement in water quality and aesthetics

Monitor improvements to Env Agency Direct any further drainage and investigate STW Ltd work required remaining sources of pollution Industrialists from industrial units on the Honeyman's Brook, Droitwich

ISSUE NO: 6 Caravan site development in the floodplain

Options/Actions Responsibility Benefits Constraints Press for policies to be included in Env Agency New caravan sites Limitation of Local Plans to protect floodplain Local Planning do not flood, developable land from caravan site development Authorities existing problems not aggravated

Minimises risk to people and property 2. Losses affecting our environment Issues 7-10

These issues consider the decline in species and habitat quality that has occurred within the area.

ISSUE NO: 7 Decline in eel fisheries

Options/Actions Responsibility Benefits Constraints

Construct elver passes on Env Agency Improved access of Weir owner navigation weirs along the eels to feeding areas permissions River Severn upstream, increased eel production in the catchment

ISSUE NO: 8 Degradation of wetland and riverine habitats

Options/Actions Responsibility Benefits Constraints Identify opportunities and Env Agency Improvements to Landowner implement Severn Valley Wetland Local Authorities wetland habitats permissions strategy including Venus Pool English Nature and associated and Chelmarsh Wildlife Trusts biodiversity

Develop and implement English Nature Safeguard and Landowner management strategy for Landowners improve nationally co-operation Shropshire Meres and Mosses Env Agency important wildlife (eg Wem Moss, Brown Moss) resource

Carry out habitat rehabilitation Env Agency Improved instream Limitations on work on degraded rivers, and riparian habitats, river management including the and increased fish stocks for land drainage and biodiversity purposes

Create 'Buffer Strips' on degraded Env Agency Reduced sedimen­ Agricultural rivers by fencing in conjunction MAFF tation and nutrient subsidies with above works, and encourage enrichment of water Landowner their creation along watercourses courses. permissions where arable farming takes place Development of wildlife corridor

River bank degradation

MIDDLE SEVERN SUMMARY REPORT ISSUE NO: 9.1 Failure to comply with water quality objectives and EC standards Failures requiring investigation by the Agency

Options/Actions Responsibility Benefits Constraints

River Severn, and Bevere: Env Agency Achievement of Difficulty in Assess reason for failure to meet target assessing influence quality target of algae

River Perry, Cobowen: Env Agency Improve quality Manpower resources Target farm inspections Farmers of river

Stoke Brook, Stoke-on-Tern: Env Agency Achievement of RE Monitor to ensure anticipated target improvements in quality occur

River Worfe, Stableford: Env Agency Improve quality of Ma_ e S Investigate quality target failure river

Barbourne Brook, Worcester: Env Agency/Farmers Improve water quality Manpower resources i) Assess need for farm inspec­ Worcester City Improve water Engineering tions upstream of Blackpole Council quality difficulties ii) Continue leachate extraction Env Agency from landfill iii) Continue water quality monitoring

Cound Brook. Assess work Env Agency Assess work to Manpower required to achieve quality target improve quality resources

ISSUE NO: 9.2 Failure to comply with water quality objectives and EC standards Failures Involving Sewage Treatment Works

Options/Actions Responsibility Benefits Constraints Wesley Brook, STW Ltd Improved water Competition with STW: Assess what improvements Env Agency quality other AMP3 are necessary Local Authority priorities

River Tern, . Env Agency Improved water Competition with Assess effects of sewer overflows STW Ltd quality other AMP3 and seek improvements priorities

River Salwarpe catchment Improvement in river quality to meet i) Implement planned improvements Env Agency and maintain to Droitwich and Stoke Prior STWs STW Ltd quality targets ii) Seek improvements to Bromsgrove Env Agency/STW Ltd As above Competition with and Stoke Prior STWs Local Authority other AMP3 priorities iii) Seek to tighten discharge consent Env Agency As above Cost to industry limits at a Bromsgrove industrial site Industrialists

Lakehouse Dingle, : Env Agency Maintain target Competition with Assess need for future investment STW Ltd quality other AMP3 at Alveley STW priorities

MIDDLE SEVERN ^ SUMMARY REPORT ISSUE NO: 9.3 Failure to comply with water quality objectives and EC standards Failure to meet EC Directive Standards

Options/Actions Responsibility Benefits Constraints

River Severn, Shrewsbury: Env Agency Achievement of Interpretation and Investigate cause of exceedance quality target investigation of of EC limit for cadmium sample results difficult

Monitor Directive failures at sites Env Agency Protect potable Cost and manpower water supplies implications

Assess impact of inputs from adits Env Agency Prioritisation for to Brook future investment

ISSUE NO: 9 .4 Failure to comply with water quality objectives and EC standards Revised quality targets and derogations

Watercourse Current Position Proposed Change Reason

Soulton Brook Quality target RE2 To RE3 (fair) Current objective (good) too optimistic

Mad Brook, Haldane Quality target RE2 To RE4 (fair) Current objective (good) too optimistic

Elmbridge Brook, Droitwich Quality target RE2 To RE3 (fair) Current objective (good) too optimistic

River Meese Fails objective due Derogate for Retain quality target to algal matter effects of algae for river

ISSUE NO: 10 Impacts of water abstraction

Options/ Actions Responsibility Benefits Constraints

Modelling of ground water units Env Agency Stop baseflow depletion. Model limitations e.g. Cosford, Worfield and Allows target cut-back Bromsgrove areas to be defined

Move ground water abstraction Water Undertakers Reduce local effects Cost of revocation and points away from sensitive areas Env Agency caused through providing alternative through AMP 3 e.g. Uckington PWS abstraction source seen as a borehole temporary measure only

Encourage conjunctive use of local Env Agency Reduces effect of Cost of moving sources within Worfe catchment to abstractions at sources reduce seasonal over abstraction of critical periods surface water for spray irrigation

Encourage winter abstraction and Abstractors encouraged Reduces impact of surface Seen as long term storage e.g. , Perry, by Env Agency, water abstraction financial investment which , other smaller brooks MAFF/ADAS incentive on charges requires commitment

Install new gauging station on Env Agency More control on abstraction and less environmental impact

MIDDLE SEVERN fTl SUMMARY REPORT 3. Protection and improvement of our environment Issues 11-18

Issues 11 to 18 address the needs of the natural environment; the habitat, flora and fauna. Due to development pressures and land use changes many of our natural resources are being put at risk.

ISSUE NO: 11 Protection of existing high quality riverine and other wetland habitats

Options/Actions Responsibility Benefits Constraints

Prepare Water Level Management Env Agency Protection of water Limitations on river Plans for Aqualate Mere, Fernhill English Nature dependent sites of management Pastures, Marton Pool and Rue conservation practices Wood Pastures interest

Reduce spread and extent of Env Agency Protection of native Giant Hogweed in catchment Local Authorities riparian flora. Reduction of health risk associated with this plant

Seek additional EC fisheries Env Agency Improved level of designations on , protection for Cound, Mor, Borle, Coal, existing fish stocks Minsterley and Brooks

Giant Hogweed

MIDDLE SEVERN IP SUMMARY REPORT ISSUE NO: 12 Protection of Biodiversity

Options/Actions Responsibility Benefits Constraints

Determine the present distribution Env Agency Protection of Reliability of survey and status of: water vole, crayfish, English Nature sensitive species methodology freshwater pearl mussel and Wildlife Trusts depressed river mussel, and develop targets for the protection of these species

Investigate status of shad and Env Agency Protection and opportunities for extension of enhancement of breeding range shad populations

Assess the distribution of alder Env Agency Baseline information disease to support Forestry to assist Forestry Authority studies Authority studies into causes and treatment of disease

Determine the distribution, types Env Agency Protection of Black and scope for regeneration of English Nature, Poplar trees in Black Poplars Forestry Authority catchment Local Authorities

Implement barn owl nest box Env Agency Increase of barn owl scheme on River Perry Hawk & Owl Trust populations in degraded habitat

ISSUE NO: 13 Protection of high quality coarse fisheries

Options/Actions Responsibility Benefits Constraints Review Fisheries Byelaws to Env Agency Reduction or control fish removals from MAFF prevention of illegal watercourses coarse fish removals

Assess impacts of pike and zander on Env Agency Protection of fish Possible adverse other fish stocks in the middle reaches Angling Clubs stocks and quality impacts on predator/ of the River Severn and reduce Fishery owners of angling prey relationships predator biomass where appropriate

MIDDLE SEVERN E T i l SUMMARY REPORT ISSUE NO: 13 (ii) Protection of game fisheries

Options/Actions Responsibility Benefits Constraints

Maintain and improve security Env Agency Protection of Restrictions on provisions at vulnerable locations salmon from illegal access at weirs near weirs on the River Severn fishing methods

Seek funding and plan for future Env Agency Improved access for Costs and installation of salmon passes on MAFF salmon to upstream reductions in GIA weirs at Diglis, Holt, Lincomb, spawning and for salmon work Cound Mill and Walcot Sluices nursery areas

Review byelaws and voluntary Env Agency Protection of Restrictions restrictions on salmon fishing MAFF valuable declining on fishing methods multi-sea-winter opportunities stock component

Seek funding and Env Agency Data to assist long Costs and re-establishment of Shrewsbury MAFF term management reductions in GIA salmon counter of River Severn for salmon work salmon stocks

ISSUE NO: 14 Protection of high quality water resources

Options/Actions Responsibility Benefits Constraints

Undertake programme of Env Agency Protection of Limited powers to pollution prevention site Industry existing uses of enforce measures at inspections in catchment and Farmers waters all sites around water supply boreholes

Assess the possibility of installing Env Agency Better detection and Limited range of pollution monitoring equipment response to pollutants detected. at points in the catchment pollution incidents Cost

Ensure that pesticides from the Env Agency Protection of wool processing industry in Telford STW Ltd. existing river uses. do not affect the River Severn Wool Processing Industry

ISSUE NO: 15 Water temperature impact of Shropshire Groundwater Scheme on the aquatic habitat

Options/Actions Responsibility Benefits Constraints

Investigate the extent and impact Env Agency Protection of fish Limitations in of temperature changes in and invertebrate operational options receiving watercourses fauna of scheme

MIDDLE SEVERN fTl SUMMARY REPORT ISSUE NO: 16 Threats to the Farley Brook, Much Wenlock

Options/Actions Responsibility Benefits Constraints

Monitor the disposal of liquid Shrops. County Ensure safe disposal waste stored on industrial site Council of material Env Agency Site Owners

Assess current and future flows STW Ltd. Integration of STW not in current from Much Wenlock STW and Env Agency development AMP programme their impact on the brook Local Authority with sewerage improvements

Assess the effects of increasing Env Agency Protection of brook Hydrological abstraction from Much Wenlock STW Ltd flow and quality predictions difficult borehole No licensing provisions

ISSUE NO: 17 Stability in the Ironbridge Gorge Area

Options/Actions Responsibility Benefits Constraints

Investigate further study situation Inter- Agency group Better understanding Cost of study of the problem. Solution may be determined

Pursue solution Inter- Agency group Gorge becomes Cost of works and more stable, risks possible adverse to rivers and roads environmental reduced effects

Options/Actions Responsibility Benefits Constraints

Evaluate flood alleviation scheme Env Agency Potential for High river level data for the Diglis area of Worcester alleviation of required. Costs of the flooding problem works are currently assessed to be higher than the benefits

MIDDLE SEVERN IT1 SUMMARY REPORT 4. Opportunities for sustainable development Issues 19 - 22

Focus on development and management of our environmental resources and the potential for further development opportunities.

ISSUE NO: 19 Opportunities for amenity, recreation and navigation

Options/ Actions Responsibility Benefits Constraints Implement marketing and promotion Local Authorities Increased use of facility. strategy for the Severn Way footpath Env Agency Economic 'spin offs'

Seek opportunities for increased Env Agency Increased public Possible impacts on recreational and amenity use of Local Authorities access and environmental rivers in urban areas (eg Worcester enjoyment of river interests and conflicts and Shrewsbury) environments with existing users

Develop regional rowing centre Sports Council Training, competition As above on River Severn at Worcester Worcester Rowing Club and coaching facility

Seek opportunities for better Env Agency Improved facilities access to and use of watercourses Local Authorities for disabled users by disabled persons (eg Upton Sports Council Warren and Telford Town Lakes)

Undertake River Habitat Surveys of Env Agency Improved Conflicts of interests middle reaches of the River Severn information on between different river conservation user groups value and potential impact of navigation proposals.

Develop an Agency Navigation Env Agency Protection of interests Funding Strategy for the River Severn British Waterways of all river users Acquisition of land

Restore the Wychavon DC Navigation link Cost impacts navigation Hereford & between on possible Worcester CC & Worcester Canal environmental and the River Severn interests

Update and reprint the River Env Agency Public awareness of Severn canoe guide British Canoe Union available facilities and safety issues

MIDDLE SEVERN H I SUMMARY REPORT Landfill site ISSUE NO: 20 The management of industrial and commercial wastes

Options/Actions Responsibility Benefits Constraints

Expand the Waste Minimisation Env Agency Reduced commercial Process of culture Initiative to cover the plan area & partners and industrial waste change within arisings. Increased companies is a slow environmental process. awareness Resources

ISSUE NO: 21 River Severn Control Rules

Options/Actions Responsibility Benefits Constraints Review and reassess Control Rules Env Agency Potential for: i) Residual flow required i) increased operational to the estuary; to efficiency provided by maintain abstracted local control points in water quality at the upper and lower and to catchment enable the passage of ii) habitat improvement migratory fish iii) Opportunity to ii) flow requirements for review the scope effluent dilution and and use of the river water abstraction iii) change in legal statute may be required

ISSUE NO: 22 Floodplain management

Options/Actions Responsibility Benefits Constraints Press for the policies in the Env Agency New properties do Limitation of Agency document "Policy and Local Planning not flood, existing developable land practice for the protection of Authorities problems not floodplains" to be included in aggravated. Local Plans to protect floodplain Minimises risk to from development people and property

Persuade Local Authorities that Env Agency Alleviation of existing Policy can only be long term strategic withdrawal Local Planning flooding. applied when the from the flood plain is the only Authorities The floodplain can opportunity arises. sustainable option Riparian Owners be used for Costs of relocation. recreation, wildlife Riverside frontage is and amenity attractive to landowners

MIDDLE SEVERN SUMMARY REPORT BUSINESS REPLY SERVICE Licence No. BM1270

Shelly Beckett Environment Planner Environment Agency Hafren House Welshpool Road Shrewsbury Shropshire SY3 8BR

E n v ir o n m e n t Ag e n c y Abbreviations used in this document: MANAGEMENT AND CONTACTS: ADAS Agricultural Development The Environment Agency delivers a service to its customers, with the emphasis on authority Advisory Service and accountability at the most local level possible. It aims to be cost-effective and efficient AMP Asset Management Plan and to offer the best service and value for money. Env Agency Environment Agency Head Office is responsible for overall policy and relationships with national bodies including Government. GIA Grant in Aid Rio House, Waterside Drive, Aztec West, Almondsbury, BS12 4UD MAFF Ministry of Agriculture Tel: 01454 624 400 Fax: 01454 624 409 Fisheries and Food STW Ltd Severn Trent Water Ltd ENVIRONMENT AGENCY REGIONAL OFFICES

ANGLIAN SOUTHERN Kingfisher House Guildboume House Goldhay Way Chatsworth Road Orton Goldhay Worthing Peterborough PE2 5ZR West Sussex BN11 1LD Tel: 01733 371 811 Tel: 01903 832 000 Fax: 01733 231 840 Fax: 01903 821 832

MIDLANDS SOUTHWEST Sapphire East Manley House 550 Streetsbrook Road Kestrel Way Solihull B91 1QT Exeter EX2 7LQ Tel: 0121 711 2324 Tel: 01392 444 000 Fax: 0121 711 5824 Fax: 01 392 444 238

NORTHEAST THAMES Rivers House Kings Meadow House 21 Park Square South Kings Meadow Road Leeds LSI 2QG Reading RC1 8DQ Tel: 0113 244 0191 Tel: 0118 953 5000 Fax: 0113 246 1889 Fax: 0118 950 0388

NORTH WEST WELSH Richard Fairclough House Rivers House/Plas-yr-Afon Knutsford Road St Mellons Business Park Warrington WA4 1HG St Mellons Tel: 01925 653 999 CF3 0LT Fax: 01925 415 961 Tel: 01222 770 088 Fax: 01222 798 Environment Agency

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

The 24-hour emergency hotline number for reporting all environmental incidents relating to air, land and water. 3«\ Environment ENVIRONMENT AGENCY E n v ir o n m e n t /fa EMERGENCY HOTLINE w M A gency 0800 80 70 60 Ag e n c y