local environment agency plan DORSET STOUR CONSULTATION REPORT JANUARY 1997 V. DORSET STOUR LOCAL ENVIRONMENT AGENCY PLAN CONSULTATION REPORT FOREWORD This Plan represents a significant step forward in environmental thinking. It has been'clear for many years that the problems of land, air and water, particularly in the realm of pollution control, cannot be adequately addressed individually. They are interdependant, each affecting the others. The Government’s answer was to create the Environment Agency with the umbrella responsibility for all three. The role and duties of the Agency are set out in this document. This holistic approach is now reflected in this Plan. It is a logical development o f the Catchment Management Plans prepared by the old National Rivers Authority, now subsumed into the new Agency. It sets out the environmental problems of the area in a way which has not been done before, and suggests the most important issues which should now be addressed. It is, I believe, vital reading for everyone concerned with the future of this part of Wessex. The Stour is a major river influencing a large part of Dorset and small parts of Somerset and Wiltshire. It impacts on the lives of many people with different interests and priorities. The Environment Agency wants to be sure that these are recognised in its own future programme of action, and this Consultation Document seems the best way of doing this. An effective programme of action can only be developed if people read it, think about it, and then tell us their reactions. So please do not leave it on the shelf to gather dust. I believe strongly that it is important, and I commend it to you. 'TZ)( L>> ^ Alan Swindall Chairman, South Wessex Area Environment Group of the Environment Agency Environment Agency Information Centre DORSET STOUR LOCAL ENVIRONMENT AGENCY PLAN CONSULTATION REPORT YOUR VIEW S The Dorset Stour is the first Local Environment Agency Plan (LEAP) produced by the South Wessex Area of the Environment Agency. This Consultation Report is our initial view of the issues facing the catchment. Public consultation allows people who live in or use the catchment to have a say in the development of our plans and work programmes. We welcome your ideas on the future management of this catchment: • Have we identified all the issues? • ’ Have we identified all the options for solutions? • Have you any comments on the issues and options listed? • Do you have any other information or views that you wish to bring to our attention? This is your opportunity to influence our future plans. We look forward to hearing from you. Howard Davidson Area Manager, South Wessex Area of the Environment Agency Please send your comments by 31 March 1997, preferably by writing to: South Wessex Area Environment Planner Environment Agency Rivers House Sunrise Business Park Higher Shaftesbury Road Blandford Forum Dorset DTI 1 8ST Tel: 01258 456080 Fax: 01258 455998 Environment Agency Copyright Waiver This report is intended to be used widely, and may be quoted, copied or reproduced in any way, provided that the extracts are not quoted out of context and that due acknowledgement is given to the Environment Agency. Published January 1997 CONTENTS . PART 1: THE MANAGEMENT PLAN 1. DRAFT VISION STATEMENT...........................................................................................................................2 2. INTRODUCTION.................... ...............:............................................................................................................3 3. CATCHMENT DESCRIPTION.................................................... ..................:.................................................6 4. ISSUES AND OPTIONS...................................................................................... ...............................................8 5. PROTECTION THROUGH PARTNERSHIP.............................................................................. ....................25 PART 2: SUPPORTING INFORMATION 6. THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT..................................................................................................................29 7. WATER QUALITY.................................................................................................................’ .........................35 8. AIR QUALITY...................................................................................................................................................42 9. LANDSCAPE.....................................................................................................................................................50 10. WILDLIFE..........................................................................................................................................................53 11. FISHERIES........................................................................................................................................................ 57 12. RECREATION AND AMENITY...................................................................................................................... 64 13. ARCHAEOLOGY.............................................................................................................................................. 66 14. WATER ABSTRACTION AND SUPPLY...................................... .................................................................68 15. MINERAL EXTRACTION........................................................................................ ......................................77 16. WASTE MANAGEMENT................................................................................................................................ 78 17. FLOOD DEFENCE AND LAND DRAINAGE..................................................................... ......................... 87 18. THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT PLANS.................................................................. 97 19. EFFLUENT DISCHARGES............................................................................................................................ 101 20. AQUACULTURE................................................... ............................................^.......................................... 107 21. FORESTRY................................................... ............................................................................................. 109 22. RARMING........................................................................................................................................................110 23. INTEGRATED POLLUTION CONTROL..................................................................................................... 113 24. THE STORAGE, USE & DISPOSAL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL....... ............................................114 PART 3: TECHNICAL APPENDICES 25. THE AREA ENVIRONMENT GROUP...................................... ................................................................. 115 26. OUR ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS....................................................................................................115 27. GLOSSARY OF TERMS........................................................................,.....................................................129 28. UNITS...............................................................................................................................................................131 29. REFERENCES...................................................................... ' ........................................................................131 CATCHMENT VISION PART 1: THE MANAGEMENT PLAN 1. DRAFT VISION STATEMENT The Dorset Stour catchment is a system of great diversity that is greatly influenced by landuse along its length, including: • Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch conurbation in the lower catchment • mixedfarming in the middle catchment • intensive dairy farming in the upper catchment The river and its tributaries make an important contribution to the rural economy through agriculture and an equally important contribution to the urban economy through public water supply, effluent disposal, waste disposal, recreation and tourism. Our vision of the Dorset Stour is of a healthy and diverse catchment, managed in an environmentally sustainable way, that balances the needs of all users with the needs of the environment. The Environment Agency cannot realise this vision on its own and will seek to work in partnership with local authorities, industry, farmers, environmental groups and other interested organisations to turn this vision into reality. We look forward to a future where there is: • development o f a sustainable agricultural, aquacultural andforestry system which reduces diffuse pollution and improves the physical habitat of the river system and wetlands for wildlife • maintenance and, where appropriate, enhancement of biodiversity • significant reductions in waste and improved standards o f disposal and treatment • achievement o f environmentally sustainable use o f water resources • continuing improvements to existing discharges to meet the most appropriate standards • minimal risk to people and property from flooding • full development ofpotential for sustainable salmonid andfreshwater fisheries • increasing enjoyment and appreciation of the water environment • improvements in the quality o f air 2 PART 1: THE MANAGEMENT PLAN _ INTRODUCTION 2. INTRODUCTION 2.1 The Environment Agency 2.1.1 Who are