INDEX

CONSULTATIONS

consultation outcomes:

UK NEWS

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

PROJECTS & RESEARCH

PUBLICATIONS

Reports from Events

 

ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

CONSULTATIONS

applying water legislation to the isles of scilly

(Posted 14 January 2015)                       

 Defra are seeking views on applying water legislation to the Isles of Scilly. They want to know what you think about their proposals to change water legislation to include the Isles of Scilly. They also want to learn how you think these changes will affect you.

Many of the existing environmental water protections laws in England do not apply to the Isles of Scilly. This includes provisions in the Water Industry Act 1991, the Water Resources Act 1991 and the Environment Act 1995. Making changes to the legislation will put in place the correct procedures and tests to make sure the drinking water is healthy. It will also ensure that the island’s sewerage system is dealing with the sewerage in the most environmentally-friendly way possible. Defra want to achieve these changes while minimizing the effect to both the Council and the local residents.

This consultation closes on 12 February 2015.

(https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/applying-water-legislation-to-the-isles-of-scilly)

 

making flood defence consents part of the environmental permitting framework

(Posted 14 January 2015)                       

This consultation is seeking views on plans to change flood defence consents to include them in the Environmental Permitting framework in England and Wales.

Flood defence consents are needed before people undertake activities in, on, over, under or near watercourses to ensure they do not increase flood risk. Changing these consents to be part of the risk-based environmental permitting framework will allow Defra to introduce different types of permits. This would reduce the burdens on applicants by allowing quicker and simpler ways of applying for a permit. It will also allow the Environment Agency to focus on the high risk activities. These changes would apply to England and Wales.

This consultation closes on 17 February 2015.

(https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/making-flood-defence-consents-part-of-the-environmental-permitting-framework)

 

update to the draft river basin management plans

(Posted 6 November 2014)         

This consultation gives you the chance to comment on shaping the water environment throughout England - consider the issues, current and possible future action to protect and improve the water environment, and the outcomes that are worth achieving.

This is the third of three Environment Agency consultations. Previous consultations:

  • Working together (June - December 2012) which asked how the Environment Agency should work with groups and individuals to achieve the objectives of the current RBMPs and develop the updated plans.
  • Challenges and choices (June - December 2013) which asked for views on the most significant water management issues for each river basin district in England.

Natural Resources Wales is consulting on the draft updates to the Dee and Western Wales river basin management plans. To respond to these consultations you will need to visit the Natural Resources Wales consultation pages.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency is consulting on the draft updates to the Solway Tweed river basin management plan. This consultation will open on 20 November 2014. To respond you will need to visit the Scottish Environment Protection Agency consultation pages.

Your input matters. Deciding how best to work, what to invest in and where, how fast action should be taken and who should pay is a complex process with significant consequences. The updated river basin management plans will direct considerable investment and action from 2016 and provide benefits to society and the environment.

This consultation closes on 10 April 2015.

(https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/update-to-the-draft-river-basin-management-plans)

(https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/portal/ho/wfd/draft_plans/consult)

 

draft flood risk management plans

(Posted 6 November 2014)

Defra are seeking views on proposals to reduce flood risk for communities and deal with the impacts of flooding when it does occur. The proposals set out how the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, local councils, drainage authorities, highway managers and water companies will work together with communities to manage flood risk.

Flood risk management plans have been produced for each of the 10 river basin districts which cover England. Draft flood risk management plans have been developed jointly with Natural Resources Wales for the Dee and Severn river basin districts. The draft flood risk management plan for the Solway Tweed river basin district only covers the English catchments. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) will consult on plans for the Scottish catchments from December 2014.

Consultations for all the English river basin districts, including the Severn and the Dee, will run until 11:45pm on 31 January 2015.

The consultation on the English catchments of the Solway Tweed river basin district will run until 2 June 2015, to align with SEPA’s consultation on the Scottish catchments.

Deciding how best to work, what to invest in and where, how fast action should be taken and who should pay is a complex process with significant consequences. Your responses will inform the first cycle of flood risk management plans, to be published in December 2015. These plans will direct considerable investment and action from 2016 to 2021 and beyond, and will provide benefits to society and the environment.

(https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/draft-flood-risk-management-plans)

(https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/portal/ho/flood/draft_frmp/consult)

 

reforming environmental guidance and information obligations

(Posted 30 July 2014)

This consultation seeks comments on Defra’s plans to simplify environmental guidance. Defra wants to make it easier for users of government guidance to understand environmental regulations. Defra will be focusing on different topics throughout this consultation period. The regulations themselves will stay the same.

Defra is also carrying out an independent review of all the environmental information that businesses have to report to government regulators. Defra asked for your views on proposals to make this reporting simpler; comments for this closed in March 2014.

This consultation closes on 31 March 2015.

(https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/reforming-environmental-guidance-and-information-obligations)

 

consultation outcomes:

sustainable drainage systems: changes to the planning system

(Posted 14 January 2015)                       

Defra sought views on proposals to change the current planning system to increase sustainable drainage systems in England. The consultation ran from 12 September 2014 to 24 October 2014. Sustainable drainage systems slow the rate of surface water run-off and improve infiltration by mimicking natural drainage in both rural and urban areas. This reduces the risk of ‘flash-flooding’ which occurs when rainwater rapidly flows into the public sewerage and drainage systems.

See summary of responses and the government response here:

(https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/388941/suds-consult-sum-resp-201412.pdf)

 

UK NEWS

scotland’s national marine plan

(Posted 14 January 2015)                       

The creation of the National Marine Plan has involved a wide range of supporting documents and information. The purpose of these pages on the Scotland.gov.uk site is to provide one web area where you can find all of the documents mentioned in the Plan, in addition to other useful information.

(http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/seamanagement/national)

 

uk inland bathing water surveys

(Posted 14 January 2015)                       

In 2014, all 15 inland bathing waters in the UK met the mandatory (minimum) standards of the European Bathing Water Directive and 40 per cent met the more stringent guideline standards of the Directive.

(https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/370801/STATS_bathing-water-release-2014v2.pdf)

 

statistics on uk coastal bathing waters

(Posted 14 January 2015)                       

In 2014, out of the 610 bathing water sites measured, 605 (99.2 per cent) met the mandatory (basic) standards of the European Bathing Water Directive in the UK. Over the same period, 78.2 per cent met the more stringent guideline standards of the Bathing Water Directive. The UK is currently in a transition period as we move from the original to the revised Directive. Bathing water quality is now monitored using the new parameters of E.coli and intestinal enterococci and the data is used to assess compliance with the standards set by Directive 76/160/EEC.

(https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/370801/STATS_bathing-water-release-2014v2.pdf)

 

water and wetlands – the impacts of flooding

(Posted 14 January 2015)                       

2014 has seen some of the most extreme weather ever recorded hitting the UK. Flooding has caused misery for residents and farmers across southern England, including the Somerset Levels and the Thames and Severn valleys. This has sparked a public debate on how the government musters the required leadership to help communities cope with flooding and other effects of extreme weather.

The RSPB wants to see a solution that works with nature, not against it, and ensures that people, farming and wildlife all have a place in our countryside. Projects like the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust’s Steart Marshes in Somerset and the Environment Agency’s Medmerry managed-realignment project in Sussex, now managed by the RSPB, are leading the way in creating resilience, flood protection and wildlife-rich habitats.

(http://www.rspb.org.uk/forprofessionals/policy/water/flooding.aspx)

The RSPB have published a short report ‘Flooding in focus – recommendations for more effective flood management in England:

(http://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/flooding-in-focus_tcm9-386202.pdf)

 

welsh coastal storms, december 2013 and January 2014 – an assessment of environmental change

(Posted 14 January 2015)                       

Natural Resources Wales has completed its environmental audit on the impact of last winter’s storms on wildlife and coastal conservation sites. The effects of the winter storms are still being witnessed, with large boulder fields uncovered by the storms being inundated with algae. In December 2013 and January 2014 significant storm surges, and relatively powerful waves in combination with high tides, caused considerable disruption along the Welsh coast. Following the storms, an environmental audit of the impact of the storms on wildlife and coastal conservation sites was undertaken. This report serves as a record of the degree of associated environmental change on both the physical environment and wildlife. From this, lessons can be learnt from the storm and implications for future environmental management and conservation in Wales can be considered.

(http://naturalresourceswales.gov.uk/flooding-and-water/flood-alerts-and-warnings/flood-reports/welsh-coastal-storms-dec2013-jan2014/?lang=en)

 

blueprint for water – website relaunched

(Posted 14 January 2015)

Blueprint for Water, first launched in 2006, is a group of like-minded organisations with a bold plan: to revolutionise the way water is managed in England for the benefit of people and wildlife. They comprise a coalition of 16 environmental, water efficiency and fisheries organisations, which include Waterwise, Angling Trust, Freshwater Habitats Trust, Marine Conservation Society, RSPB, the Rivers Trust, Friends of the Earth, and the National Trust. Together with their members and supporters they form a dedicated movement of over six million people.

They are passionate about the health of our rivers, beaches, ponds, estuaries and other wild places, and are working to understand the problems facing our water environments and to develop appropriate solutions. They collaborate with government, water companies, regulators, scientists and other civil society groups to provide sound, evidence-based policy advice.

Their previous work has included the publication of two Blueprints for Water, in 2006 and 2010, which have described the steps needed to achieve a sustainable water environment. In 2015 they will be launching their revised Blueprint for Water, based on these five goals: use water wisely; protect and restore wildlife; manage floods; stop pollution; join up water management.

Explore their website: (http://blueprintforwater.org.uk/)

 

urban drainage group autumn conference

(Posted 14 January 2015)                       

The Urban Drainage Group (UDG) celebrated its 30th Birthday, returning to their former home, the Hilton Hotel in Blackpool, for their 2014 Autumn Conference. 

The conference programme spanned three days of forums and presentations with workshops focused on current, related industry topics. The event provided ample opportunities for learning and networking, plus discussion of ongoing research results supported by various representatives. An exhibition showcased relevant companies and organisations, new technologies, suppliers and manufacturers from within the sector.

The conference facilitates presentation, exchange and discussion of the latest knowledge and research from within the industry, both globally and locally. The event was industry sponsored with representatives from local and regional councils, government organisations, international organisations, local and regional utilities, water companies, and manufacturers. 

For more information on the UDG:

(http://www.ciwem.org/knowledge-networks/groups/urban-drainage.aspx)

 

exploring options for fisheries management – new industry panel to be created

(Posted 14 January 2015)                       

The MMO (Marine Management Organisation) is exploring a range of solutions for the fishing industry after the recent closures of key fisheries as a last resort measure. Options include establishing a ‘Have Your Say’ panel to get industry views on future fisheries management. This work is building on the quota surgeries already put in place, where the MMO regularly talks to fishermen at a local level to decide how regional fisheries will be managed.

Further cuts in quota set at a European level are strongly expected in future years and this will only increase the chance of future closures, unless different ways of fisheries management are explored. As an example, UK quota for skates and rays in the North Sea has reduced by over 50 percent since 2006 and almost 80 percent since 2000. High levels of fishing in spring/summer 2014 has meant quotas are in even shorter supply toward the end of this year, especially after a harsh winter drove higher than normal activity in later months. The MMO has the difficult balancing act of maximising the quota available to fishermen while ensuring that quota limits are not exceeded, subjecting the UK to penalties that would impact next year’s quotas even further.

Prior to major reforms of the Common Fisheries Policy coming into force in 2015, the MMO has already been considering a range of solutions to help fishermen continue fishing throughout the year wherever possible. In addition, MMO is seeking industry views on helping the English fishing fleet to maximise its uptake of quota for cod in the eastern English Channel (VIId). A consultation document has been published which it sets out a number of questions and options including the in-year reallocation of quota within the English fishing fleet. The document also explains work to seek extra quota for the UK from other EU member states.

(https://www.gov.uk/government/news/exploring-options-for-fisheries-management-new-industry-panel-to-be-created)

 

defra’s third newsletter on latest developments in the catchment based approach (caba)

(Posted 14 January 2015)                       

CaBA evaluation:  Thank you to all of you who participated in the national evaluation of CaBA survey that took place in August which Cascade Consulting is conducting on our behalf. They received over 450 responses covering 100 of the 106 catchment partnerships. We are analysing the evaluation findings and we will share the evaluation report on the Gov.uk website shortly. 

Life Water bids: The EU life programme is introducing Integrated Projects (IP) as a new type of project for the 2014 to 2020 programming period for member states. IPs are designed to support member states’ implementation of plans required for European Directives under the specific topics of biodiversity, water, waste and climate change. The number of IPs that the LIFE programme will support will be limited, and they are not expected normally to fund more than one project under each topic for each Member State. The Environment Agency has submitted a concept note bid for a £12M project from the UK and eagerly await the commission’s decision developing a full project submission in April 2015 for project implementation from 2016 to 2020.

RBMP & FRMP consultation: The Environment Agency (EA) consultations on draft updates to the River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) and draft Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs) are now open for comment. The RBMP consultation closes on 10 April 2015 and the FRMP consultation closes earlier on the 31 January 2015. 

Bathing water results 2014: The 2014 results for England’s 416 bathing waters were announced on 6 November.  A historic high of 99.5% of coastal and inland bathing waters complied with the Bathing Water Directive’s minimum mandatory standard and 79.6% with the higher guideline standard.  Details of the results for individual bathing waters are available on the gov.uk web page. Next year the tougher standards of the revised Directive will come into force. If these standard applied now 94.5% would have met the new minimum “sufficient” standard, with 60% half meeting the highest “Excellent” standards. In many areas the focus is now on mitigating diffuse pollution from urban and agricultural sources. Catchment partnerships can contribute to improving bathing waters in their area by supporting local projects that encourage Catchment Sensitive Farming measures to minimise run-off and protect watercourses from faecal contamination, as well as work in urban areas to rectify wrongly connected drainage and reduce other sources of pollution to surface drainage.

Invasive Spices: There is confirmation that a mussel found in Wraysbury Reservoir and the Wraysbury River, a tributary of the River Colne, near Egham, Surrey is a Quagga Mussel (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis).  This is the first UK record of this species.  More information about Quagga Mussel and other invasive species can be found on the Non-Native Species website.  We will be seeking to contain and slow the spread of this species where possible as well as support and spread the message of the Check, Clean, Dry campaign. If you suspect you have found this species, report it using the online recording form.

Reforms for small sewage discharges: Defra is simplifying the laws controlling small sewage discharges from septic tanks and small sewage treatment plants in England.  There are general binding rules setting out the conditions that allow a septic tank or sewage treatment plant to be used without an environmental permit as well as additional information to support the new rules. These documents are available from the Improving water quality policy page on gov.uk

From: Tim Bushell |Policy Adviser |Catchment Based Approach Team |Water and Flood Risk Management Directorate |Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

 

dredging up trouble?

(Posted 14 January 2015)                       

Potentially environmentally-damaging dredging must not be prioritised over other proven flood-prevention measures in this year’s Autumn Statement on 3 December 2014 is the warning to government by Blueprint for Water.

In a new report Dredging up Trouble, 10 of the Blueprint for Water partners – a coalition of organisations, representing over two million members – are highlighting the importance of other options which should be properly considered. The report identifies 10 priority areas which would inevitably lose out if new funding is ring-fenced for dredging alone.  These include protecting life and public health, natural flood management options and sustainable drainage systems.

Read the media release at: (http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/sites/default/files/dredging_up_trouble_report_release_for_blueprint_for_water_october_20.pdf)

Read the report at:
(http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/sites/default/files/dredging_up_trouble_briefing_final.pdf)

 

ecosystem services visualisation for the catchment based approach

(Posted 14 January 2015)

The Westcountry Rivers Trust, in collaboration with Defra and the Rivers Trust, has developed a method for undertaking stakeholder-led spatial visualisation of ecosystem services provisioning areas across a catchment landscape. During this participatory process, primary, secondary and tertiary stakeholders and technical specialists work with a broker/facilitator to collate and scrutinise all of the data and evidence relating to environmental infrastructure and ecosystem services provision for their area of interest.

Once the evidence has been evaluated, the partnership then works to develop a series of conceptual models or ‘rules’ that can be used to define areas of the catchment most likely to play a critical role in the provision of the different ecosystem services, singly or in combination. These priority areas are locations where a programme of measures may realise the greatest enhancement in the provision of multiple ecosystem services.

Fundamentally, this is a data visualisation and evidence exploration process that facilitates the development of a shared vision and language in a catchment group.

Read more at: (http://wrt.org.uk/wordpress/?p=717)

 

sepa annual report 2013-14

(Posted 14 January 2015)                       

SEPA has recently published their Annual report and accounts 2013-2014 which highlights some of the achievements and improvements that they have made to help protect Scotland’s environment.

Contributors from across SEPA have used the report to showcase some of their key activities and services.  Articles include the publication of flood maps and the work of flooding teams over the winter which quickly tested the accuracy of the flood mapping; the development of the waste crime team and their adoption of the Proceeds of Crime legislation; SEPA’s role in combatting air pollution; and new map-based services which have been introduced on Scotlandメs Environment website.

(http://www.sepa.org.uk/about_us/publications/annual_reports.aspx?utm_source=Update+standard+list&utm_campaign=d36b7e4591-SEPA_Update_14041111_04_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1d4b1dd6b0-d36b7e4591-290456769)

 

river basin planning guidance

(Posted 6 November 2014)

Following Defra’s consultation in May 2014, this statutory guidance is from the Secretary of State and the Welsh Ministers to the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales, coming into effect on 31 July 2014.

This new guidance is to help the Agencies carry out their river basin planning functions for the second planning period 2015 to 2021. The guidance sets out expectations for the main steps and principles of the river basin planning process and the documents the Agencies must produce. The new guidance incorporates and updates the parts of the existing guidance that remain relevant to the second and subsequent planning cycles.

This new guidance replaces Volume 1 (2006) and Volume 2 (2008) of river basin planning guidance.

(https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/river-basin-planning-guidance)

 

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

new zealand: new national standards for lakes and rivers

(Posted 14 January 2015)                       

National water quality standards are to be introduced for New Zealand's lakes and rivers. The new policy means that, for the first time, rivers and lakes will have minimum requirements that must be achieved so the water quality is suitable for ecosystem and human health. They will be introduced among an updated National Policy Statement (NPS) on Freshwater Management. Other measures under the NPS require regional councils to order efficient use of fresh water by end users, use water quality measures to set freshwater objectives, and ‘maintain or improve the overall quality of fresh water’.

This article first appeared in the New Zealand Herald:

(http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11286994)

 

marine litter in european seas – social awareness and co-responsibility (marlisco)

(Posted 14 January 2015)                       

Marine litter originates from various land- and sea-based sources. It is a complex and challenging problem, which stems from prevailing production and consumption patterns, and from how we deal with waste.

MARLISCO’s goal is to raise public awareness, facilitate dialogue and promote co-responsibility towards a joint vision for the sustainable management of marine litter across all European seas. MARLICO activities take place in the four European Regional Seas: North-East Atlantic, Baltic, Mediterranean and Black Sea, by a consortium with members located in 15 coastal countries. By developing innovative mechanisms and tools, MARLISCO aims to effectively engage, inform and empower society, reaching the widest possible audience.

Various reports have been produced, including: Understanding of the distribution quantities and types of marine litter; Methods to monitor and assess marine litter; Baseline evaluation of stakeholder perceptions and attitudes towards issues surrounding marine litter; Collection of best practices that aim to reduce the amount of marine litter.

(http://www.marlisco.eu/about-project.en.html)

 

eu water framework directive

(Posted 14 January 2015)                       

The Commission’s 3rd Implementation report on the Water Framework has been adopted – focus on River Basin Management Plans 2009-2015.

See report at: (http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/water-framework/impl_reports.htm#third)

See facts, figures and maps at:
(http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/water-framework/facts_figures/index_en.htm)

 

PROJECTS & RESEARCH

new ‘bird-washing machine’ dramatically improves survival of birds caught in oil spills

(Posted 14 January 2015)                       

Oil spills can decimate seabird populations. Some birds can be saved if the oil is washed from their feathers in time. However, this long process is highly stressful for the birds and requires numerous volunteers. Researchers have now developed a 'bird-washing machine' which reduces the washing time from two hours to four minutes. When trialled on oiled birds rescued from the Caspian Sea this resulted in a substantial increase in survival: 88.5 per cent survival after seven days compared to 50 per cent survival using current washing techniques. 

(http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/pdf/new_bird_washing_machine_improves_survival_of_bi rds_in_oil_spills_398na3_en.pdf)

 

new tool to aid evidence-based decisions on how to eradicate alien species

(Posted 14 January 2015)                       

A new tool to help environmental managers make faster, more evidence-based decisions on how to eradicate alien aquatic species has been developed. The tool is a statistical model based on over 140 management case studies in the scientific literature. Packaged as a user-friendly computer program, it allows different management options to be easily compared.

The researchers carried out an extensive search of studies on managing alien aquatic species, selecting 143 case studies from 79 articles or reports in the scientific literature. From these, they created a statistical model which estimates the likelihood of success of a given measure in eradicating the alien species in different situations.

(http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/pdf/new_tool_to_aid_evidence_based_decisions_on_eradi cating_alien_species_398na2_en.pdf)

 

unconventional shale gas and oil: overview of ecological impacts

(Posted 14 January 2015)                       

Research findings on the wildlife and habitat impacts of unconventional shale gas and oil developments in the US have been collated in a new review. Its authors stress the importance of collecting data on local ecosystems before such developments begin, to allow changes in nature to be tracked and to aid ongoing improvements to management.

In addition to land, unconventional gas and oil extraction requires large amounts of water. Multiple wells on a single pad can put great pressure on water supplies, with possible severe effects on aquatic wildlife in the local area. Aquatic ecosystems near such developments may also be at risk from water pollution. Wastewaters from the wells can contain various contaminants, including salts, toxic metals, naturally occurring radioactive materials, as well as additives used in the fracking process. Wastewater treatment must be able to deal with such pollutants. Studies in the US have found elevated levels of salinity, chlorine and radioactive elements downstream of certain water treatment plants for unconventional shale and gas developments.

(http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/pdf/overview_of_environmental_impacts_of_shale_gas_a nd_oil_398na1_en.pdf)

 

full scale of plastic in the world’s oceans revealed for first time

(Posted 14 January 2015)                       

More than five trillion pieces of plastic, collectively weighing nearly 269,000 tonnes, are floating in the world's oceans, causing damage throughout the food chain, new research has found. Data collected by scientists from the US, France, Chile, Australia and New Zealand suggests that most of the pieces are ‘micro plastics’ measuring less than 5mm.

The volume of plastic pieces, largely deriving from products such as food and drink packaging and clothing, was calculated from data taken from 24 expeditions over a six-year period to 2013. The research, published in the journal PLOS One, is the first study to look at plastics of all sizes in the world's oceans. Large pieces of plastic can strangle animals such as seals, while smaller pieces are ingested by fish and then fed up the food chain, all the way to humans. This is problematic due to the chemicals contained within plastics, as well as the pollutants that plastic attract once they are in the marine environment. For original article, click here.

While spread out around the globe, much of this rubbish accumulates in five large ocean gyres, which are circular currents that churn up plastics in a set area. Each of the major oceans have plastic-filled gyres, including the well-known 'great Pacific garbage patch' that covers an area roughly equivalent to Texas. The research found that the gyres themselves are likely to contribute to the problem, acting as ‘shredders’ to the plastic before dispersing it. The research, the first of its kind to pull together data on floating plastic from around the world, will be used to chart future trends in the amount of debris in the oceans.

(http://www.edie.net/news/4/Full-scale-of-plastic-in-the-world-s-oceans-revealed-for-first-time/?utm_source=weeklynewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=news&utm_campaign=weeklynewsle tter)

 

flood and coastal risk management: long-term investment scenarios

(Posted 14 January 2015)                       

This study builds on the 2009 long-term investment strategy. It includes improvements and updates in the analysis of risk and the value of future investment. The scenarios show how future risks from flooding and coastal erosion could change due to different investment scenarios and estimate the level of investment that would maximise benefits under different circumstances. The findings in the report cover the whole of England for the next 50 years.

The study takes into account:

  • climate change
  • how development in flood plains is managed
  • changes in future costs to manage flooding and coastal erosion 

First published: June 2009

Updated: December 2014

(https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/flood-and-coastal-risk-management-in-england-long-term-investment)

 

five principles to guide knowledge exchange in environmental management

(Posted 14 January 2015)                       

Effective ‘knowledge exchange’ – the process of producing, sharing, understanding and using knowledge – is vital to good environmental management. New research has uncovered five principles for this process which could help researchers, decision makers and other parties work together to better manage environmental change.

(http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/pdf/five_principles_guide_knowledge_exchange_environm ental_management_393na4_en.pdf)

 

public views on baltic eutrophication have important policy implications

(Posted 14 January 2015)                       

Citizens in countries surrounding the Baltic Sea would be willing to contribute financially towards long-term management of eutrophication, according to a recent study. Furthermore, most would like to see the Baltic Sea managed as a single whole, rather than only improving their local coastal area.

(http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/pdf/Baltic_Sea_citizens_financial_contribution_eutrophicat ion_391na1_en.pdf)

 

oyster imports bring alien ‘hitchhikers’ and disease

(Posted 14 January 2015)                       

The future of oyster farming in Europe is threatened by disease. However, a recent study highlights the risk of importing oysters to improve or replace lost stock, as this could accidentally bring further disease and invasive species.

(http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/pdf/disease_from_oyster_imports_392na1_en.pdf)

 

payments for ecosystem services: review of pilot projects, 2011 to 2013

(Posted 14 January 2015)                       

This review provides an analysis of the findings and lessons learned from rounds 1 and 2 of the Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) pilot projects. Defra commissioned a range of PES pilot projects to test out how it would work in practice. During 2011 and 2013, Defra commissioned 11 PES pilot projects over two rounds of funding. These included projects designing practical schemes as well as supporting research that could improve our understanding of how it would work. The pilot projects have demonstrated many different applications of the PES concept.

This forms part of the Natural Environment White Paper commitments on payments for ecosystem services back in 2011.

(https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/payments-for-ecosystem-services-review-of-pilot-projects-2011-to-2013)

 

PUBLICATIONS

uk flooding: ’we must learn to live with water’

(Posted 14 January 2015)                       

A new white paper from the built environment science centre BRE (Building Research Centre) argues that the UK must adopt a new approach where we learn to 'live with water' as the ever-increasing threat of flooding cannot be fully defended against. BRE welcomed the Treasury's £2.3 billion investment in flood defences, but says that a new approach to dealing with flooding is required whereby buildings are made flood-resilient. BRE argues that flooding is inevitable as climate change and urbanisation have put more than 5.2 million homes in England at risk of flooding. Annual costs of flood damage are currently at least £1.1 billion and are expected to rise in coming years.

Across Europe, flooding has been traditionally managed by large-scale engineering solutions protecting conurbations from obvious risks such as rivers and the sea. However, floods are now occurring within these defences requiring buildings to be adapted appropriately.

Read the paper at: BRE White Paper: Future Flood Resilient Built Environment

Article originally from: (http://www.edie.net/news/print.asp?id=27396)

 

sepa publishes compliance assessment results for 2013

(Posted 14 January 2015)                       

In November SEPA published their Compliance Assessment Scheme figures for 2013, which show that 90% of the operators assessed achieved a rating of excellent, good or broadly compliant.

The scheme outlines how well permitted operators in Scotland have met the conditions of their licences on an annual basis and helps SEPA to identify problem areas which require greater focus for improvement. It covers operators with Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) Part A and Part B permits, Waste Management Licences (WML), Controlled Activity Regulations (CAR) discharges and sites licenced under the Radioactive Substances Act (RSA).

A full list of the licences assessed, including details and ratings for the majority of sites are available on SEPA’s website.

Read full media release here:

(http://media.sepa.org.uk/media-releases/2014/compliance-assessment-results-published-for-2013/?utm_source=Update+standard+list&utm_campaign=3b218718ce-SEPA_Update_14121111_12_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1d4b1dd6b0-3b218718ce-290456769)

 

master data register

(Posted 14 January 2015)                       

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has developed a comprehensive catalogue of spatially referenced environmental data. This catalogue is known as the MMO Master Data Register (MDR) and it currently contains information to support their business, regulatory and decision-making functions. The MDR is a key internal tool for data management. The MMO uses information in the form of data products procured from a wide variety of public and commercial sources, and they continuously strive to maintain this catalogue with the most recent information so that the best available evidence underpins their decisions.

The MDR is available as a PDF and was last updated on 30 May 2014.

(https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/master-data-register)

 

marine pollution contingency plan

(Posted 14 January 2015)                       

The plan summarises procedures the Marine Management Organisation follows in a marine pollution incident. The plan is under constant review to ensure the best possible response and includes details on:

  • how to get approval to use an oil spill treatment product in English and Welsh waters
  • environment groups
  • MMO’s out of hours arrangements
  • resources
  • legal information
  • other contingency plans
  • other marine emergencies
  • forms and templates for use during and after an incident
  • approved products
  • list and details of standing approvals to use treatment products

(https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/marine-pollution-contingency-plan)

 

bathing waters in england: 2014 compliance report

(Posted 14 January 2015)

This document details the water quality results for bathing waters in England for 2014.

(https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bathing-waters-in-england-2014-compliance-report)

 

marine protected areas: strategic management table

(Posted 14 January 2015)                       

The table shows how MMO is working to manage the network of marine protected areas and to encourage stakeholders to input evidence and provide feedback to help us assess and review potential risks. The table summarises information about the sites, including some of the statutory nature conservation advice about the impact of human activities upon habitat features in the sites and any MMO management actions to protect the sites and their features.

(https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/marine-protected-areas-strategic-management-table)

 

Caba support newsletter 11 – November 2014

(Posted 14 January 2015)                       

Keeping you posted on developments, resources and events in support of the Catchment-Based Approach.

Key news and developments:

  • Information Sharing Best Practice - have you developed a good approach to feeding information in to the River Basin Planning process?  Would you like the chance to shape how this can be improved? Contact the CaBA Support Team.
  • We've published a draft Two-Way Data Sharing Agreement- to help you share and license information with EA and others.
  • The CaBA Support Team together with Blueprint for Water are running four workshops in the new year to help CaBA partnerships to respond to the WFD River Basin Management Plan Consultation. See this link for details including registration - RBMP Consultation Workshops.
  • EA Catchment Summaries are all now available via the e-consultation tool.

Subscribe to the CaBA mailing list for future updates.

 

Reports from Events

eurocean 2014 (7-9 October 2014)

(Posted 14 January 2015)                       

EurOCEAN 2014 brought together marine scientists across a broad range of disciplines with policymakers, industry and NGOs, to develop a common vision on achieving an ecosystem approach to the management of Europe’s marine resources as a fundamental requirement for sustainable Blue Growth. The conference highlighted the importance of Blue Growth and commercially-driven research, equally emphasizing that a growing and sustainable maritime economy will also require a much greater knowledge and understanding of marine ecosystem functioning and resilience.

As key output, EurOCEAN 2014 delivered the Rome Declaration (PDF) - a common vision on achieving an ecosystem approach to the management of Europe’s marine resources as a fundamental requirement for sustainable Blue Growth and European leadership in marine science and technology.

EurOCEAN 2014 is part of the successful EurOCEAN conference series initiated in late 1990s. EurOCEAN conferences provide a regular focal point for the marine and maritime research community and stakeholders to interact with European and member state policymakers and programme managers, to discuss and respond to new marine science and technology developments, challenges and opportunities.

(http://www.euroceanconferences.eu/)

 

society of biology: biology week (11-18 October 2014)

(Posted 14 January 2015)                       

The Society of Biology has celebrated the biggest Biology Week yet, with over 100 events and activities all over the UK and beyond. Everyone from children to research scientists got involved in debates, bug hunts, dinosaur digs, and Big Biology Days, in celebration of the life sciences. There was a lively debate on malaria eradication at the prestigious Royal Institution, attended by over 200 people. Four eminent malaria experts argued the pros and cons of trying to eradicate the disease, chaired by Professor Chris Whitty from the Department for International Development. The society launched their Starling Murmuration Survey, teaming up with the University of Gloucestershire to find out why starlings undertake spectacular aerial displays, by encouraging people across the UK to send in information about their sightings.

How will biology change the world? was debated to celebrate the launch of the Biology: Changing the World project. Speakers argued that neurotechnology, food security, biofuels and personalised medicine, would be the area of biology to change the world most. Four Big Biology Day science festivals took place nationwide during the week. People learnt about geology and medical dilemmas in Cardiff; created their own bacteria and parasites in Glasgow; dissected pellets in Essex and made medicines in Cambridge. Fun scientific activities were organised by organisations including the British Science Association, British Pharmacological society, Biochemical Society and Jeans for Genes.

Read more at: (https://www.societyofbiology.org/get-involved/biologyweek)

 

european river restoration conference highlights (27-29 October 2014)

(Posted 14 January 2015)                       

Hundreds of river basin professionals from around the world met in Vienna for the 6th European River Restoration Conference (ERRC). The 2014 European Riverprize winner was announced: the River Mur, with a prize of €25,000, sponsored by Coca-Cola Europe.

(http://riverfoundation.org.au/articles/ERRC_and_european_riverprize?utm_source=MailingList&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=International+RiverFoundation+eNewslett er+October+2014)

 

first international environment forum for basin organisations – November 2014 Thailand

(Posted 14 January 2015)                       

Towards Sustainable Freshwater Governance

The importance of freshwater resources to human life and development cannot be overstated. The essential roles these resources play relate to human health, facilitating trade, communication, inland navigation, agriculture, fishing, fish-farming, energy production, recreation, tourism, culture and location of human settlements.

The state of the global freshwater resources, however, is in crisis. As human populations swell and economies expand, both surface and groundwater resources are being depleted and polluted to an extent never before witnessed. Competition for the increasingly scarce resources has reached unprecedented levels. Rivers, lakes, aquifers, wetlands, and other water bodies are being strained. Both surface and groundwater resources are being depleted and polluted and wetlands and habitats destroyed. Ecosystems, species as well as communities around the globe are increasingly suffering from these impacts.

Existing governance structures provide, in most cases, policy, legal and institutional frameworks for meeting human water demands, they often insufficiently, if at all, address the control of pollutions and the protection of ecosystems in the provision of water.

Effective cooperative arrangements for the management of freshwater basins, which recognise the environmental dimension for these resources, are indispensable as new challenges, such as climate change, arise. States face the challenge of mitigating and adapting to climate variability involving adjustments in water management whilst balancing ever-growing water demands for development. Whilst this unpredictable state of affairs embeds a potential for conflict among stakeholders, it also provides an opportunity for cooperation, growth and the sharing of costs and benefits.

(http://www.unep.org/delc/forumbasinorganizations/tabid/102143/Default.aspx)

 

can we afford not to monitor priority pollutants? (12 November 2014)

(Posted 14 January 2015)                       

This event was organised by the Society of Chemical Industry (SCI) and RSC's Water Science Forum. It brought together experts in the field of priority substances listed in Annex X of the WFD. Presentations included:

See the presentations at: (http://www.soci.org/News/Env_Health_Safety/Priority-Pollutants) (Note: If you would like to access papers from SCI’s past conferences and are unable to do so, contact conferences@soci.org)

 

farming and the public water supply: working together on water resources (3 December 2014)

(Posted 14 January 2015)                       

This conference explored how the interaction and co-operation between farmers and the water industry can be improved to optimise the efficiency of water use in the agricultural sector.

The event included:

  • Lessons learnt from the recent droughts; future pressures; the needs of both the farmers and the water companies. 
  • Case studies showing collaboration in practice. 
  • Next steps in terms of future business models and the latest thinking on the Abstraction Licence reform.

See the presentations at: (http://www.ciwem.org/events/events-outputs.aspx)

 

the ‘smart’ water network: ciwem water network series (4 December 2014)

(Posted 14 January 2015)                       

This workshop in the CIWEM Water Networks Series examined the use of instrumentation and the use of the data to get the most from the water distribution networks and the industry’s drive to continually reduce non-revenue water.

Presentations included: What makes water networks smarter?; Smarter Water Networks – the European perspective; Instrumentation and clean water networks.

See the presentations at: (http://www.ciwem.org/events/events-outputs.aspx)

 

water act – resilience in practice (10 December 2014)

(Posted 14 January 2015) 

The Water Act 2014 amended the Water Industry Act 1991 to include a primary duty to secure resilience in our water supply and sewerage systems. This one day conference considered what this duty means in practice, in terms of implications for regulators, water companies, consumers and the environment. Talks included: Getting resilience right for customers, society and the environment; The resilience duty – burden or opportunity?; Strategic water infrastructure and resilience; Will the ‘duty’ drive innovation in the water industry?

See the presentations at: (http://www.ciwem.org/events/events-outputs.aspx)