INDEX

CONSULTATIONS

consultation outcomes:

UK NEWS

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

PROJECTS & RESEARCH

PUBLICATIONS

Reports from Events

 

ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

CONSULTATIONS

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:

environment agency publish responses to the challenges and choices consultation

(Posted 30 July 2014)             

The framework which describes how England will get to good water quality is explained through the Environment Agency river basin management planning consultations. The ‘Challenges and Choices’ consultation was the second of three consultations within this framework, which will inform the update to the river basin management plans in 2015. These plans will describe what businesses, water users and organisations will need to do to protect and improve the water environment up to 2027.

In Challenges and Choices, the Environment Agency described what they think the biggest challenges affecting the water environment are and outlined ideas on how to address them. They asked for your views on the issues, what you thought should be done and how you or organisations you represent could help protect and improve the water environment. The consultation started on 22 June 2013. It was conducted in two parts: a national consultation which looked at the issues relevant to all of England’s waters, and regionally specific consultations for each river basin district. The national consultation ended on 22 September 2013 and the river basin district consultation on 22 December 2013.

Throughout the consultation the EA were very encouraged by the level of involvement and response from organisations and individuals. Many more people were actively involved in the consultation than in 2007. All the responses are now being considered and will help inform how the water environment is managed, protected and improved.

This document provides a summary of the comments received, the EA’s response to those comments and how they will take them forward in their proposals for the updated river basin management plans.

Nearly 800 responses to the national and river basin district consultations were received. These came from a diverse range of groups, organisations and individuals, including water, energy and industrial companies, charities, non-governmental organisations and wildlife groups. Across the responses, there was general agreement that the water management issues highlighted in the consultation documents were the right ones to focus on. Particular priorities were:

  • A greater need to look for multiple benefits when considering rural land management decisions
  • Managing current and future abstraction of water
  • Pollution from towns and cities
  • The use of pesticides and the impact of these chemicals on drinking water supplies

Some of the challenges around the way improvements to the water environment are planned and delivered were also highlighted:

  • Action planning should be better joined up, for instance between flooding, environment, and agriculture, and for this to be supported by good evidence
  • Support was expressed for the catchment based approach to river basin planning and delivery and the proposal to take a ‘benefits-led’ approach to this with local delivery informed by an overarching strategy
  • Delivery should happen through partnerships and closer links to communities
  • More clarity is needed on how possible solutions could be funded and how decisions on allocating funding will be made

Access the report at:
(https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/portal/ho/wfd/water/choices)

 

the establishment of a quantitative headline reduction target for marine litter

(Posted 30 July 2014)             

In response to the agreement at the Rio+20 summit to achieve, by 2025, ‘significant reductions in marine debris to prevent harm to the coastal and marine environment’, as well as the call in the 7th Environment Action Programme (7th EAP) for an EU-wide ‘quantitative reduction headline target’ for marine litter, the European Commission is in the process of developing such a reduction target. As part of this process, the Commission launched an online public consultation, focussing on possible actions by different stakeholder groups to address the issue of marine litter.

The results of the consultation will be used as one of the bases for formulating an EU-wide quantitative headline reduction target for marine litter. The consultation ran from 25/9/2013 – 18/12/13.

The report ‘Public Consultation on Marine Litter – An Analysis’ can be found at:
(http://ec.europa.eu/environment/consultations/marine_litter_en.htm)

The report gives an overview of the outcomes of the public consultation, including a statistical analysis and visual representations of the responses provided. The public consultation addresses the issue of marine litter, a growing problem and threat to the environment. There are many sources of marine litter, though it is estimated that up to 80% comes from land-based sources, including litter transported into the marine environment from inland by rivers, drainage or wind. Once in the marine area, the litter threatens biodiversity, animal and human health and even the economy.

 

marine licensing fees

(Posted 30 July 2014)             

Revision to marine licensing fees and charges – summary of responses has been published. These proposals seek to recover a higher proportion of the costs the MMO (Marine Management Organisation) incurs in dealing with marine licensing applications, whilst at the same time minimising the impacts on business through efficiency measures and, for certain smaller projects, by providing a public subsidy.

(https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/revision-to-marine-licensing-fees-and-charges)

 

common fisheries policy: implementing the pelagic landing obligation (discard ban) in england

(Posted 30 July 2014)             

Views were sought on how Defra should implement the landing obligation, also known as a discard ban, in English pelagic fisheries. The ban will mean that all fish caught in pelagic fisheries cannot be returned to the sea (or discarded) unless they are covered by a specific exemption.

Pelagic fisheries are those in which fishermen primarily catch pelagic species (fish which swim together in the open sea) such as mackerel, herring and horse mackerel. This ban will come into force on 1 January 2015.

In particular, views were sought on proposed changes to how we manage:

  • management of quota
  • exemptions to the landing obligation
  • monitoring and enforcement
  • the management of catch

(https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/common-fisheries-policy-implementing-the-pelagic-landing-obligation-discard-ban-in-england)

 

UK NEWS

reforming the water industry to increase competition and protect the environment

(Posted 30 July 2014)             

The water industry supplies goods and services which are essential to health, wellbeing and economic stability. These services are coming under increasing pressure as a result of a growing population and a changing climate. To meet these challenges, changes are needed in the way water is managed. Water companies will need to be more innovative, more efficient and more attentive to what their customers want.

Defra’s Water white paper and Water for life: market reform proposals sets out their plans. They intend to deal with the challenges facing the water industry, as well as encouraging better customer service and protection for the environment. To implement some of the plans in the White Paper, the Water Act 2014 received Royal Assent on 14 May 2014.

The purpose of the act is to:

  • reform the water industry to make it more innovative and responsive to customers and to increase the resilience of water supplies to natural hazards such as drought and floods
  • to bring forward measures to address the availability and affordability of insurance for those households at high flood risk and ensure a smooth transition to the free market over the longer term

Read more at:
(https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/reforming-the-water-industry-to-increase-competition-and-protect-the-environment/supporting-pages/reform-of-the-water-market-the-new-water-bill)

 

the rivers trust announces completion of its £8.3m river improvement fund programme

(Posted 30 July 2014)             

The River Improvement Fund Programme was an initiative of three phases over four years (2010 – 2014), wholly managed by The Rivers Trust and actioned by 28 individual rivers trusts throughout the country. It constituted a national initiative between Defra and the Rivers Trust, in collaboration with the Environment Agency. It has delivered the largest ever river improvement programme by a non-governmental organisation in England.

A report giving an overview of the 200+ river improvement projects can be accessed at: (http://www.theriverstrust.org/rifp/)

 

catchment based approach – defra update

(Posted 30 July 2014)             

2014/15 funding: Defra committed a further £2.2m of funding this financial year to support the roll out of the Catchment Based Approach (CaBA) across the country. The majority of this is being allocated by the Environment Agency to the Catchment Partnerships (see link).  A small amount will be retained to fund development of a range of tools to support catchment working which can be used by all Catchment Partnerships.

Ministerial visit: On the 31 March, Dan Rogerson the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Water at Defra visited a farm in the upper Tamar catchment. This was an opportunity for the Minister to hear about some of the important work the Catchment Partnerships are doing. He also visited Canworthy Water to see the flood defence scheme upstream of the farm. These were built as a result of the 2004 Boscastle floods and use catchment measures such as wetlands and rural SuDS to mitigate future risk. (see link).

Ministerial speech at CIWEM conference: Dan Rogerson also spoke at the CIWEM Annual Conference on Water and the Environment in April. He said that Defra sees catchment management as a long-term solution to tackling water quality pressures. He also said that catchment working brings opportunities to tackle many pressing issues in new ways and need not be constrained exclusively to water quality - there are opportunities to integrate other environmental needs such as biodiversity and flood risk management as well as other business needs. (see link).

Other CaBA news:

  • We now have 100% coverage of catchment partnerships across English catchments. 
  • Catchment Partnerships have been asked by Defra to participate in the local validation of the draft targeting information for the New Environmental Land Management Scheme (NELMs) (see link). 
  • Defra will be evaluating implementation of CaBA so far.  The first phase of this is about to start and we expect to have the findings in the autumn.  This will be followed by a second, longer evaluation phase which will conclude in 2015/16.

ConnectRight: In addition to our own teams’ work, other colleagues from the Defra family have been working on the ConnectRight campaign (see link). The campaign aims to raise awareness of pollution caused by misconnected drains and sewers. Catchments that have issues from urban diffuse pollution are encouraged to engage with the campaign. If you would like more information then please contact Jon Snowden (jon.snowden@environment-agency.gov.uk).

Living With Environmental Change (LWEC) has also asked us to highlight their policy and practice note which is on ‘Catchment partnerships – better planning for our rivers and landscapes’ (see link). If you would like hard copies or more information then please contact Anne Liddon (anne.liddon@ncl.ac.uk).

 

coca-cola’s river restoration work may shape sustainable water strategy

(Posted 30 July 2014)             

Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) is working to restore two river habitats in the UK which could potentially act as a template model as the company looks to scale up its water stewardship work across the business. CCE is working with WWF on a three-year project to conserve freshwater resources in two chalk stream catchments, both of which are directly linked to CCE's bottling operations. One is on the River Nar in Norfolk - the source of some of the sugar beet used in Coca-Cola drinks - and the other is in South London, near to CCE's manufacturing site on the River Cray. As well as river restoration, the work will also help promote sustainable water management - a key focus of CCE's climate change adaptation strategy.

Read more at:
(http://www.edie.net/news/4/Coca-Cola-s-river-restoration-work-may-shape-sustainable-water-strategy/?utm_source=weeklynewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=news&utm_campaign=weeklynewsle tter)

 

the river wensum is the winner of the inaugural england river prize

(Posted 30 July 2014)             

An ambitious project to restore the 70km River Wensum in Norfolk, which has delivered over 12km to date, has been awarded the first England River Prize. The prize was won by the Environment Agency, as lead partner, in partnership with riparian landowners, Natural England and Atkins. The River Wensum is a chalk stream of great importance for its wildlife, supporting species such as water voles, otters and white-clawed crayfish. To improve the health of the river to meet ‘good ecological status’, under the Water Framework Directive, the project has delivered multiple benefits to the whole river, from the headwaters in Fakenham to Norwich.

The England River Prize is being awarded by a partnership of the River Restoration Centre, WWF-UK, the Environment Agency and the International River Foundation and celebrates successful approaches in river restoration delivering a wide range of benefits.

Read more at:
(http://www.restorerivers.eu/NewsEvents/Newsupdates/tabid/2622/ID/3755/The-River-Wensum-is-the-winner-of-the-inaugural-England-River-Prize.aspx)

 

tough action to protect england’s beaches and £3.6bn seaside economy

(Posted 30 July 2014)             

This is the final year before bathing waters have to meet new water quality standards which are twice as strict. As families flock to the seaside over the summer period, the Environment Agency is carrying out its annual water quality tests at England’s beaches. Over 400 beaches and inland bathing sites are tested every week between May and September. Improvements this year will help more beaches to pass new water quality standards.

Next year England will have water quality targets that are almost twice as stringent, but thanks to work over two decades to prevent pollution ending up in the sea, 9 out of 10 English beaches are already meeting the standard. But while over 90% are predicted to pass, around 40 beaches along the English coast are currently at risk of failure. The new EU law means that local authorities would need to display a sign advising against swimming for those that do not pass the new standard.

Defra’s press release:
(https://www.gov.uk/government/news/tough-action-to-protect-englands-beaches-and-36bn-seaside-economy)

 

defra suds update and draft national standards

(Posted 30 July 2014)             

Defra has published its latest newsletter, which includes:

  • an update on the implementation of Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act
  • the Draft National Standards and Specified Criteria for Sustainable Drainage
  • the results of a survey on local authority preparedness
  • a summary of the recent Table Top Testing Exercise
  • a SuDS watch case study: Bristol City Council.

(http://www.susdrain.org/news/articles/defra_suds_update_draft_national_standards.html?zbrandid=4701&zidType=CH&zid=23800863&zsubscriberId=1041066292&zbdom=http://ciria-susdrain.informz.net)

 

marine scotland launches new YouTube channel

(Posted 30 July 2014)             

(http://www.youtube.com/user/MarineScotlandVideo/feed)

 

designation and de-designation of bathing waters

(Posted 30 July 2014)

Guidance from Defra was updated on 2 June 2014.

This document explains how to apply to Defra for designation of a new bathing water or de-designation of an existing one. It also explains the bathing waters team’s decision-making process and evidence requirements. Applications are made from local authorities and landowners to Defra’s bathing waters team.

See the guidance document at:
(https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/designation-and-de-designation-of-bathing-waters)

 

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

global organisations pledge to support water stewardship

(Posted 30 July 2014)             

Businesses have committed to the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS), promoting a framework for sustainable use of the world’s limited freshwater resources. Nestlé and General Mills were among major businesses which announced their commitment to AWS alongside 27 other leading organisations including the Water Footprint Network, Water Aid, FEMSA Foundation, WWF and the Nature Conservancy.

Read more at:
(http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/launch.aspx?eid=782fe7e3-7353-4725-be12-9e8f37751df0)

The Alliance for Water Stewardship standard is an international standard that defines a set of water stewardship criteria and indicators for how water should be stewarded at a site and catchment level in a way that is environmentally, socially and economically beneficial.

For further details:
(http://www.allianceforwaterstewardship.org/become-a-water-steward.html#aws-standard)

 

japan accepts court ban on antarctic whaling

(Posted 30 July 2014)             

The UN's International Court of Justice has ruled that the Japanese government must halt its whaling programme in the Antarctic. It agreed with Australia, which brought the case in May 2010, that the programme was not for scientific research as claimed by Tokyo. Japan said it would abide by the decision but added it ‘regrets and is deeply disappointed by the decision’. Australia argued that the programme was commercial whaling in disguise. The court's decision is considered legally binding. Japan had argued that the suit brought by Australia was an attempt to impose its cultural norms on Japan.

Reading out the judgement Presiding Judge Peter Tomka said the court had decided, by 12 votes to 4, that Japan should withdraw all permits and licenses for whaling in the Antarctic and refrain from issuing any new ones. The judgement said that Japan had caught some 3,600 minke whales since its current programme began in 2005, but the scientific output was limited.

Full story at: (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26818863)

 

natural capital financing facility

(Posted 30 July 2014)             

A new finance initiative 'Natural Capital Financing Facility’ (NCFF) will provide innovative financial solutions to support bankable projects which are or have the potential to be revenue-generating or cost-saving, promoting the conservation, restoration, management and enhancement of natural capital. It will be complemented by technical assistance to support project preparation, implementation and monitoring. The NCFF is an EU financial instrument funded by the European Investment Bank and the European Commission.

The NCFF will provide debt and equity finance for projects in the following fields:

  • Green infrastructure (e.g. green roofs, green walls, ecosystem-based rainwater collection / water reuse systems, flood protection and erosion control).
  • Payment for ecosystem services (e.g. programmes to protect and enhance forestry, biodiversity, to reduce water or soil pollution).
  • Biodiversity offsets / compensation beyond legal requirements (e.g. compensation pools).
  • Pro-biodiversity and adaptation businesses (e.g. sustainable forestry, agriculture, aquaculture, eco-tourism).

Further details at:
(http://www.valuing-nature.net/news/2014/finance-facility-natural-capital-projects)

 

PROJECTS & RESEARCH

wfd classification scheme for marine benthic invertebrates: infaunal quality index

(Posted 30 July 2014)             

This report describes the development of the method for assessing the ecological status of the macrobenthic invertebrates of sediment habitats in coastal and transitional (estuarine) water bodies for the first River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) under the WFD for the United Kingdom (UK) and the Republic of Ireland (ROI). The method is called the Infaunal Quality Index (IQI).

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) requires the ecology of River Basin Catchments to be assessed to determine where action is needed to improve the water environment. Benthic invertebrates are one of five biological quality elements to be assessed under the WFD. They are an important component of marine ecological systems and are effective indicators of certain types of disturbance or ‘pressure’. They complement the other WFD biological quality elements for transitional and coastal surface waters: angiosperms (flowering plants), fish, macroalgae and phytoplankton.

Access the report at:
(https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/water-framework-directive-wfd-classification-scheme-for-marine-benthic-invertebrates-infaunal-quality-index)

 

public dialogue on significant water management issues

(Posted 30 July 2014)             

This public dialogue on Significant Water Management Issues (SWMI) was undertaken within the context of the Environment Agency’s Challenges and Choices consultation. The Sciencewise-supported dialogue was designed to enable public views, ideas and concerns to be fed into final decisions and priorities for the Environment Agency’s updated River Basin Management Plans, and inform the approach to meeting other WFD commitments.

There will be a public consultation carried out by the Environment Agency on updated river basin management plans in September 2014. The final plans will be published by December 2015.

Access the report at:
(https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/public-dialogue-on-significant-water-management-issues)

 

updated groundwater vulnerability maps: improvements to methodology and data

(Posted 30 July 2014)             

The Environment Agency are currently updating their groundwater vulnerability maps to reflect improvements in data mapping and understanding of the factors affecting vulnerability. The ‘New groundwater vulnerability mapping methodology’ report provides technical information about how the new maps have been created. The user guide outlines the kinds of activities the new maps can be used for.

These reports have been published in advance of the release of the new maps to give users time to understand the new approach and how this differs from the previous groundwater vulnerability maps. These maps provide key evidence for the Environment Agency’s assessment of the exposure of groundwater to a pollution hazard from a given activity as part of its permitting activity work. They form part of a suite of tools developed by the Environment Agency for groundwater protection, including source protection zones and position statements.

The new maps for England will be released in the autumn of 2014.

The report and user guide can be accessed at:
(https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/updated-groundwater-vulnerability-maps-improvements-to-methodology-and-data)

 

aquatic and riparian plant management: controls for vegetation in watercourses

(Posted 30 July 2014)             

An updated guide has been produced on when and how to manage vegetation growing in or near watercourses. The guidance consists of a field guide, technical guide and a decision-making spreadsheet tool. A case study report and a literature review summarise the evidence on which the new guidance is based.

Project Summary SC120008 and the reports can be accessed at:
(https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/aquatic-and-riparian-plant-management-controls-for-vegetation-in-watercourses)

 

defra announce environmental dna (eDNA) test to detect presence of Great Crested Newt

(Posted 30 July 2014)             

Natural England has welcomed the publication by Defra of a study which includes an evaluation of the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect great crested newts in water. It said the research presented a step forward in making it easier to detect populations of this European protected species and had the potential to make it much easier and less costly for developers needing to clarify where great crested newt populations might be. The use of eDNA testing makes it possible to detect newts simply by taking water samples whereas conventional sampling for the protected species often requires several repeat visits during the breeding season which can be costly and time-consuming.

(http://www.cieem.net/news/175/defra-announce-environmental-dna-edna-test-to-detect-gcn-presence)

 

development of a drone system to control, monitor and treat green algae blooms

(Posted 30 July 2014)             

A European consortium develops a smart technology to monitor and treat harmful algal blooms. The dronic project aims to provide an effective treatment against algae and cyanobacteria in lakes and inland water reservoirs used for drinking water production.

LG Sound has joined forces with various European organizations and universities: ACSA France, CNRS France, SEPTENTRIO Belgium, VITO Belgium, UL Slovenia, Ministry of Agriculture Cyprus, and Scottish Water United Kingdom. With a total investment of 3.2 million euros, the consortium will develop an innovative, environmental and cost-effective method to control harmful algae blooms in lakes, inland water reservoirs, seas and harbours. This involves combining two water drones with water sensors, which localize hotspots of algae blooms and offer the required treatment with ultrasound frequencies.

(http://www.wateractive.co.uk/news/revolutionary_drone_system_to_control_monitor_and_treat_green_algae_blooms_with_the_inn ovative_dronic_system)

 

PUBLICATIONS

catchment partnerships – better planning for our rivers and landscapes

(Posted 30 July 2014)             

This is a Policy and Practice Note published by LWEC (Living With Environmental Change).

Abstract: We place increasing demands on our landscapes. Historically we have managed these spaces by prioritizing a single sector in a given location, for example farming, or recreation, or biodiversity, but this has failed to address the ways in which land, water and nature are interlinked. Catchment partnerships, rivers trusts and other environmental organisations are playing an increasingly important role by developing stakeholder engagement and partnership working, in order to understand the range of demands from society and where there are trade-offs or complementarity. This understanding leads to recognition of the need for effective holistic planning and collaborative management, and these approaches must be informed by the latest research and methods.

Access the document at:
(http://www.lwec.org.uk/publications/catchment-partnerships-better-planning-rivers-and-landscapes)

 

wskep ezine – 19th issue (May 2014)

(Posted 30 July 2014)             

The Water Security Knowledge Exchange Programme (WSKEP) was a long-term initiative funded by the Natural Environment Research Council. It has recently come to an end. The outputs of the programme will, however, continue to be developed, and a Water Security Knowledge Exchange Portal newsletter will be published in the summer and will start a fresh chapter in CEH's support of water security. The aim is to accelerate the uptake of research and help inform the direction of future science to ensure sustainable use of our water in the future.

(http://www.wskep.net/news.php?id=339)

From Programme to Portal - WSKEP transition:

The Water Security Knowledge Exchange Portal will be launched in the summer. It is a site that brings together the online tools that were developed and produced by WSKEP since 2012. They include: the UK Water Research Directory, a comprehensive listing of water researchers active in the UK, and WaterR2B, a collection of water research case studies solving real-life problems. It will also include the new WaterData, a media-rich introduction to the UK-wide water datasets that are available for research and commercial use.

A new newsletter will be sent when the new Water Security Knowledge Exchange Portal goes live.

 

future publication – suds and the historic environment

(Posted 30 July 2014)             

In partnership with the Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA), and on behalf of English Heritage, Place Services at Essex County Council is preparing national guidance on ‘SuDS and the Historic Environment’.

The guidance will serve to reduce detrimental impacts on the historic environment by helping to ensure the heritage dimension is included in SuDS decision-making and design. It will also help identify opportunities where the implementation and operation of SuDS can bring benefits to the historic environment. As a critical step in developing the guidance, the future end-user opinions on how surface water can best be managed in the context of the historic environment were sought via a recent questionnaire.

The final guidance is due to be completed by April 2015, when it will be published alongside CIRIA’s revised SuDS Manual.

 

Reports from Events

surface water management 2014: local flood risk management and urban diffuse pollution (18 June 2014)

(Posted 30 July 2014)             

Surface water run-off from impermeable surfaces in urban or built environments can be highly polluting and, at the same time, can increase the risk of local flooding. The run-off may carry a mixture of polluting substances with the majority of these discharges receiving no treatment before entering rivers or streams leading to poor water quality and ecological damage.

The aim of this conference was to consider surface water management and urban diffuse pollution in equal measure. The event considered surface water run-off as a whole, taking into account the challenges associated with urban diffuse pollution in addition to local flood risk issues, including those related to groundwater.

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