Angling Trust object to Hydro-power scheme on River Rea
The River Rea is a priority river for the Severn rivers Trust. We have, as is reported elswehere, done a lot of work on this river. The work has included building a fish pass at Tetsill Mill on the lower part of the river to encourage migratory fish, especially eels and none migratory fish such as Grayling and Brown Trout to have free access to spawning sites higher up the river.
A recent application has been made to build a hydro power scheme at this site.
The SRT believes that if this application gets the go ahead the full cost of the fish pass built by the SRT should be paid by the owners and operators of the scheme.
Many individuals and organisations have lodged objections to the scheme, including the Angling Trust who represent anglers and their clubs who fish this river and the river Teme of which the Rea is a tributary.
This is the text of the Angling Trust objection.
Water Resources Application NPS/WR/007611
Thursday, 11 August, 2011 11:57:08
RE: Water Resources Application NPS/WR/007611 by Mr William Duley for the River Rea at Tetsill Mill
On behalf of the Angling Trust I strongly object to this application which has to be one of the most damaging to a river in comparison to the paltry amount of electricity estimated to be generated. The environmental report is totally inadequate, and the scheme is a series of worst practices.
The Rea is of poor ecological status, and this scheme should ensure it remains that way rather than the proposal for it to achieve good status by 2027. The so-called Environmental Report correctly states “that the Hydropower proposal……will not impact upon the outcome of the future WFD status of the river.” Fine words, but the proposed scheme will not match them.
An Alaskan A type of fish pass was installed in 2010, at considerable cost, to aid the restoration of the salmon population of the whole Teme catchment. The scheme proposal is to discharge the turbine outflow via a leat a considerable distance downstream of the weir and fish pass, the “hands-off” flow being less than Q95. There is no attempt to evaluate the impact of this on the ecology of the depleted reach. But more importantly, it will effectively block migration of fish for the majority of the flow regime – fish will be simply attracted to the greater flow from the turbine channel. The report (Section 3.0) concludes that EA’s Good Practice Guidelines (GPG) recommends that a river with flow characteristics as the Rea should have a hands-off flow of Q95. This is wrong; this scheme is of the type described in section 4.4 “Mill leat used for hydropower abstraction – fish migration issues” where “Under most flow conditions, including high flows, the majority of the flow and velocity will be sustained in the route and channel to the fish pass to ensure high attraction towards it.” This scheme does not comply with this.
Screening – whilst a 6mm screen appears to be adequate; it is wrongly oriented and has no proper bywash for fish. The report is also confusing over the approach velocity; at one point it is stated as 13.5 cm/s, then later 25.8 cm/s. It does not state whether wither figure is based on the overalll screen dimensions or the open gap, nor whether it is based on a 50% blockage factor as should be required.
In brief, this a damaging scheme which will result in failure of WFD objectives in exchange for a minuscule amount of electricity. The scheme should have been vetoed at an early stage.
Dr Alan Butterworth
Technical Director
Angling Trust
On Going Abstraction for Hydo schemes
These are the most recent applications in our catchment. Those wishing to comment and / or object should do so to the EA with the details given
KS46
Helen Bates
Closing date for comments: 02 September 2011. Cwm-Y-Rhiwdre at NGR SO 08058 86878 and NGR SO 08014 87241
Water resources act 1991 (as amended by the Water Act 2003) Notice of application for a full licence to abstract water
Notice is hereby given, in accordance with Section 37 of the Water Resources Act 1991 and Regulation 6 of the Water Resources (Abstraction and Impounding) Regulations 2006 that an application has been made to the Environment Agency by:
Helen Bates
for full licences to abstract water from:
Cwm-Y-Rhiwdre at NGR SO 08058 86878 and NGR SO 08014 87241
The proposal is to abstract water at the following rates and periods at abstraction point 1:
468 Cubic metres an hour,
11232 Cubic metres a day and
3,083,184 Cubic metres a year
130 Litres per secondThe proposal is to abstract water at the following rates and periods at abstraction point 2:
468 Cubic metres an hour,
11232 Cubic metres a day and
3,288,730 Cubic metres a year
130 Litres per secondThe water will be used for Hydro-Electric power generation
A copy of the application, map, plan and any other document submitted with it may be inspected free of charge at the address of:
the Environment Agency
Fford Penlan
Parc Menai
Bangor
Gwynedd
LL57 4DEduring normal office hours (Monday-Friday, except bank holidays).
Summary details of the application are also available from the Public Register held by the Environment Agency at the above address and may also be inspected free of charge during normal office hours.
Your chance to comment
Any person who wishes to make representations about the application must do so in writing, quoting the name of the applicant and Reference Number NPS/WR/002798 atPermitting Support Centre,
Water Resources Team,
Quadrant 2,
99 Parkway Avenue,
Parkway Business Park,
S9 4WFor by email to PSC-WaterResources@environment-agency.gov.uk
by no later than 02 September 2011.
For further advice about making a representation, a leaflet – ‘Making your views count’ is available free of charge on request from local Environment Agency offices. Any general enquiries about this notice can be made by telephoning 0114 289 8340.
Signed: Simon Grantham
On behalf of the Environment Agency
Date: 5 August 2011
KS46
Mr Nicholas Willson
Closing date for comments: 01 September 2011. Nant Cynafon at National Grid Reference SO 07875 17786
Water Resources Act 1991 (as amended by the Water Act 2003)
Notice of application for a full licence to abstract water and for a licence to obstruct or impede the flow of inland water by means of impounding works
Notice is hereby given, in accordance with Section 37 of the Water Resources Act 1991 and Regulation 6 of the Water Resources (Abstraction and Impounding) Regulations 2006 that an application has been made to the Environment Agency by:
Mr Nicholas Willson
for a full licence to abstract water from the Nant Cynafon at National Grid Reference SO 07875 17786.
The proposal is to abstract water at the following rates and periods:48.6 cubic metres an hour
1,166 cubic metres a day
425,736 cubic metres a year all year
The water will be used for Hydro electric Power Generation.
Application is also being made for a licence to obstruct or impede the flow of the Nant Cynafon at National Grid Reference SO 07875 17786. The object of impounding water by means of the works is by weir in order to create a head for abstraction.
A copy of the applications, maps, plans and any other document submitted with it may be inspected free of charge at the address of the Environment Agency at:Environment Agency Wales
Rivers House
St Mellons Business Park
Fortran Road
St Mellons
Cardiff
CF3 0EYduring normal office hours (Monday-Friday, except bank holidays). Summary details of the applications are also available from the Public Register held by the Environment Agency at Environment Agency Wales, Rivers House, St Mellons Business Park, Fortran Road, St Mellons, Cardiff, CF3 0EY and may also be inspected free of charge during normal office hours.
Any person who wishes to make representations about the applications must do so in writing, quoting the name of the applicant and Reference Number NPS/WR/003426 and NPS/WR/007836 to the Environment Agency at:
National Permitting Service (Water Resources)
Olton Court
10 Warwick Road
Olton
Solihull
West Midlands
B92 7HXor by email to: PSC-WaterResources@environment-agency.gov.uk by no later than 01 September 2011.
For further advice about making a representation, a leaflet – ‘Making your views count’ is available free of charge on request from local Environment Agency offices. Any general enquiries about this notice can be made by telephoning 0114 289 8383.
Signed: Catherine Leach
On behalf of the Environment Agency
Date: 04 August 2011
KN42
Arthur Roberts
Closing date for comments: 01 September 2011. River Tryweryn upstream of Llyn Celyn Reservoir: NGR: SH 83760 39850
Water Resources Act 1991 (as amended by the water act 2003) Notice of application for a licence to obstruct or impede the flow of an inland water by means of impounding works
Notice is hereby given, in accordance with Section 37 of the Water Resources Act 1991 and Regulation 6 of the Water Resources (Abstraction and Impounding) Regulations 2006 that an application has been made to the Environment Agency by:
Arthur Roberts
for a licence to impede the flow of the River Tryweryn upstream of Llyn Celyn Reservoir at National Grid Reference SH 83760 39850.
The object of impounding water by means of modifying the existing weir is to provide intake works for an off stream hydroelectric power scheme. Water will be abstracted from the intake works using a gravity fed pipe under abstraction licence number 24/67/2/11.
Licence 24/67/2/11 will be varied to increase the annual quantity from 18,400,000m3 to 18,600,000m3 in accordance with the design of the intake works. Existing hourly and daily rates will remain unchanged.
A copy of the application, map, plan and any other document submitted with it may be inspected free of charge at the address of the Environment Agency Wales at:
Parc Menai
Bangor
Gwynedd
LL57 4DEduring normal office hours (Monday-Friday, except bank holidays).
Your chance to comment
Any person who wishes to make representations about the application must do so in writing, quoting the name of the applicant and Reference Numbers NPS/WR/001639 and NPS/WR/007052 to the Environment Agency at:
Water Resources Permitting Support Centre
Environment Agency
Quadrant 2
99 Parkway Avenue
Sheffield
S9 4WFor by email to:
PSC-WaterResources@environment-agency.gov.uk
by no later than 01 September 2011.
For further advice about making a representation, a leaflet – ‘Making your views count’ is available free of charge on request from local Environment Agency offices. Any general enquiries about this notice can be made by telephoning 01142 898340.
Signed: Catherine Leach
On behalf of the Environment Agency
Date: 04 August 2011
Angling Trust and BASC unite with Cormorant Control Hotline
The Angling Trust has joined forces with BASC (the British Association for Shooting and Conservation) to launch a new service for members of angling’s representative body.
Any of the Trust’s member clubs, fisheries or riparian owners who are experiencing damage to their fish and fisheries by cormorants can call the Cormorant Control Hotline on 01244 573019 where BASC’s game and gamekeeping department will give advice about the best way to deal with the problem within the constraints of the current cormorant control licence and wherever possible visit the fishery and carry out the shooting free of charge. BASC’s Game and Gamekeeping Department will also give free help applying for and completing the paperwork required for a licence from Natural England.
Mark Lloyd, Chief Executive of the Angling Trust said “We have experienced a sharp increase in the numbers of our members contacting us for advice on how to control cormorants. The first step is to apply for a licence from Natural England. Unfortunately for the average fishing club secretary this can be a painful process involving a 9 page form. Clubs may also be put off by the need for an experienced shooter with the correct firearm to carry out the pest control. This new service effectively deals with both those problems.”
Christopher Graffius, Director of Communications at BASC said “We applaud the Angling Trust’s continued efforts to assist their members in dealing with the growing numbers of cormorants and the effect on fishing. Many of BASC’s members are anglers too and this new initiative shows how important it is for those who use the countryside to stand together and work to preserve our fisheries, which suffer from over-abstraction, pollution, barriers to migration and a host of other issues.”
River Rea – Detton Mill
Mick and Matt Beach, fish pass consultants have produced a full report which can be downloaded Detton Mill, River Rea Report (70)
The River Rea is a priority for the trust. Fencing work as reported here was carried out last winter; and a fish pass at Tetstill weir was installed last year.
The importance of free passage for both migratory fish, eels and salmon as well as for Brown Trout and Grayling on the Rea means that we hope this work will be completed shortly.
The full report will make interesting reading for others involved in commissioning fish passes.
Severn Rivers Trust Launch Fisheries Passport Scheme
The Severn Rivers Trust has launched a pilot of its fisheries passport scheme. The web site is here.
Four beats on the River Cain will now be available for anglers through the Severn Rivers Trust.
These are the first four of what will be eventually be many more beats on the Cain and many other small rivers throughout the Severn Catchment.
The beats are all in areas previously with very limited opportunities for anglers.
The Severn Rivers Trust has worked and continues to work with local communities, riparian owners and farmers to improve these rivers and give opportunities for anglers to fish in beautiful locations for wild brown trout and other species of fish.
The initial beats will all be fly only fishing with a strict catch and release policy in force. (more…)
Stand up for Wild Salmon
The Salmon and Trout Association are launching their new website, Stand Up For Wild Salmon.
Take a look.
Environment Agency Trout & Grayling Strategy S&TA Questionnaire
Environment Agency Trout & Grayling Strategy
S&TA Questionnaire
Summer 2011
The welfare of wild trout, and the wellbeing of the rivers in which they live, is fundamental to the Salmon & Trout Association (S&TA)’s work, which is why the Environment Agency (EA)’s Trout & Grayling Strategy (T&GS) concerns us and why we continue to monitor it closely and critically. However, members report mixed attitudes towards the T&GS, and so we are keen to collect more local opinion. We would, therefore, be grateful if you would take the time to complete this questionnaire.
Afon Cain River Report
The SRT has commissioned a series of reports from the Wild Trout Trust and the Grayling Society on rivers where we propose to introduce passport beats and where on going improvement projects are in place
WTT Report on the Afon Cain (90)
River Worfe Report
The SRT has commissioned a series of reports from the Wild Trout Trust and the Grayling Society on rivers where we propose to introduce passport beats and where on going improvement projects are in place.
The report of the River Worfe can be downloaded as a pdf here
Red Vent Syndrome in wild Atlantic salmon – A severity field guide
Wild Atlantic salmon returning with inflamed, swollen and bleeding vents have been seen in rivers throughout the UK since 2006. This condition has been called Red Vent Syndrome (RVS). This index has been developed to standardise the recording of RVS within Britain, allowing consistent reporting and monitoring. It replaces all earlier field guides. The following images show the normal vents of salmon and vents with varying degrees of RVS. Descriptions are provided to help clarify the different stages of RVS. Please use this guide when recording RVS and report these cases to the addresses in the document
Reporting of diseased & distressed salmonids in rivers
The EA have asked that we keep them informed of any reported losses of salmon and sea trout in our local rivers.
there have been a small number of reports of dead or distressed salmon and sea trout that appear to be related to the warm spring and low river flows. These conditions increase stress and susceptibility to disease, leading to symptoms that include fungal infection and bacterial lesions.
As you are all aware, losses of salmon and sea trout, or sightings of diseased fish, are likely to lead to considerable interest from anglers and local media. Whilst the EA have to be realistic about what management action they are able to take, they are happy to provide assistance in disease sampling, if you feel this is necessary to confirm the cause of the problem. This may be useful to enable you to be informed about the causes and, at least, ensure the EA are able to respond to queries with details of the action they taken and the exact nature of these problems.
The EA are also very keen to monitor the extent of these losses throughout England and Wales. Please keep them informed of any similar reports you hear about, or any disease problems that you think the EA could assist with.
Shropshire Hills AONB’s paper Think Big: ecological recovery in protected landscapes
Download here
Please note this is quite a large file .You will need the free pdf reader to view, which is here.
Regional Water Situation report May 2011
The Midlands regional water situation report for the month of May, the highlights of which are as follows.
River Flow- Mean monthly flows remained ‘exceptionally low’ at the majority of sites across Midlands.
Reservoir Storage- Storage continued to show a steep decline at several key reservoirs including Tittesworth, Derwent and Elan, although remained closer to the LTA (long term average) at Clywedog, Draycote, Carsington and the Dove reservoirs.
Groundwater Levels- Levels continued to decline at the majority of sites and were notably low at Heathlanes, Four Crosses and Rider Point.
Rainfall- Totals across Midlands were closer to normal and overall 86% of the LTA was recorded.
Soil Moisture Deficit- Soils remained drier than the LTA. The end of the month soil moisture deficit in Central and East areas ranged from 80 to 107 mm.
We are advised that given the exceptionally dry March and April the Environment Agency are continuing to closely monitor river flows, groundwater and reservoir levels across Midlands. We trust the attached will prove to be of interest.
Download here
Please note this is quite a large file .You will need the free pdf reader to view, which is here.
CEFAS Annual Assessment of Salmon Stocks
The CEFAS (Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science) Lowestoft Laboratory “Annual Assessment of Salmon Stocks and Fisheries in England and Wales 2009“. Download as pdf here
A introduction to the Sustainable Eel Standard
A very interesting document from the Sustainable Eel Group.
Download it here
Severn Fisheries Conference – Advance Notice
SEVERN FISHERIES CONFERENCE
Saturday 19th November 2011
The Valley Hotel, Ironbridge, Shropshire
Is the Severn a shadow of its former self?
This is advance notice of this important conference organised by the Severn Rivers Trust.
The conference is aimed at members of angling clubs and riparian owners on the Severn.
Please watch this site for further details.
Third Sector GB Invasive Non Native Species & Biosecurity Conference
Third Sector GB Invasive Non Native Species & Biosecurity Conference
‘A strategy for tackling aquatic and riparian INNS’
Tuesday 7th June 2011 at 10.00 am Fishmongers Hall, London Delegate Rate: £40
Introduction to Rivers & Fisheries Trusts, Biosecurity Planning and Invasive Non Native Species
Control
Biosecurity issues associated with invasive non native species (INNS), fish diseases and parasites
are of increasing ecological and economic significance. Furthermore there is also increasing
probability of their introduction and spread due to expanding trade and tourism as well as climate
change. Ecological changes wrought by INNS can further threaten already endangered native species
and reduce the natural productivity and amenity value of the rivers lakes and lochs. A recently
published report has estimated the economic impacts of INNS cost the UK economy, £1.7 billion per
year.
Waterbodies (rivers, lakes, canals and wetlands) are particularly vulnerable to INNS as they are
excellent habitats and transport vectors for the dispersal of many of these species. Without
concerted and coordinated action the ecological, social and economic impacts and the costs for
mitigation, control and eradication of INNS and diseases will continue to increase. Although there
are now GB level strategies and processes providing the policy framework and priority for control,
implementation of effective prevention and control measures at the local level has often been more
difficult to achieve.
The rivers and fisheries trusts of the UK and their professional and volunteer networks are well
placed to make a significant contribution to addressing aquatic and riparian INNS and biosecurity
issues. Currently there are a total of 62 individual rivers and fisheries trusts working
individually and together through respective national associations. Affiliated to Association of
Rivers Trusts (ART), 37 trusts cover over 75% of England, Wales and are also active in Northern
Ireland; whilst 25 trusts, covering over 90% of Scotland, are members of the Rivers and Fisheries
Trusts of Scotland (RAFTS). This network is now increasingly actively involved in delivering
invasive species management and implementing bio-security measures.
RAFTS has an already established Biosecurity Programme which has completed twenty two biosecurity
plans that have stimulated, coordinated and prioritised local level action linked to
national and GB strategies and protocols. The Biosecurity Plans have led to, and generated, INNS
control projects worth over £4 million in Scotland alone. The success of this programme in
Scotland has raised the opportunity of replicating the same approach in other parts of the UK.
The need for coordinated and strategic approaches that link local actions to national strategies
and the work already undertaken in Scotland provide the justification and an opportunity to
investigate how GB aquatic and riparian INNS issues can be addressed through a
collaborative approach between fisheries and rivers trusts, the wider third sector and Government.
Conference Objectives:
There are two objectives to be addressed in the conference:
1. Demonstrate the work already being undertaken by Rivers and Fisheries Trusts and
associated third sector organisations in the UK; and,
2. To invite government and its agencies to support a UK wide strategy for the introduction of
biosecurity measures and planning for the management of aquatic and riparian INNS to be delivered
in a third sector partnership based on a strategic catchment approach in accordance with the EU
Water Framework Directive, Habitats Directive and Convention on Biodiversity.
The conference will include presentations and discussion on topics including:
Introducing and recognising the INNS problem;
The current European and UK situation of policy and practice;
Case studies and examples of INNS control from across the UK;
Charting a way forward.
To register your interest or to book as a delegate please return the attached booking form or book
online at: www.associationofriverstrusts
A selection of hotels within two miles of Fishmongers’ Hall is attached for your convenience.
Bookings should be made with hotels direct.
Should you have any queries, please contact: Viv Daly – DM Event Services
Tel: +44 (0) 7966 549397
Email: events@associationofriverstrusts.org.uk
Or: James@associationofriverstrusts.org.uk
Have you seen the March Brown?
For anglers, the March brown Rhithrogena germanica is one of the most iconic mayflies. Although the species is in decline and under threat across Europe, the UK may be a stronghold.
The adult can be distinguished from all other similar mayflies by their early flight, mottled wings and dark spot on each leg. The nymphs live in rivers and streams, hatching into adults in large numbers between late March and the end of April. This hatch occurs often around mid-day and typically lasts for a very short period.
The over-winter development and early flight period of the March brown make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes in these critical periods. We need to find out where this species occurs in the UK so that we can help protect it.
If you see this up-wing fly, please report your sightings on line here or download the postcard here. Hard copies are available on request, please reply with your address and the number of copies that you would like to receive.
There are already records coming in from a number of locations, including what seems to be the first record of the March brown from Cornwall. Remember that all your records are valuable, no matter where they come from.
See the website for information about the survey.
Visit “Our Rivers”
Visit the Our Rivers website to see their latest news on the campaign to raise awareness about the forthcoming White Paper on water.
Living Water for Wales
Wales EA latest newsletter here
Red Vent Syndrome
Briefing note on Red vent syndrome downloadable here
