Water Framework Directive and Forestry. Trevor Marsh Senior Environment Officer

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2 Water Framework Directive and Forestry Trevor Marsh Senior Environment Officer

3 Introduction to WFD The Water Framework Directive 2000 (WFD) is a European Directive that seeks to protect, enhance and restore the condition of all water in the natural environment: including rivers, lochs, estuaries and coastal waters, as well as water under the ground. It provides a common framework for addressing human activities that exert pressures on the water environment and has set an objective that all water bodies should be restored to good status.

4 Brief overview of WFD. WFD is how we manage the water environment (water quality is just one aspect) Puts ecology at the centre Delivered through River Basin Mgt Plans

5 WFD Classification High Good Moderate Poor Bad Monitor according to the pressures Produce a status

6 In technical terms High Good Moderate Poor Bad Relate status back to activity

7 WFD classification state of the water Environment WFD focuses on many elements including ecological, chemical, hydrological and hydromorphological. Overall Status Classification for surface Chemical status Ecological status water Priority substances which present a significant risk to the water environment Physico- Chem e.g. nutrients, ph, dissolved oxygen, ammonia Biological Elements e.g. phytoplankton, macroalgae, fish, invertebrates Specific Pollutants e.g. metals and their compounds, organic compounds Hydromorphology e.g. depth, width, flow, structure

8 Classification principle one out, all out. River Example H Overall Status = moderate G M P B Macroinvertebrates National Pollutants Fish Supporting physicochemical elements Supporting physicochemical elements

9 Cumbria water bodies WFD status 2012

10 The Catchment Based Approach (CaBA) Objectives: To deliver positive and sustained outcomes for the water environment by promoting a better understanding of the environment at a local level; and To encourage local collaboration and more transparent decision-making when both planning and delivering activities to improve the water environment.

11 Catchment Partnerships: Host coverage West Cumbria Rivers Trust West Cumbria & South Cumbria Rivers Trusts The Wyre Rivers Trust Groundwork Lancashire West and Wigan Ltd Healthy Waterways Trust Healthy Waterways Trust Eden Rivers Trust South Cumbria Rivers Trust The Lune Rivers Trust Ribble Rivers Trust Groundwork Manchester, Salford, Stockport, Tameside and Trafford (MSSTT) Healthy Waterways Trust Groundwork Cheshire

12 The second river basin planning cycle Cycle 2 Working Together 6 month RBD consultations (Jun-Dec 2012) Cycle 2 Challenges & Choices: 6 month RBD consultations (Jun-Dec 2013) Benefits led catchment planning: measures to get to Good and cost benefit assessment Draft Cycle 2 River Basin Management Plans 6 month RBD consultations (Sept Mar 2015) Measures: = Good + Benefits > Costs -ve BCR; seek alternative obj Updated River Basin Management Plans ( ) Measures: Benefits > Costs & Affordable

13 FAILING WATER BODIES & CYCLE 2 MEASURES Define operational catchment area 58 operational catchments for the Northwest Region (5 to 40 water bodies in each) Confirm element status for each water body based on EA monitoring data (physical-chemical water quality, biological data) For failing water bodies identify Reasons for Failure via investigations identifies source/activity causing failure with level of certainty Identify high level measures to resolve the failures and achieve pathway to Good status

14 Opportunities mapping

15 Impacts of Forestry Forestry though can have a range of detrimental effects on water both within the forest and downstream. From a WFD perspective the key impacts are on Ecology and Chemistry.

16 Key problem areas Silt Oils Acidification Nutrient enrichment Pesticides / Herbicides Timing

17 How do pollution incidents happen? Accidents Deliberate Release/disposal Negligence Vandalism Lack of maintenance Natural Poor operation / Planning Poor siting of facilities Equipment/plant failure Poor design / construction Wrong connection

18 How to prevent silt pollution Anticipate run-off Minimise stripped area Seek all necessary permissions before beginning Install proper access Clear span or bailey bridges Dewatering to vegetated area.

19 Main points with any works Heightened pollution risk from near /in-river works Robust methodology / planning essential! Good management and control checks - Planning Timing June to September best working window NO POLLUTION Be prepared to stop work

20 Legislation Environmental Permitting Regulations (1)(b) A person must not, except under and to the extent authorised by an environmental permit cause or knowingly permit a water discharge activity or groundwater activity. The Salmon and freshwater fisheries Act (SAFFA) The control of pollution (oil storage) Regulations Oil and fuel must be stored to minimise risk of leakage and pollution. Water Resources Act To impound or abstract water without a licence or to cause or permit any other person to do the same.

21 Offences Environmental Permitting Regulations 2010 A person found guilty of an offence is liable Fine (not exceeding 50,000) or imprisonment. Water Resources Act 1991 A person found guilty of an offence is liable Fine (not exceeding statutory maximum). SAFFA 1975 Various

22 Summary It is recognised that poorly planned and managed forests can exert a pressure on the water environment, while the right tree planted in the right place can protect waters and help to meet the objectives of the WFD. Any pre work planning (planting/felling) we are on the end of a phone and able to offer advice on environmental sensitivities WFD status, pollution prevention advice etc. If you become aware of a pollution incident report it immediately.

23 Thank you / Questions Trevor Marsh Senior Environment Officer ( ) trevor.marsh@environment-agency.gov.uk