ENVIRONMENT AGENCY REPORT TO THE ASSOCIATION OF SEVERN ESTUARY RELEVANT AUTHORITIES (ASERA) ANNUAL REPORT 2014

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1 ENVIRONMENT AGENCY REPORT TO THE ASSOCIATION OF SEVERN ESTUARY RELEVANT AUTHORITIES (ASERA) ANNUAL REPORT 2014 Update on projects related to the Severn Estuary EMS A. Review of Agency Consents under the Habitats Regulations for the Severn Estuary SPA, SAC and Ramsar Site 3 discharge consents and one abstraction licence have been amended. There are no remaining modifications to make as a result of the RoC process for the Estuary. B. Severn Estuary Shoreline Management Plan 2 (Severn Estuary Coastal Group) The Shoreline Management Plan is a non-statutory document containing draft policies proposing how the shoreline around the Severn Estuary should be managed over the next 100 years. The SMP2 has been developed by the Severn Estuary Coastal Group (SECG), in consultation with the people that live, work and visit the shoreline of the Severn Estuary using government-agreed guidance documents. The SECG is a partnership of the Environment Agency, conservation authorities, Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) and various local authorities around the Severn Estuary. The study area of the SMP2 follows the shoreline from Lavernock Point, near Penarth in Wales to Anchor Head, just north of Weston Bay in England. The upstream boundary is at Haw Bridge, near Gloucester, which is just below the current tidal limit and still influenced by the sea. It also includes the islands of Flat Holm and Steep Holm. The shoreline has been divided into 17 Theme Areas based on regions, towns and cities around the Severn Estuary. Each Theme Area has been sub-divided into manageable lengths of coast, called Policy Units. For each Policy Unit and for epoch (0-20 years, years and years) the SMP2 recommends one of four policy options. These options set out the chosen policy approach for managing the shoreline, e.g. holding the line. Before the final SMP will be made available the SMP must be adopted by the Coastal Operating Authorities, Regional Flood Defence Committees, Countryside Council for Wales and the Environment Agency. C. Severn Estuary Flood Risk Management Strategy (and associated Habitat Creation Plan) Following the amendments to the Severn Estuary flood Risk Management Strategy, consultation comments have been received from communities around the estuary. The process was greatly improved due to the close working relationship that our officers have developed with the affected communities around the estuary. The strategy is now going through the final Environment Agency approval process to enable its formal adoption. D. Severn Estuary Habitat Creation Programme In September, a section of the tidal banks on the River Parrett estuary were breached allowing water into the intertidal area of the coastal realignment for the first time- see photograph below. The scheme at Steart is one of the largest of its kind ever constructed in the UK and is delivering improved flood defences, large areas of inter-tidal and freshwater habitat and greatly enhanced public access provision. The Environment Agency secured planning consent in March 2012 and the new inland defences were completed last year. The Environment Agency has a legal requirement to provide new habitat to compensate for that lost elsewhere in the Severn Estuary as a consequence of sea level rise.

2 The intertidal area and breach on the morning tide of 9 September This complex project has been completed to time and within budget. Challenges have included; very soft clays, large tidal range, concerns about possible far-field effects and extensive ecological and archaeological constraints. Consultation began over 10 years ago and the local community have been closely involved throughout the design and the construction. The scheme now enjoys a high level of local support and active involvement. A programme of monitoring is now underway to check on the changes that will now occur to the geomorphology of the area. The Wildfowl & Wetland Trust (WWT s) are managing the new reserve and it is open to the public. E. Eel Management Plan Severn River Basin District Since 2011 the levels of illegal fishing activity have decreased to a handful of illegal cases per season. Local teams, assisted by neighbouring area fisheries colleagues have conducted covert and overt intelligence led patrols. It s hard to measure but these patrols have a high deterrent effect. Three eel passes installed by third parties (two at HEP sites in 2012 and one during on-site works in 2013). The two HEP schemes combined open up 3.5km of river habitat. The third site opens up in the region of 8km of brook habitat. During 2012 we installed a gravity fed eel pass on one of our weirs, opening up 4km of main river. During 2013 we installed: spring retarders on 15 tidal outfalls, two passes on our gauging weirs & partnered (with Bristol Water) the installation of one eel trap and one eel pass, opening up 44km of main river and 1.8 square kilometres of lake habitat. Two private HEP sites (same as above) installed in 2012; both are Archimedes screw HEP schemes with eel friendly measures. These schemes combined open up 3.5km of river habitat. No eel stockings have been undertaken by EA during this time. Major casework issues affecting the Estuary:

3 National Grid Connection Project National Grid, which operates the high voltage electricity transmission system in the UK, is proposing to remove over 67 kilometres (42 miles) of existing 132,000 volt overhead line between Bridgwater and Avonmouth substations and replace it with over 47 kilometres (30 miles) of 400,000 volt overhead line, to cater for future demand. Over eight kilometres (five miles) of the new connection would be placed underground, through and either side of the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) leaving this part of the Mendip Hills free from pylons for the first time in more than 40 years. Eight kilometres (five miles) of existing 132,000 volt overhead line from Nailsea to Portishead substation would also be placed underground. The proposed route essentially follows the line of the existing connection, crossing through the administrative boundaries of: West Somerset DC, Sedgemoor DC, North Somerset Council, Bristol City Council and South Gloucestershire Council. The physical characteristics of the proposed linear site vary from the low-lying agricultural land of the Somerset Levels and Moors to the heavily commercial/industrial Avonmouth. Additionally, the route either includes or is in the vicinity of a range of environmental designations including: an AONB, SSSIs, Ramsars, SPAs, SACs, Local Wildlife Sites, Groundwater Source Protection Zones and Flood Zones. The proposed development represents a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) requiring a formal Development Consent Order (DCO) from the Secretary of State through the Planning Inspectorate, under the provisions of the Planning Act Additionally, the proposal has been identified as 'EIA Development' in accordance with the Infrastructure Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations This designation necessitates the submission of an Environment Statement (ES) which provides a comprehensive assessment of the developments potential impact on the environment and the identification of appropriate mitigation measures. An Appropriate Assessment will also be required under the provisions of the Habitats Regulations. The Agency has been involved in direct discussions with National Grid since the initial public consultation in Detailed responses, particularly in respect of the preferred route and draft EIA Scoping consultations, informed National Grid's decision making process, ensuring that all relevant issues were included within the key EIA and subsequent ES. This included, inter alia: Flood Risk Assessments, Waste Management Plans, Ecological Surveys, and Water Resources/Water Quality Assessments/Management Plans, which incorporate the objectives of the Water Framework Directive and issues detailed in the relevant River Basin Management Plan. National Grid submitted its DCO application to the Planning Inspectorate on 28 May 2014, which was subsequently accepted for examination on 19 June The Planning Inspectorate has recently advised that a Preliminary Meeting will be held on 19 January 2015, which will detail procedural matters relating to the examination, including an outline of the principal issues for discussion. The Agency, together with other statutory consultees and interested stakeholders, will attend the examination hearing to present evidence in response to issues raised by the independent examination panel. The Inspectorate is required to complete the examination hearing within 6 months from the day after the Preliminary Meeting.

4 Tidal Lagoon Proposals The Severn estuary s 14m tidal range represents a significant natural source of predictable lowcarbon energy, which has the potential to produce an estimated 5% of the UK s current electricity needs (Sustainable Development Commission 2007). The energy generating potential of the estuary has, and continues to attract considerable interest from private sector groups. There are currently two main commercially deployable tidal range designs barrages and lagoons. Tidal lagoons are similar to barrages, but can be constructed as self contained structures instead of fully enclosing an estuary. As the tide increases the lagoon is filled with water, which is subsequently lowered during low tide. Like barrages, the outflow water passes through hydroelectric turbines to generate electricity, however tidal lagoons differ in that the inflowing water can also pass through the turbines to generate more electricity. The increased output and potentially lower levels of habitat disruption therefore make tidal lagoons more attractive than barrages. The Planning Act 2008 details the thresholds for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) including those in the energy sector, which necessitate the submission of an application to the Secretary of State (through the Planning Inspectorate) for a Development Consent Order (DCO). Such applications will be determined in accordance with the Government s overarching National Policy Statement (NPS) for energy, together with the relevant technology specific NPS. In addition to the need to secure a DCO, qualifying infrastructure proposals will be subject to a range of regulatory requirements, inter alia, Water Framework Directive Assessment, Habitats Regulations Assessment and Environmental Impact Assessment. Tidal lagoons can have a range of near-field and far-field impacts on the estuarine environment. These impacts can occur principally through alterations to tidal flow characteristics, with changes to the hydrodynamic regime potentially impacting on sediment transportation, geomorphological, ecological and water quality processes. It is important to note that the onus of determining any potential impact rests with the applicant, as an integral element of the Environmental Impact Assessment process. Any assessment must include any significant effects on the environment including: direct, indirect, secondary, cumulative, short, medium and long term, permanent and temporary, positive and negative effects at all stages of project, and the measures necessary to mitigate any identified effects. The assessment process will additionally be required to incorporate an appropriate allowance in respect of the predicted impact of climate change. An application for a DCO has been submitted to the Planning Inspectorate by Tidal Lagoon (Swansea Bay) plc to provide the world s first man-made, energy generating lagoon in Swansea Bay. The lagoon would have an estimated generating capacity of 320MW. The Agency s Wessex area recently provided a preliminary opinion in response to a preapplication enquiry regarding a proposed tidal lagoon between Minehead and West Quantoxhead off the north Somerset coast. The proposal includes a breakwater wall approx 18km in length, enclosing an area of 50sq km. Additionally, the Agency, together with other statutory consultees, has been approached to comment in respect of 3 other potential lagoons at Cardiff, Newport and Bridgwater Bay. Discussions, which are at an early stage, have focussed primarily on ecological issues.

5 January to March 2014 Storms: The extreme weather resulting from a succession of Atlantic depressions passing across the South West during the first 3 months of this year led to record rainfall and a number of storm surges combining with high spring tides and large waves. This led to widespread flooding, notably on the Somerset Levels and Moors, but also affecting numerous communities across the South West of England. The prolonged flooding to the communities on the Somerset Levels and Moors resulted in the Secretary of State for the Environment requesting the development of a 20 year plan for Somerset. We contributed to this along with other partners such as the IDB, Somerset County Council and Sedgemoor district Council. This resulted in funding being allocated for a one off 8km dredge of the Rivers Parrett and Tone. This was completed by October 31 st to the agreed schedule. A number of other flood risk management improvements are ongoing as a result across Somerset, including Asset repairs, ring bank defences for vulnerable communities, improved pumping facilities and the raising of roads. One of the elements of the plan was to re-assess the requirement for a tidal barrier on the River Parrett at Bridgwater. This would be to provide tidal flood protection to Bridgwater and other vulnerable communities. An initial workshop was held in June 2014 and a review has been commissioned which will be published in late November There will also be improved modelling and a geomorphology review to support the report early in Tidal flooding affected a limited number of properties in locations that included Porlock, Bridgwater and Bristol in early January and again in early February. We worked closely with the emergency services and councils through the Local resilience forum to share information on the risks and to install temporary defences in Bridgwater and Bristol, saving properties from flooding in these locations. We were very fortunate that the highest tides did not coincide with strong onshore winds which ensured the impact was far less than that experienced in other parts of the South West where significant property flooding and damage to infrastructure occurred. Whilst it is impossible to predict the weather for the coming winter, we are paying close attention to the spring tides that are predicted in the next 12 months or so as we are currently right at the peak of the 19 year tidal cycle. Coastal Monitoring: The South West Regional Coastal Monitoring programme is part of a national network of castal monitoring that covers the entire English Coast. In the South West it is led by Plymouth Coastal Observatory and Teignbridge Council. It provides real time wave and tide data as well as LIDAR aerial survey, bathymetry, ground survey and aerial photography. This is all freely available on the website The current national funding for this is due to expire in 2016, so we are currently working with all partners to develop a business case and seek funding approval for the next five year programme with the intention that it will follow on seamlessly from the current programme. Bathing Waters: Over the last 3 years, the Environment Agency has been busy helping to improve bathing water quality along the Somerset coastline. This work has involved working closely with partners in local government and industry. In 2012 we completed 3 years of catchment-wide investigations designed to identify the most polluted points along the main rivers and their tributaries. This enhanced knowledge of pollution sources was used to shape the asset management program of Wessex Water; directing over 40M of investment into reducing the impact of sewage on our bathing waters since We have also continued the Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) work begun with Natural England in Out of the 66 priority catchments across England and Wales, the Somerset Levels and Moors (Parrett, Tone, Brue and Axe combined) typically receive the largest slice of Natural England s annual CSF grants, allowing farmers to improve their waste water management and reducing the impact of local agriculture on our bathing waters.

6 We know the public also have a part to play, and have used public events, the internet and social media to raise awareness of bathing water quality, the tightening of standards in 2015, urban pollution issues and the simple ways we can all reduce our impact on bathing water quality. Our work with the ConnectRight campaign and with local government officials in Building Control and Environmental Health is helping to raise awareness of, and reduce the impact of, misconnected drains on river and bathing water quality. We continue to follow-up to our earlier investigation work to identify individual polluters, and initiate new investigations and interventions if new evidence of pollution sources arises. Draft River Basin Management Plan and Flood Risk Management Plan consultations: The Environment Agency is seeking views on proposals to improve the water environment and protect communities from flood risk in England. We would like your input on updates to river basin management plans and flood risk management plans. Once agreed, these plans will shape decisions, direct investment and action and deliver significant benefits for society and the environment. River basin management plans set out long term objectives for the quality of the water environment. They identify the condition of rivers, lakes and coastal waters and the pressures on them. The plans provide evidence that will help those with an interest in the water environment to agree where improvements can be made. Flood risk management plans describe the risk of flooding from rivers, the sea, surface water, groundwater and reservoirs. They set out how the Environment Agency, local councils and water companies will work together, with communities, to manage flood risk. You can respond to the river basin management plan consultations at: You can respond to the flood risk management plan consultations at: These links will also explain how to respond to consultations in river basin districts which cross borders with Scotland and Wales. The formal closing date for the flood risk management plan consultation is 31 January 2015, while the river basin management plan consultations will run for six months, ending on 10 April The Environment Agency is carrying out a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) of each plan. The SEA identifies the significant effects that would be associated with implementing the plans. We welcome your comments online or in writing. We will also be holding some national and local engagement events to help inform your responses. Please encourage others to get involved by including details of the consultations in your regular communications to your staff/members and external networks.