Creech St Michael, Taunton, Somerset, River Tone Floods

Environment Agency Extracts

Below are news extracts relating to the South West from the Environment Agency site. This site has lots of information about our environment and is well worth visiting.

Development and flood risk: Environment Agency welcomes 'step change' guidance Author: Ben Woodhouse Date published: 18-Jul-2001 Keywords: Planning, PPG 25, Flooding

The Environment Agency today welcomed the Government's call for a 'step change' in attitudes to land use planning in light of the frequency and severity of flooding in recent years. With around 100,000 properties at risk in the south west, flooding is one of the major environmental challenges currently facing the region. The new guidance requires a change of approach to ensure that more people are not put at risk unnecessarily. Welcoming publication of Planning Policy Guidance Note 25 on 'Development and Flood Risk' (PPG25), Richard Cresswell, Environment Agency south west regional director, said that the planning system provided the greatest opportunity for controlling and limiting flood risk in the future. The Agency particularly welcomed the requirement in PPG25 for planning authorities to apply a sequential method to the development of land (including a review of land already identified for development) that will result in low risk sites being chosen in preference to higher risk sites. The guidance also requires developers to carry out a flood risk assessment of proposed developments. "The south west is one of the wettest parts of the country and the way that land is managed and developed is critical to dealing successfully with flooding," said Dr Cresswell. "The planning system provides the greatest opportunity we have to make sustainable choices for development in the future, with all the impacts fully recognised and addressed through appropriate siting and design of buildings. All parties need to work together to limit the distress caused by flooding and this guidance is a very welcome and important step in that direction." * * * Note to Editors * * * · Planning Policy Guidance Note (PPG) 25: Development and Flood Risk (ISBN 0-11-753611-3) is published by the Stationery Office and available from: The Stationery Office, PO Box 29, Norwich NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Fax: 0870 600 5533. www.clicktso.com · PPG25 and the Regulatory Impact Assessment have been placed on the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions website at www.dtlr.gov.uk. Doc reference: 149/01 Contact: rachel.brown@environment-agency.gov.uk

Contract awarded for £2.4 million flood defence works Author: Ben Woodhouse Date published: 16-Jul-2001 Keywords: Costain, Stanmoor Bank, Repair

THE Environment Agency has awarded construction firm Costain the contract to repair and improve Stanmoor Bank, a 3.1 kilometre (2 mile) stretch of raised bank along the River Tone in Somerset. It is the next step in an ongoing programme of work by the Environment Agency to ease the threat of flooding on the Somerset Levels and Moors. This work at Stanmoor forms part of the Lower Tone flood defence scheme, a project that started in May this year on the historic Baltmoor Wall. Most of the land protected by the Stanmoor Bank is agricultural but there are 129 houses at risk behind it with around 80 of these built alongside or directly on the bank itself. A breach of these defences would put people living here at dire risk. The last major breach in 1929 caused widespread flooding of Stanmoor and forced 260 people from their homes for a month. The Agency's work this summer will include raising and strengthening the embankment near Hook Bridge and the bank between Athelney Bridge and the railway. Work on the ground is planned to start very shortly. Subject to approval from the Somerset local flood defence committee the rest of the project should be completed in 2002. The total cost of the Environment Agency designed Lower Tone flood defence scheme is £4.5 million. It has been approved and funded by the Somerset local flood defence committee with grant-aid from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (formerly the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food). "We are planning to get this work underway as soon as possible," said Murray Palmer, project manager for the Environment Agency. "This is a huge investment in the flood defences here on the Somerset Levels and Moors and we are looking forward to finishing the work and leaving residents better protected from flooding in this, one of the most vulnerable spots in the south west." Doc reference: 147/01 Contact: rachel.brown@environment-agency.gov.uk

'Environment South West 2001' report launched Author: Ben Woodhouse Date published: 11-Jul-2001 Keywords: Regional Assembly, Habitats, Survey,

THE south west has more designations for its beautiful countryside than any other region in the country yet many habitats and species are still under threat. That is one of the many findings in a major new report published today that forms the most comprehensive survey of the south west environment ever made. 'Environment South West 2001' has been championed by the Regional Assembly with lead support from the Environment Agency. It brings together the knowledge and expertise of many environmental groups, local authorities, pressure groups, charities and academics. * * * There will be an opportunity for interviews/photographs with the Environment Agency, Regional Assembly and other partners at 11am on Wednesday July 11 at the Somerset County Museum, Castle Green Taunton. Please contact the Environment Agency press office on 01392 442008 if you are planning to attend. * * * It highlights the many environmental improvements that have been made in recent years and sheds light on the pressure the south west environment is under from factors such as housing, transport and intensive land use. Some of its findings are: · Water quality in the south west is generally excellent. 97% of the region's rivers are of good or fair quality, the highest proportion in England. The region has over 60% of the country's designated bathing waters and last year almost 96% of these met the mandatory water quality standard set by the European Commission. · Air quality is generally good and is improving. · Over three-quarters of the total land area is agricultural, two thirds of this is grassland. · Protecting the countryside is vital for the south west's economy in terms of ensuring success for agriculture and tourism industries. · Nationally and internationally important wildlife sites cover one tenth of the region. · The south west supports twenty five species that are globally important and over 700 that are of national conservation concern. "The Assembly is delighted to be launching this important report," said Chester Long chair of the Regional Assembly. "There is wide recognition of the value of the environment to the economic and social life of the region. This report holds vital information for all concerned with the future prosperity of the south west." The intention of the report is to stimulate greater information sharing, particularly through the development of the 'South West Regional Observatory', which will co-ordinate sharing data between environmental organisations, local authorities and government departments and agencies. There are still many challenges facing the region and improvements to be made. Some of the most important issues that need addressing include: · The number of properties flooded has increased steadily since 1996. Worsening weather patterns, floodplain development and possibly changes in land use leading to increased run off are contributing to the problem. In 2000 Almost 1 in 10 of houses for which planning applications were made were in floodplain. · In approximately six years time there will be no landfill space left in the region. Waste needs to be minimised, reused and recycled more. · Around half of all the land in the south west is increasingly suffering from soil erosion problems. · Concern over air quality standards in Bristol city centre and Avonmouth. · Water abstraction has increased by over 10% between 1990 and 1997. Already showing very low flows in the summer are the River Tavy in Devon, the Upwey Springs and the River Piddle in Dorset and the River Avon at Malmesbury in Wiltshire. · Nitrate levels in groundwater supplies are rising as a result of agricultural activity. · The introduction of invasive and alien species is posing a threat to native wildlife. Numbers of native crayfish have plummeted since the introduction of the American signal crayfish and alien plants have become a major problem such as Japanese knotweed in Cornwall. · Pressure on habitat has seen the decline of many farmland birds. Across the region, two out of every three lapwing have been lost since 1987. All the information contained in the report is now available to inform regional decision-makers and as a resource for local authorities and other organisations to track changes in the environment. The information has been compiled and presented as a multi-media CD-Rom and has its own website at www.swenvo.org.uk/environment that contains further links to more environmental information and will be accessible to the public from the day of the launch. A six page summary leaflet has also been prepared. Both the leaflet and CD-Rom are available by contacting your nearest Environment Agency office on 0845 933 37111. People without access to a personal computer who wish to see specific parts of the report should also contact the Agency. "We have a high quality environment and it is a precious resource that we must protect and enhance for a successful future," said Richard Cresswell, south west regional director for the Environment Agency. "There is much to celebrate in the south west but there are also challenges and this report will serve as a benchmark against which we can test our future success." Doc reference: 141/01 Contact: rachel.brown@environment-agency.gov.uk

Major new report turns spotlight on South West environment Author: Ben Woodhouse Date published: 4-Jul-2001 Keywords: State, Launch,

A MAJOR new report on the south west environment is published next week at a special launch in Taunton. 'Environment South West 2001' has been championed by the Regional Assembly with lead support from the Environment Agency. It brings together the knowledge and expertise of many environmental groups, local authorities, pressure groups, charities and academics. The report provides detailed baseline information about the state of the south west environment and how it is changing over time. A number of key issues for the environment in the region have been identified ranging from climate change, waste production, the agricultural industry and the links between environmental quality and the public's health. At the launch on Wednesday July 11, 2001 the Regional Assembly and the Environment Agency will set out the report's findings and address how best the quality of our environment can be protected and improved. * * There will be an opportunity for interviews and film/photographs with the Regional Assembly, Environment Agency and other partners at the launch at 11am on Wednesday July 11 at the Somerset County Museum, near the Castle Hotel in Taunton. A press release outlining the report's key findings will be issued next week, embargoed for the day of the launch. * * The information has been compiled and presented as a multi-media CD-Rom and can be seen on the internet at www.swenvo.org.uk/environment. Further links to more environmental information are also shown there and will be accessible to the public from next Wednesday. Doc reference: 140/01 Contact: rachel.brown@environment-agency.gov.uk

Work progressing to find flood defence scheme for Hillfarrance Author: Bridget Norris Date published: 2-Jul-2001 Keywords: Taunton Deane, Residents, Somerset

WORK is progressing to find a flood defence scheme for the Taunton Deane village of Hillfarrance in Somerset. Members and local residents attending the latest meeting of the Somerset Local Flood Defence Committee last Friday (June 29) heard that consultants are looking at the options for dealing with the floods. The village has a history of flooding and was badly affected last winter. The consultants, who have been contracted by the Environment Agency, are looking at a range of issues including the possibility of upstream storage and the potential impact of increased flows on downstream flooding. The committee gave its strong support for progressing a scheme, subject to a viable solution being found, a contribution being received from Taunton Deane Borough Council and grant-aid from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The committee also agreed to: · Meet with local residents in the village before the next committee meeting (Sept 21) · Raise maintenance and emergency access issues with Taunton Deane Borough Council · Support self-help measures by local residents · Investigate upstream land management practices to see if they are contributing to increased run-off. "Nobody can have failed to be moved by the experiences of flooding relayed to the committee by local residents," said committee chairman, Humphrey Temperley. "We are progressing the search for a Doc reference: 137/01 Contact: rachel.brown@environment-agency.gov.uk

Somerset farmer pleads guilty to pesticide spill Author: Ben Woodhouse Date published: 29-Jun-2001 Keywords: Court Case, Conditional Discharge, Watercourse

MAGISTRATES in Taunton today served a three year conditional discharge on a local farmer after a pesticide spillage entered a watercourse. They took the unusual step after deciding it was a greater punishment than a fine. In the case brought by the Environment Agency the farmer was ordered to pay costs of £2,400. On August 10 last year a call on the Agency's pollution hotline reported that dead fish had been spotted in the Sherford Stream at Vivary Park in Taunton. Agency environment protection officers started to inspect the stream and spotted dead and dying eels along with other smaller species of fish just upstream of the park pond. Over 200 fish, mostly trout, eels, loach and bullheads, died in the stream, which runs into the River Tone. Later the same day the farmer at Cutliffe Farm, Sherford reported a leak from a tank containing pesticides used to treat bulbs. The mixture included an insecticide, which is highly toxic to fish. The leak had entered a farm ditch which flows into the Sherford Stream. Today, Taunton magistrates heard Alan Parris of Cutliffe Farm, Sherford, Taunton plead guilty to causing polluting matter to enter controlled waters contrary to section 85(1) and (6) of the Water Resources Act 1991. He was served a three year conditional discharge and ordered to pay £2,400 costs. "Anyone using pesticides must ensure the environment is fully protected from pollution. Our advice includes regularly inspecting holding tanks and making contingency plans so that in the event of a spillage the risk of pollution can be minimised," said Chris Wilding for the Environment Agency. "Pollution prevention guidance is given in the DEFRA (formerly MAFF) Codes of Practice and Agency publications. We urge anyone using pesticides to follow them and are happy to offer free advice. Where pollution occurs the Agency will not hesitate to prosecute." To report pollution the Environment Agency's free, 24-hour hotline is 0800 80 70 60. Doc reference: 136/01 Contact: rachel.brown@environment-agency.gov.uk

Bridget Norris Date published: 12-Jun-2001 Keywords: Rivers, Foot & Mouth,

WEED cutting work along rivers and watercourses in Somerset will be delayed by several weeks in some areas this summer due to foot and mouth said the Environment Agency today. Around 450 kilometres of riverbank in the Levels and Moors is cut annually by the Agency to keep channels flowing freely. The water feeds conservation areas and is used as drinking water and wet fencing for livestock grazing the area. Following extensive consultation with drainage boards, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Veterinary Service and the National Farmers Union, the start of the programme has been put back several weeks to minimise the risks associated with foot and mouth disease. Now the Agency is advising farmers and livestock owners to reconsider stocking regimes as the usual programme of weed control is delayed or restricted and shortages of water may occur in some areas. Farmers are also advised to consider using pasture pumps to assist in stock watering. The uncut weed may also give a slightly increased risk of flooding in some locations. "Where possible we are carrying out weed cutting from highways but most of the work requires machinery to access livestock areas and move across land in different ownership," explained Nick Stevens for the Environment Agency. "This means all plant, equipment and operatives need to be fully disinfected as a precaution against spreading foot and mouth. This inevitably takes time and unfortunately will disrupt our normal timetable. "Prior to the start of the revised programme in July we will be monitoring and inspecting watercourses and prioritising the work to critical areas." The Agency is also considering using herbicide to control the weed at appropriate sites. Doc reference: 117/01 Contact: rachel.brown@environment-agency.gov.uk

Conservation Boost For Somerset Levels & Moors Author: Bridget Norris Date published: 21-May-2001 Keywords: Project, Enhance, Wildlife, Water Level

BIRDS, plants and insects on the Somerset Levels and Moors will soon be able to enjoy better conditions as work starts today on a special joint conservation project to raise water levels on Moorlinch Moor, near Bridgwater. It is hoped the initiative - a partnership between local farmers, the King's Sedgemoor and Cary Valley Drainage Board, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF), English Nature and the Environment Agency - will safeguard and enhance the wildlife of Moorlinch Moor, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Four new water level control structures will be installed, allowing around 150 hectares (380 acres) of land to enter the Somerset Levels and Moors Environmentally Sensitive Area scheme at its highest level. Fourteen farmers will receive payments from MAFF under the scheme. Work will be carried out by Somerset contractor Sherwood Enterprises in two phases between now and September. There will be some disruption for the residents of Moorlinch village during construction although this will be kept to a minimum. The change in water level management will keep ditches full during the winter months, providing soft ground conditions and shallow 'splash' flooding. Throughout the rest of the year ditch water levels will be maintained as normal. The project has been carefully designed to have minimal impact on the drainage of adjoining land and the works will not affect the flood risk of nearby communities. In times of heavy rain the moor will still be prone to flooding. "This collaborative scheme will bring immense benefits for wildlife and also provide support for farmers to continue to help protect the valuable habitats, landscapes and features that are an integral part of the Somerset Levels and Moors," said Harry Paget-Wilkes for English Nature. "It is an exciting development in the continued efforts to enhance and protect the wildlife for which the area is so important." A whole range of wildlife, especially the over-wintering such as teal and lapwing for which the Levels and Moors are internationally renowned, will benefit from the joint project. Plants and insects in the ditches will also flourish given protection by the higher water levels. It is also hoped that wading birds such as snipe and lapwing will use the wetland conditions and, once again, breed regularly on Moorlinch Moor. Other farmland birds which are declining in the wider countryside, such as skylarks and reed buntings will take advantage of the low intensity grazing and hay making carried out across much of the SSSI. "This project is an important step forward for wildlife and farming on the Levels and Moors brought about by the farming, drainage and conservation communities all working together", said Tony Owen, Environment Agency North Wessex area manager. The Moorlinch Moor raised water level area will also deliver the favourable conditions for this part of the Somerset Levels and Moors Special Protection Area as required under the EU Habitats Regulations. There are fourteen other raised water level areas across the Levels and Moors. The Somerset Local Flood Defence Committee is meeting the cost of the Moorlinch Moor raised water level area with 65% grant aid from MAFF. A full foot and mouth disease risk assessment has been carried out by Doc reference: 104/01 Contact: rachel.brown@environment-agency.gov.uk

Work starts on Lower Tone flood defence scheme Author: Bridget Norris Date published: 14-May-2001 Keywords: Baltmoor Wall, Somerset Levels, Project,

WORK starts this week on the Environment Agency's flood defence scheme at historic Baltmoor Wall on the Somerset Levels and Moors. Civil engineering firm Costain are carrying out the #1.3 million flood bank strengthening project. When completed in October this year over 60 properties will be better protected against flooding from the River Tone. A variety of techniques will be used along the 800 metre flood bank at Baltmoor Wall including widening the earth embankment, reinforcing it with concrete and clading with stone. The first activities will be to set up the contractor's site, erect fencing and lay down access routes. "We are pleased to be getting this project started and will continue to keep in close liaison with the local community while the work is carried out," said Murray Palmer, Environment Agency project manager. "We will soon be awarding the contract for work at Stanmoor Bank, which is the second part of the Lower Tone flood defences." The total cost of the Environment Agency designed Lower Tone flood defence scheme is #3.6 million. It has been approved and funded by the Somerset local flood defence committee with grant-aid from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The Environment Agency has carried out a full foot and mouth disease risk assessment and everyone involved in the work will take all the proper precautions against spreading the disease. Doc reference: 100/01 Contact: rachel.brown@environment-agency.gov.uk

Public Input Invited To Somerset Flood Management Author: bridget.norris Date published: 25-Apr-2001 Keywords: levels and moors, water management, review

THE future management of flooding on the Somerset Levels and Moors is under the spotlight as the Environment Agency invites the public to have its say on a range of options to improve current practice. **The Somerset Levels and Moors - Review of Flood Management Practices will be presented to the members of the Somerset local flood defence committee and its steering group set up for the review at 10am (until 12 noon) tomorrow (Thursday, April 26th) at Bridgwater Sports and Social Club, Bath Road, Bridgwater. Media are welcome to attend.** Over the last decade the area has been hit by some of the worst flooding on record and there has been considerable concern about the apparent worsening of conditions. This winter saw properties flooded, villagers ready to evacuate and river levels reaching all time highs. It has also been recognised that climate change could have a wide-ranging impact. Now the Environment Agency, together with a steering group representing a range of interested organisations, has produced its review of flood management practices in the Levels and Moors. The aim of the review is to agree a strategy for the provision of flood defences for the area, the standard to which they should be maintained and the way that floods and water levels in general should be managed. Drainage on the Levels and Moors is complex and flood defence solutions for one location could cause problems elsewhere. Options under consideration include a range of short and medium term measures that could be used in combination to reduce flood risk. Options in the review include: · increasing the use of the Sowy River Parrett relief channel · raising the level of Hook Bridge spillway to reduce flooding on Currymoor · developing proposals for a tidal sluice downstream of Bridgwater · modernising pumping facilities and control equipment. "We are keen to get the public's input into the review and the options it raises as we are now approaching the time when decisions on funding requirements need to be taken and we want to ensure that all involved are satisfied with our approach," explained Environment Agency project manager, Ken Tatem. "We hope as many people as possible will support our approach and be able to offer practical suggestions to enable us to deliver sustainable flood defences for the Somerset Levels and Moors for the foreseeable future." The review of flood management practice has been carried out in close co-operation with other related projects in the area, especially the Parrett Catchment Project and the EU-LIFE Environment Fund 'Wise Use of Floodplains' Project. All these projects have included extensive public consultations. Copies of the review are available from the Environment Agency, Rivers House, East Quay, Bridgwater, TA6 8AS telephone 01278 457333. The deadline for responses is the end of July Doc reference: Contact: rachel.brown@environment-agency.gov.uk

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