River Teme SSSI Diffuse Water Pollution Plan
1. Plan coverage and contacts
Details
The River Teme (441 ha) is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) along its
whole length (Units 1 – 5). In addition, the SSSI includes the lower reaches of the River Clun
(Unit 6). This unit is designated as a Special Area of Conservation because of the presence
of a population of fresh water pearl mussel (see Annex 1 Unit Map).
The features for which the SSSI is of special interest are:
Type VI sandstone river with mudstones and hard limestones;
Type VII river showing mesotrophic status derived from an oligotrophic catchment;
Otter;
Twaite Shad;
Protected sites,
designations and
interest features
White-clawed Crayfish;
Freshwater Pearl Mussel;
Riffle Beetle Assemblage.
In addition, there are over 60 other SSSIs within the catchment of the River Teme (see Annex
2 River Teme Catchment). These include both large upland SSSIs like the Long Mynd, The
Stiperstones & The Hollies and Titterstone Clee, as well as small sites notified solely for the
geological interest such as Coston Farm Quarries.
This plan covers the whole length of the River Teme (Units 1 – 5), but does not
address the specific requirements of unit 6 (15 ha), the River Clun SAC and its
population of freshwater pearl mussel; this will be addressed at a later date and
either incorporated within this plan at a subsequent review or appended to this plan
as a separate, but related, document.
Natural England
Contacts
Graham Walker (SSSI PSA Regional Delivery Leader & Plan co-writer)
James Griffiths (Adviser with responsibility for a stretch of the River Teme SSSI)
Environment
Agency Contacts
Gill Walters (SSSI PSA Delivery Lead)
Dave Brown (Regional DWPP Lead)
Dawn Karle (Senior Environmental Planning Officer)
Adam Shipp (Environment Officer)
Paul Hoban (Technical Officer FRB)
Vickie Howden (Environmental Monitoring Officer)
Others Contacts
Jonathan Blowers (Plan co-writer)
Lucy Roberts (NE Regional Senior Specialist Land and Water)
Helen Wake (NE Regional Freshwater and Pollution Specialist)
Emma Buckingham (Catchment Sensitive Farming Officer for the River Teme)
Where diffuse pollution is preventing SSSIs from achieving favourable condition this
plan will:
Purpose
statement
•
identify the causes, evidence of impacts and knowledge gaps;
•
identify remedies and plan when and how action will be taken;
•
identify the monitoring required to validate remedies.
River Teme DWP Plan (V – Final & Signed-Off) 19 July 2010
Page 1 of 26
2. Characteristics of the catchment
Characteristics
Brief Description
Catchment
The River Teme, the second largest tributary of the River Severn, rises in the Kerry
Hills in the western part of the catchment. The river flows in a south-easterly
direction through the towns of Knighton and Ludlow. The landscape changes
character as the river flows from the hills in the west to lower areas in the east,
before joining the Severn south of the city of Worcester. A short section of the lower
River Clun is included. The total area of the catchment is 161 kha (see Annex 2).
Hydrological
The Teme demonstrates a close relationship with the underlying geology. A short,
rapid-flowing upland section, with nutrient-poor and relatively acidic waters, changes
to a more basic and naturally nutrient-rich system for most of the river’s length as it
passes over Silurian shales and mudstones, and Old Red Sandstone strata. At its
lowest section, the Teme is a sluggish, lowland river on soft deposits.
Land use
Predominantly agricultural use, with one significant conurbation at Ludlow
(population of 10,000), and smaller towns of Knighton and Tenbury with populations
of around 3,000 each. The catchment is dominated by grassland, especially in the
west. Moving eastward, there is a shift in agriculture towards arable or mixed
farming. There are over 1100 farms larger than 20hectares within the catchment,
reflecting both the large size of the catchment and the relative small farm sizes
(48ha on average). Annex 3 illustrates land use based on 2000 data.
Sources of
sewage
There are 8 STW serving a population of 54,000 (see Annex 4), with a further 56
STWs serving 15,000 people. Given the largely rural nature of the catchment, there
is likely to be a significant number of properties not connected to mains sewage and
using septic tanks.
River Teme DWP Plan (V – Final & Signed-Off) 19 July 2010
Page 2 of 26
3. Monitoring attributes and compliance status
Target
Summary
of
pressures
on SSSI
Status
All Units (1 – 6 covering 440 ha) have a DWP remedy or other remedies associated with
securing the appropriate management of agricultural land to address reasons for adverse
condition. Investigation remedies that identify a need for further modelling work will be
incorporated into this plan.
Unit 6 (15 ha) – In addition to the remedies for the SSSI as a whole, additional investigation
and special project remedies are in place to address issues specific to the requirements of the
freshwater pearl mussel. These fall outside the scope of this plan and will be considered in a
further plan in due course.
Units 3, 4 and 5 have a remedy for the control of invasive species. Although this remedy
remains outstanding, options to control invasive species are included in ES schemes where
appropriate.
Natural
England’s
Favourable
Condition
Tables
Favourable Condition Tables (FCTs) provide target levels for those attributes that a SSSI
should meet if it is to achieve favourable condition (NB they relate specifically to the habitats
and/or species for which the SSSI is notified). They are produced by Natural England and are
derived from UK-wide Common Standards Monitoring (CSM) protocols. The CSM attributes
that form the basis of FCTs are to be reviewed and this may lead tighter targets for a number of
the attributes which will need to be reflected in the FCTs and considered as part of any future
review of this plan.
It should be noted that there is an ongoing debate at a national level between Natural England
and the Environment Agency about the use and status of some nutrient targets for protected
sites. For the purposes of this plan, however, and until there is some resolution at a national
level, nutrient attributes are taken directly from the FCTs for the River Teme.
Habitat Functioning
Natural
England’s
Favourable
Condition
Table
attribute
targets for
the River
Teme
Water Quality (Phosphate)
The favourable condition attributes for total reactive phosphorus are 0.04 mg/l for the upper
reaches of the SSSI to its confluence with the Clun (Unit 1 and part of Unit 2), then 0.06 mg/l
from the Clun confluence to the confluence with the River Severn (Part of Unit 2 and Units 3, 4
& 5).
Following installation of phosphate stripping at some of the STWs along the river under the
AMP process, the River Teme SSSI has shown considerable improvements in its phosphate
loading (see table below). Indeed, the above-mentioned attribute would seem to be met for all
but the lower reaches of Unit 3 and Unit 5. It should also be noted that in 2008 all units met
their respective attributes whilst in 2009 only the lowest reach exceed the attribute (NB the
2009 figure for Ashford Carbonell is treated as an anomaly).
River Teme mean annual phosphate results mg/l as P
SSSI
Unit
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
Knighton Bridge
2
0.03
0.02
0.03
0.03
0.04
0.01
0.02
0.01
0.01
0.01
Leintwardine
2
0.07
0.05
0.05
0.25
0.09
0.04
0.04
0.02
0.03
0.02
Ludford Bridge
4
0.09
0.08
0.09
0.09
0.07
0.07
0.05
0.04
0.04
0.04
Ashford Carbonell
4
0.13
0.13
0.12
0.17
0.14
0.08
0.06
0.05
0.04
0.47
Tenbury
3
0.24
0.13
0.12
0.17
0.14
0.08
0.06
0.05
0.04
0.05
Monks Bridge
3
0.14
0.13
0.13
0.16
0.13
0.08
0.07
0.04
Stanford Bridge
3
0.31
0.12
0.14
0.17
0.11
0.09
0.08
0.07
0.05
0.06
Knightsford Bridge
3
0.18
0.14
0.17
0.16
0.12
0.09
0.06
0.07
0.05
0.06
5
0.23
0.13
0.18
0.15
Red figures: phosphate levels exceeding FCT attributes
0.12
0.1
0.08
0.07
0.05
Source: Environment Agency
Site
Powick
River Teme DWP Plan (V – Final & Signed-Off) 19 July 2010
0.07
Page 3 of 26
Referring to the table above, and for comparison, the Water Framework Directive phosphate
standard for the listed sites, excluding Knighton Bridge, is 0.12 mg/l. In WFD terms, therefore,
apart from the 2009 Ashford Carbonell anomaly, the WFD phosphate target for 'good’ status is
being met at these sites.
[NB These attributes do not apply to Unit 6 (River Clun SAC) as the water quality requirements
for the freshwater pearl mussel will be more stringent than that for the River Teme as a whole;
phosphate attributes for the Clun will be confirmed following further study and either
incorporated in this plan at a subsequent review or appended to this plan as a separate, but
related, document, but a level of 0.03mg/l is generally considered adequate for adult pearl
mussels and may subsequently be the agreed attribute level for the SAC. A level of 0.005mg/l
is considered essential for juvenile recruitment, but is not thought to be achievable; as a
consequence, a plan to re-introduce young mussels higher up the catchment is being
prepared.]
Water Quality (Suspended Solids)
The favourable condition attributes for suspended solids are:
Units 1,2,3 & 4 - less than 10mg/l (annual mean)
Unit 5 - less than 25mg/l (annual mean)
Overall, the river routinely fails to meet the favourable condition attribute for suspended solids
throughout the length of the SSSI (see table below). However, there is a need to review the
attributes for suspended solids and ensure that they are appropriate to local circumstances.
This will require the collection of more suspended solid and sediment load data and the
Environment Agency and Natural England will agree what is required in this respect as part of
their joint discussions on new evidence requirements (see section 10).
River Teme mean annual suspended solids levels (mg/l)
SSSI
UNIT
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
Knighton Bridge
2
18.0
4.3
9.2
8.8
5.7
7.8
20.8
16.4
9.7
19.9
Milebrook Bridge
Leintwardine A4113
Bridge
Ludford Bridge
Ludlow
Ashford Carbonell
Bridge
2
5.8
11.3
18.7
21.4
Tenbury
Downstream
Tenbury Wells STW
Adjoing Monks
Bridge
Site
2
45.9
6.9
21.2
7.7
8.7
9.5
11.5
13.4
12.7
8.1
4
19.4
37.3
29.2
11.7
8.4
20.2
23.1
29.2
4.9
13.8
4
24.1
43.1
25.6
11.6
11.3
15.3
22.6
38.6
7.5
13.1
3
23.1
64.5
29.2
11.1
15.2
18.1
15.8
44.6
7.4
18.1
58.8
9.8
17.5
3
3
30.5
47.9
32.4
11.6
13.2
18.8
22.5
21.2
Stanford Bridge
3
Knightsford Bridge
3
206.6
15.6
19.4
5.7
11.9
16.3
12.4
57.1
7.8
17.4
86.7
39.8
27.0
6.1
15.0
17.2
11.8
62.3
8.7
20.9
7.6
18.2
20.3
25.1
59.1
12.4
29.2
Source: Environment Agency
Powick
5
114.5
29.8
28.2
Red figures: suspended solid levels exceeding FCT attributes
No recent data exists for Unit 1, but four samples taken at Brookhouse Bridge, Beguildy during
1991 gave a mean level for suspended solids of 19.5 mg/l which exceeds the attribute level of
10mg/l.
[NB Although this plan does not cover Unit 6, the attribute for the River Clun SAC has been
initially set at less than 10mg/l (annual mean) as this is currently considered acceptable.
However, this may need to be revised should research show the requirements of the
freshwater pearl mussel to be more stringent.]
River Teme DWP Plan (V – Final & Signed-Off) 19 July 2010
Page 4 of 26
Water Quality (General Assessment)
Targets for general water quality are as follow:
Chemical Quality
Dissolved Oxygen
BOD
Ammonia
(% saturation)
(mg/l)
(mg N/l)
10-percentile
90-percentile
90-percentile
1, 2, 3, 4 & 6
80
2.5
0.25
5
70
4
0.6
SSSI
Unit
Biological Quality
In general terms, the biology of Units 1, 2, 3, 4 & 6 should be very good ie is similar to (or
better than) that expected for an average, unpolluted river of this size, type and location. There
is a high diversity of taxa, usually with several species in each. It is rare to find a dominance of
any one taxon. For Unit 5, the biology should only show minor differences from very good and
falls a little short of that expected for an unpolluted river of this size, type and location. There
may be a small reduction in the number of taxa that are sensitive to pollution, and a moderate
increase in the number of individuals in the taxa that tolerate pollution (like worms and midges).
This may indicate the first signs of organic pollution.
Previously, the biological quality was assessed using macro-invertebrate and macrophyte
surveys, but these are no longer undertaken. From 2010 – 2012 under the WFD operational
programme the EA will only be sampling at sites where they are uncertain of the classification,
based on risk and the failing category eg fish, invertebrates, In addition, there will be
surveillance sites where all elements will be sampled 1 in 3 years depending on the base year.
The Environment Agency will provide the data to enable an assessment of this attribute at a
later date.
Water Flow
Flow regime should be characteristic of the river throughout its length.
A Hydrological and Hydrogeological Assessment of Flows in the Upper Teme (Report prepared
for the Environment Agency by ESI Ltd dated December 2007 Ref 6492TR1D3) concluded that
flows are not being affected by Welsh Water’s abstraction at Leintwardine. There is no
evidence to suggest that flows in the remainder of the River Teme SSSI are anything but
‘characteristic’, although if the current abstraction licences were used to their full extent during
periods of low flow (Q95) then the flow targets would not be met.
Habitat Structure
Substrate
No excessive siltation; channels should only contain characteristic levels of fine sediment for
the river type.
There is some evidence of excessive siltation, but this requires further evaluation.
Channel and Bank (River Morphology)
Channel form should be generally characteristic of the river type with predominantly unmodified
planform and profile.
Although channel modifications have taken place, currently they are not considered significant
in terms of the river overall or individual units.
River Teme DWP Plan (V – Final & Signed-Off) 19 July 2010
Page 5 of 26
Channel and Bank (Bank Vegetation)
Bank and riparian zone vegetation should be near natural.
Overall, this attribute is met, although there are some locations where over-stocking is having a
damaging effect on the riparian vegetation and causing erosion that will contribute to the
suspended solid loading.
River Morphology
No artificial barriers significantly impairing the natural movement of species.
Artificial barriers exist along the river, but their impact on species movement is not known and
requires further evaluation.
Species
Plant Community
Plant community characteristic of river type with no loss of species. Native species that are
negative indicators eg blanket weed, epiphytic or other algae etc should be below threshold
levels and non-native species should have no impact on native biota.
The Common Standards Monitoring Report (APEM 2006 EN410012) assessing macrophyte
data collected in 2005 concluded that four units on the main River Teme (Units 1-4) where
unfavourable due to lack of characteristic species, loss of species and presence of negative
indicators, although at some monitoring points only marginal failures were reported (NB no
data was collected for Unit 5). Unit 6 was favourable in respect of this attribute. The frequent
presence of Hildenbrandia rivularis, however, should also be noted as this is generally an
indicator of good water quality.
Otter
The favourable condition target is to maintain or increase the current population.
The Fourth National Otter Survey 2000 – 2002 showed a continued increase in the population
of the Teme and its tributaries and there is no evidence to suggest a decline since then.
Twaite Shad
Adult run maintained, juvenile densities exceed a specified minimum target two years in six and
no decline in spawning distribution.
The Environment Agency records the presence of shad.
White-clawed Crayfish – Population maintained at expected levels.
The Environment Agency records the presence of white-clawed crayfish.
Riffle Beetle Assemblage
Assemblage maintained.
This assemblage needs a detailed assessment when the SSSI is next due for a CSM compliant
assessment.
Summary
The table below provides a summary of the assessments of the various attributes listed above
along with a confidence level for that assessment. Three attributes – suspended solids,
substrate and plant community – are seen to fail and the River Teme SSSI must therefore be
classified as being in Unfavourable Condition. It should also be noted that the confidence in
some of the assessments, particularly those of the species, is low and there is a risk that an indepth assessment of these attributes would also result in a failed assessment.
River Teme DWP Plan (V – Final & Signed-Off) 19 July 2010
Page 6 of 26
Attribute
Assessment
Confidence in Assessment
Pass
High
Fail
High
Water Quality (General Assessment)
Pass
Medium
Water Flow
Pass
Medium
Fail
Low
Channel and Bank (Bank Vegetation)
Pass
High
River Morphology
Pass
Low
Plant Community
Fail
High
Otter
Pass
High
Twaite Shad
Pass
Low
White-clawed Crayfish
Pass
Low
Riffle Beetle Assemblage
Pass
Low
Water Quality (Phosphates)
Water Quality (Suspended Solids)
Substrate
River Teme DWP Plan (V – Final & Signed-Off) 19 July 2010
Page 7 of 26
Water
Framework
Directive
targets
WFD classification (from the River Severn River Basin Management Plan)
Overall
Name
Status
R Teme - source to
confluence with
GB109054045000
Wales
Deuddwr Brook
Good
R Teme - confluence
Deuddwr Brook to
confluence with
Ffrwdwen Brook
Moderate
GB109054044990
Wales
R Teme - confluence
Ffwdwen Brook to
confluence R Clun
Good
GB109054044960
Wales
R Teme - confluence
R Clun to confluence
GB109054044500
England
R Onny
Good
R Teme - confluence
R Onny to confluence
GB109054044510
England
R Severn
Fail
R Clun - source to
confluence Folly
Brook
Good
GB109054044000
Wales
R Clun - confluence
Folly Brook to
GB109054043980
England
confluence R Unk
Good
R Clun - confluence
R Unk to confluence
R Teme
Good
GB109054043990
England
Red figures: Overall or ecological status falls below ‘good’ status’
Water body ID
Country
Ecological Status
Good
Meeting GES
Moderate
GES by 2027
Good
Meeting GES
Chemical status
Does not require
assessment
Does not require
assessment
Does not require
assessment
Good
Meeting GES
Does not require
assessment.
Good.
GES by 2027
Fail
Good
Does not require
assessment
Good
Does not require
assessment
Does not require
Good
assessment
Source: Environment Agency
GB109084044990 is moderate status due to phosphate. The physico-chemical monitoring site
for this water body is the River Teme at Knucklas (see comments below regarding this
phosphate exceedance). All other elements are good or high.
GB109054044510 fails due to Tributyltin Compounds. However, the confidence that this
element is less than good status is uncertain. All other elements are good or high.
WFD Phosphate Targets
Phosphate monitoring sites within water body and their associated WFD phosphate
target for good status
Water Body ID
GB109054045000
GB109054044990
Name
R Teme source to
confluence
with
Deuddwr
Brook
R Teme confluence
Deuddwr
Brook to
confluence
with
Ffrwdwen
Brook
Monitoring
site
Monitoring
site name
Classification
Compliance
EQS
for
Good
Status
(mg/l)
Poor
Reasonable
fail
0.04
No P
monitoring
site within
waterbody
Sample site
13629700
R TEME
Knucklas
River Teme DWP Plan (V – Final & Signed-Off) 19 July 2010
Page 8 of 26
GB109054044960
GB109054044500
GB109054044510
GB109054044000
R Teme confluence
Ffwdwen
Brook to
confluence
R Clun
R Teme confluence
R Clun to
confluence
R Onny
R Teme confluence
R Onny to
confluence
R Severn
R Clun source to
confluence
Folly Brook
No P
monitoring
site within
waterbody
13624310
R TEME
Leintwardine
A4113 Bridge
High
Comply
0.12
13598380
R TEME
Powick
Good
Comply
0.12
13604700
R TEME
Knightsford
Bridge
Good
Comply
0.12
13608780
R TEME
Stanford
Bridge
Good
Comply
0.12
13612280
R TEME
Adjoining
Monks Bridge
Good
Comply
0.12
13612980
R TEME
Tenbury
High
Comply
0.12
13615980
R TEME
Ashford
Carbonell
Bridge
Good
Comply
0.12
13618180
R TEME
Ludford Bridge
Ludlow
High
Comply
0.12
R CLUN
Newcastle
B4368 Bridge
High
Comply
0.04
R CLUN
Confluence
with R Teme
High
Comply
0.12
No P
monitoring
site within
waterbody
R Clun confluence
Folly Brook
20357100
GB109054043980
to
confluence
R Unk
R Clun confluence
20349700
GB109054043990
R Unk to
confluence
R Teme
Red figure: Phosphate level falls below ‘good’ status’
Source: Environment Agency
The only site not achieving the phosphate EQS target for ‘good status’ is the River Teme at
Knucklas. However, analysis of the sample data shows that just one sample taken on 14
February 2008, an unusually high result, is responsible for the site not complying with the
WFD phosphate target (see below). This unusually elevated result may be linked to a pollution
incident.
River Teme DWP Plan (V – Final & Signed-Off) 19 July 2010
Page 9 of 26
If the sample on 14 February is removed from the data set, the site becomes compliant with the
0.04 mg/l target.
River Teme DWP Plan (V – Final & Signed-Off) 19 July 2010
Page 10 of 26
Review Schedule
This plan should be reviewed in accordance with the schedule set out below
Details
General
recommendations
The plans should be reviewed every three years during first two WFD cycles,
thereafter every six years following SSSI condition assessment, as required.
Triggers for early review
These include:
Monitoring / evidence
gathering necessary to
inform the review
•
The plan will be reviewed after the revised source apportionment
modelling is complete;
•
Evidence indicating improvements are not being delivered as
anticipated;
•
Evidence becomes available that enables the plan to be re-written to
accommodate the requirements of the River Clun SAC (freshwater
pearl mussel).
There is a need to review current water quality monitoring strategy with the
Environment Agency and agree any changes that may be necessary to
ensure that monitoring provides the necessary information to monitor the
effectiveness of the plan in terms of delivering the SSSI’s favourable condition
attributes. In particular, detailed monitoring of suspended solids is required to
inform the review of the attribute for suspended solids.
River Teme DWP Plan (V – Final & Signed-Off) 19 July 2010
Page 11 of 26
4. Summary and evaluation of evidence
A summary of the sources, evidence and impacts of nutrient and sediment issues is given in
the table below. This information provided is largely based on summary information
contained within the two River Teme refresh documents prepared in 2009.
Issue
Suspended
Solids (SS)
Source
The Catchment Appraisal –
Phase 2 Final Appraisal Report
(CSFDI 200#), using
Environment Agency reports
River Clun Suspended
Sediment Investigations Report
(WRc Ref UC 7009) November
2005 and Suspended Solids
Analysis in the River Teme
Report (WRc Ref: UC6807),
confirmed that the Rivers Clun
and Corve are the major
contributors to the levels of
suspended solids in the River
Teme system and that 99% of
suspended solids in these
tributaries originate from diffuse
sources. The five subcatchments contributing the
highest Suspended Solid loads
are the Rivers Clun, Onny,
Corve and Rea and the
Ledwych Brook.
Diffuse sources account for
53% of ortho-phosphate
loading. The Corve subcatchment has the highest
predicted P application (arable
and poultry). Within livestock
areas, it is thought that
bankside erosion is a potential
source of P. R Onny also
demonstrates high P
concentrations.
Confidence /
Evidence
High confidence for
data. Relative inputs
from sub-catchments
are shown in Annex 5.
WADI analysis shows
statistically significant
higher suspended solid
levels during wet
periods.
Impacts
Elevated levels of
suspended solids and
siltation can have a
detrimental effect on
plant growth, but is
particularly damaging
to freshwater pearl
mussels, the spawning
redds of twaite shad
and designated
invertebrate species
and assemblages.
Failure of CSM:
FCT target of 10mg/l
exceeded in units 1, 2,
3 &4 and 25mg/l in unit
5
Although high
confidence at time, a
refresh of the
modelling is required to
update P source
apportionment.
Elevated levels of
phosphorus interfere
with competitive
interactions between
higher plant species
and between higher
plants and algae
leading to a
degradation of the
aquatic plant
community.
Failure of CSM:
Phosphorus
River Teme DWP Plan (V – Final & Signed-Off) 19 July 2010
•
In 2009 FCT target
for P was not met
in the lower
reaches of Unit 5,
although all units
met the targets in
2008.
•
Increase in extent
and number of
algae recorded (R
Teme 2005
macrophyte data
assessment)
Page 12 of 26
5. Evidence used to support condition assessments
The evidence used to support the most recent condition assessment (July 2006) is given
below.
Favourable
Condition Target
Evidence
Water quality
This is covered in section 5.
Macrophytes
Negative indicators
A CSM compliant assessment of macrophyte data collected in 2005 confirmed
that units 1, 2, 3, and 4 fail against species composition, loss of species, and
abundance targets. Unit 6 is favourable for these attributes. Macrophyte data
was not collected for Unit 5.
Units 2, 3, and 6 fail macrophyte targets for native species and naturalness.
Survey suggests general increase in extent and number of algae recorded,
but low occurrence of other negative indicator species. Conversely,
Hildenbrandia rivularis was also recorded as quite frequent and this algae is
an indicator of good water quality.
6. Additional physico-chemical evidence available
The available physico-chemical information, such as previous studies, monitoring data and
modelling outputs, is summarised below.
Type of evidence
Responsibility
Detail
The map in Annex 5 shows the
following information:
Suspended Solids
•
PSYCHIC estimated total
annual sediment load
•
WFD Sediment risk map
Environment Agency
•
Suspended Solids
Environment Agency
Phosphorus
Environment Agency
Suspended Solids
monitored data
Nine Sonde probes are located
in the catchment: three probes
are located in the River Clun
with two on tributaries of the
Clun, the Folly Brook and River
Kemp. Two are located on the
River Corve with two on its
tributary the Pye Brook.
The map on Annex 6 shows the
following information:
•
WFD compliance map for
Phosphorus
•
PSYCHIC map for diffuse
Phosphorus
7. Catchment modelling
The output from Environment Agency detailed catchment modelling will be incorporated
when available in 2010.
River Teme DWP Plan (V – Final & Signed-Off) 19 July 2010
Page 13 of 26
8. Measures and mechanisms already in place
The measures and mechanisms already in place or secured for delivery during the first year
of the plan are detailed in the table below. This table is basis for deciding whether DWP
plan can switch to underway by Dec 2010.
Measure
Mechanism
Where
Expected outcome
Reduce sediment &
runoff – including:
arable reversion,
buffers, stock
reductions, bank side
fencing
(No specific target has
been set for
implementing
Resource Protection
options within the
catchment, but this
may need to be
reviewed in the future.
However, there is a
general principle that
advisers would always
look to buffer and
protect riparian
habitats using the suite
of ELS/HLS options
available)
Environmental
Stewardship
incentives to secure
improvements to land
management practices
and capital works to
minimise soil erosion
from land at risk of
generating diffuse
pollution. Use of
LaMAS and other
educational events to
secure farmer
engagement. Use of
the Holdings
Assessment Toolkit to
target key holdings.
River Teme HLS target
area (WM10) along
whole length of the
SSSI.
Improvements in land
management practises
to reduce soil erosion
and agricultural diffuse
pollution. The impact
of this has not been
modelled so likely
outcome for riverine
water quality is
unknown.
Reduce sediment &
runoff: expect 50% of
target riparian farmers
to adopt appropriate
mitigation measures
and enhance riparian
habitats by promoting
best farming practices
and soil and nutrient
management advice
incl. the production of
management plans
CSF work programme
until March 2011
SSSI unit 2 & 6
Target nutrient
pollution where DWPA
is the cause: Reduce
nutrient enrichment by
sector-targeted events,
to improve
management of
manure and fertiliser
through improved
programme of
nutrient/manure
management planning.
CSF work programme
until March 2011
SSSI unit 2 & 6
Target nutrient
pollution from stock
yards: Reduced
nutrient enrichment
CSF work programme
until March 2011
SSSI unit 2 & 6
River Teme DWP Plan (V – Final & Signed-Off) 19 July 2010
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from beef and dairy
units.
Agri-Environment
Scheme uptake and
CGS: Signpost farmers
to capital grants, ELS
and HLS. Applications
and amendments with
appropriate options to
help change land
management practises
if required and
specialist visits to
address yard
infrastructure (incl.
housing, collection &
storage).
CSF work programme
until March 2011
SSSI unit 2 & 6
Bankside fencing:
Reduction in bank
erosion by stock.
Prevention of
impoundment by dead
wood in pearl mussel
areas.
Use of targeted HLS.
Shropshire Hills AONB
river habitat project
aimed at coppicing
over mature, diseased
alders and bankside
fencing.
Targeted locations
along river within
AONB.
River Teme DWP Plan (V – Final & Signed-Off) 19 July 2010
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9. Additional measures
Details of possible additional measures are given in the table below.
Measure
Mechanism
Where
Reduce
sediment and
runoff
Refreshed ‘CSF’ strategy
post March 2011.
River Onny,
Rae, and
Ledwych
Brook subcatchments.
Reduce
sediment and
runoff
Review priority areas for
resource protection and
target ES at priority areas
Locations to
be
determined
following
review.
Refreshed ‘CSF’ strategy
post March 2011.
Locations to
be
determined
by updated
EA
modelling.
Target nutrient
pollution from
stock yards
Target nutrient
pollution from
septic tanks
Target nutrient
pollution from
STWs
Review contribution from
septic tanks and, if deemed
to be significant, target
clusters where cost
effective improvements can
be implemented
Review contribution from
STWs and, if deemed to be
significant and there have
been advances in nutrient
removal, apply new
techniques.
Throughout
catchment
Throughout
catchment
River Teme DWP Plan (V – Final & Signed-Off) 19 July 2010
Expected
outcome
Targets will
need to be
defined
following
updated EA
modelling.
Targets will
need to be
defined
following
updated EA
modelling.
Targets will
need to be
defined
following
updated EA
modelling.
Targets will
need to be
defined
following
updated EA
modelling.
Targets will
need to be
defined
following
updated EA
modelling.
Evidence for
effectiveness of
measure
Priority
Sonde, General
Water Quality,
WFD and CSM
monitoring.
High
Sonde, General
Water Quality,
WFD and CSM
monitoring.
High
Sonde, General
Water Quality,
WFD and CSM
monitoring.
High
Sonde, General
Water Quality,
WFD and CSM
monitoring.
Low
Natural
England/Environment
Agency
Implementation
(if required) by
March 2012
Sonde, General
Water Quality,
WFD and CSM
monitoring.
Med
Natural
England/Environment
Agency
Implementation
(if required) by
March 2015
Page 16 of 26
Action owners
ECSFDI partnership.
Natural England
ECSFDI partnership.
Timescales
Implementation
commencing
March 2011.
Implementation
commencing
March 2011.
Implementation
commencing
March 2011.
10. New evidence required to secure future measures
Details of new evidence required to secure future measures is given in the table below.
Evidence
required
Why is the evidence required?
Which measures will it support?
Action owner
Timescales
Monitoring of
suspended solids
including wet
weather
monitoring
To confirm the targets for suspended
solids and help refine the relative
inputs/sources of wet weather peaks.
Targeting of ES resource protection
measures.
Environment Agency
(Subject to further discussion
and agreement of monitoring
requirements)
By 2011
Sediment
sourcing
To confirm priority areas for resource
protection
Targeting of ES resource protection
measures.
ECSFDI partnership.
By March 2012
P source
apportionment
(SIMCAT?)
To confirm remaining P contributions
made by agriculture, incorporating
anticipated improvements from CSF
and STW schemes.
Targeting of ES nutrient
management options.
Environment Agency
(Subject to confirmation that this
will be completed nationally)
By 2011 (this will
be run as part of
the national
modelling
provision)
Deployment of CSF advice and use
of incentives.
ECSFDI partnership.
By March 2011
Integral component of the R Clun
review.
Natural England
Recommendations
as part of the
review report due
by July 2010.
To be determined.
Natural England (lead) and
Environment Agency
By July 2010.
Assessment of
impact of CSF
work in priority
sub-catchments.
Determine
appropriate water
quality targets for
freshwater pearl
mussel
population.
Review of the
measures
required to secure
improvements in
the Clun.
Confirm effectiveness of CSF work
programme. Review whether
incentives and advice will achieve
required improvements or whether
regulatory measures will be required.
The pearl mussel population is
continuing to decline through both
death of adults – largest number of
mussels are lost as a result of washouts during flood events, and no
recruitment. A better understanding of
the requirements of freshwater pearl
mussels is required.
Clun review may require additional
evidence required to support recovery
of pearl mussel.
River Teme DWP Plan (V – Final & Signed-Off) 19 July 2010
Page 17 of 26
11. Actions required on non-DWP sources
A list of other remedies, and any likely measures or mechanisms is given below:
•
STW improvements secured through AMP programmes have been secured.
•
Clun review may identify additional non-DWP remedies on Unit 6 in relation to the pearl mussel population.
12. Monitoring
The purpose of monitoring is to:
•
evaluate the success of measures implementation and if necessary trigger a review of the plan;
•
identify further remedy actions required.
The lead contacts for the plan are responsible for evaluating monitoring data as it becomes available, noting any improvements and providing
feedback for the plan review schedule in relation to tracking the success of implemented measures.
Details of the required monitoring are given in the table below.
What
Responsibility
Location
Frequency
For how long?
Sonde probes
Environment Agency
8 strategically placed probes.
Detailed locations specified in R
Teme Phase 2 Appraisal.
Continuously record
various water quality
parameters.
Continuing whilst it remains a priority
catchment under WFD
Macrophytes, Otter,
Twaite Shad, Whiteclawed Crayfish,
Freshwater Pearl
Mussel & Riffle Beetle
Assemblage
Natural England
At points determined by CSM
guidelines.
Every 6 years
Continuing
General Water
Quality Monitoring –
Environment Agency
Sites throughout catchment
To be confirmed
Continuing
River Teme DWP Plan (V – Final & Signed-Off) 19 July 2010
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chemical and
biological quality
Gauging stations
Environment Agency
Dutlas, Knighton, Leintwardine,
Ludlow, Tenbury, Stanford Bridge
and Knightsford Bridge on the
Teme and there is a gauging board
at Clungunford.
Pesticide monitoring
Environment Agency
7 sites (detailed in CSF Refresh)
Levels are recorded
daily from the gauging
stations by telemetry
but flow data only
available from Tenbury
and Knightsford Bridge
Continuing
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
13. Sign Off
Natural England and the Environment Agency commit to work together to gather evidence and implement necessary remedy measures as
guided by this plan, in order to maintain an improving trend in nutrients and sediment in the enter catchment name catchment, so that SSSI
condition targets are achieved in the future.
Organisation
Signed
Date
Natural England
Dr P J Knights 19 July 2010
Environment Agency
David Throup 16 July 2010
River Teme DWP Plan (V – Final & Signed-Off) 19 July 2010
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Annex 1: River Teme SSSI units map
River Teme DWP Plan (V – Final & Signed-Off) 19 July 2010
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Annex 2: River Teme Catchment (copied from CSF refresh document)
River Teme DWP Plan (V – Final & Signed-Off) 19 July 2010
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Annex 3: River Teme catchment land use map
River Teme DWP Plan (V – Final & Signed-Off) 19 July 2010
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Annex 4: Severn Trent Water’s STWs within River Teme catchment (copied from CSF refresh document)
River Teme DWP Plan (V – Final & Signed-Off) 19 July 2010
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Annex 5: Suspended solids evidence (copied from CSF refresh document)
River Teme DWP Plan (V – Final & Signed-Off) 19 July 2010
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Annex 5 (cont): Suspended solids evidence (copied from CSF refresh document)
Suspended Solids seasonal trend – River Teme at Powick
be
r
No
ve
m
be
r
Se
pt
em
Ju
ly
ay
M
M
ar
ch
ry
100.00
80.00
60.00
40.00
20.00
0.00
Ja
nu
a
Monthly Average
Suspended Solids
(mg/l)
(From EA Routine Spot Sampling)
Month
•All sites show higher suspended solids levels during the
Winter
Le igh/C ra dle y B k
La ughe rn B k
Alfric k B k
R . C lun
S a pe y B k
Ea rdis to n B k
Allc o c ks B k
R. Rea
R . Onny
C o rn B k
Le dwyc he B k
B rim fie ld B k
R . C o rve
Relative Inputs of Suspnded Solids - R Teme subcatchments
River Teme DWP Plan (V – Final & Signed-Off) 19 July 2010
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Annex 6: Phosphorus evidence (copied from CSF refresh document)
River Teme DWP Plan (V – Final & Signed-Off) 19 July 2010
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