INDEX
CONSULTATIONS
consultation outcomes
UK NEWS
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
PROJECTS & RESEARCH
PUBLICATIONS
REPORTS FROM EVENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
CONSULTATIONS
length of bathing season in england
(Posted 31 August 2013)
This Defra consultation seeks views on whether or not the dates of the bathing season in England should be amended.
The bathing season is when beaches and lakes designated under the EU Bathing Water Directive are monitored for compliance with the Directive’s water quality standards. The season currently runs from 15 May to 30 September and this could be amended to lengthen or reduce the season or could be set on a regional or individual basis. The Directive does not specify any minimum or maximum length for the bathing season.
Depending on the outcome of this survey, an impact assessment will be prepared and a detailed consultation will be carried out with those who have legal duties under the Regulations over the winter of 2013/14. A final decision would be based on evidence of the patterns of usage at bathing waters in different areas or at individual bathing waters.
This consultation closes on 30 September 2013.
(https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/length-of-bathing-season-in-england)
(Posted 31 August 2013)
On 22 June the Environment Agency launched their ‘Challenges and Choices’ public consultation. This is asking ‘how do you think the water environment should be protected and improved for the benefit of communities, businesses and wildlife?’ Not only is the Agency asking what you consider to be the biggest challenges in your river basin district, they are also asking what you would choose to tackle first. The information will feed into the draft river basin management plans in 2014. The closing date for responses is 22 December 2013. A wealth of information on the water environment for each river basin district and at a more local catchment scale is available on the Agency’s website.
For further details and to find out how to respond, go to:
(http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/planning/33252.aspx)
In addition to these regional consultations, there is a national (England) consultation on nationally significant issues and this is running for 3 months, from 22 June 2013 to 22 September 2013.
If you would like to respond to either the Western Wales or Dee River Basin District consultations, please visit the website for Natural Resources Wales at:
(http://naturalresourceswales.gov.uk/our-work/consultations/list-of-current-consultations/?lang=en)
reforming environmental guidance and information obligations
(Posted 19 June 2013)
Defra is starting work with environmental regulators (for example, the Environment Agency and Natural England) and other Government Departments on reforms to make it easier, quicker and clearer to understand what environmental rules apply and simpler to report essential environmental data. This will make it cheaper for businesses and others to comply with regulations and achieve strong environmental standards.
Consultation closes on 31 March 2014.
consultation outcomes:
Tackling water pollution from the urban environment
(Posted 31 August 2013)
Defra sought views on developing their strategy for the management of urban diffuse water pollution in England. The consultation ran from 22 November 2012 to 8 February 2013
The ‘Summary of Responses’ document has now been published.
Urban diffuse pollution in rivers and waterways is a typical characteristic of urban areas where road runoff, poorly plumbed drainage systems, old deposits of polluted sediment and runoff from industrial areas damage ecosystems in rivers, streams and ponds. The impacts may be individually small but when added together can be damaging. Normal measures to permit and control polluters often cannot be used, as it can be difficult to identify those responsible and difficult to be fair in deciding who should pay to resolve issues.
Currently, 27% of water bodies in England meet the standards necessary to support viable ecosystems. Many water body failures are due to urban and other non-agricultural diffuse pollution where Defra believes that positive action is necessary to improve knowledge, encourage cooperation, perhaps refine regulations and plan investment.
This consultation allowed people to inform and influence development of the strategy that will be developed during 2013.
The summary of responses can be found at:
(https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/tackling-water-pollution-from-the-urban-environment)
Marine Conservation Zones: proposals for designation in 2013
(Posted 31 August 2013)
Defra sought views on proposals for the designation of Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) in English inshore and English and Welsh offshore waters. The consultation ran from 13 December 2012 to 31 March 2013.
The ‘Summary of Responses’ document has now been published.
With over 40,000 responses, this has been an exceptional consultation in terms of the numbers of responses Defra has received.
This consultation sought to engage with everyone who has an interest in the marine environment and coastal communities. It constituted the primary opportunity for people to have their say and influence the decisions on how many MCZs are designated, where they are designated and for what features.
Information and comments submitted will be used to inform the decision on which sites will be designated in the first tranche in 2013. Information gathered at this stage will also be used as part of the decision-making process for designation of sites in later tranches.
The summary of responses can be found at:
triennial review of the environment agency (EA) and natural england (NE)
(Posted 31 August 2013)
This review took a fundamental look at how the organisations can continue to deliver the government’s priorities for the environment with improved resilience in the face of current and future environmental and economic challenges.
It was concluded that the EA and NE should be retained as separate public bodies with separate purposes and functions, but that both bodies should continue to reform how they deliver their services to their customers and drive further efficiences.
(http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wms/?id=2013-06-27a.16WS.0)
UK NEWS
(Posted 31 August 2013)
Beachwatch is the Marine Conservation Society’s coastal environmental initiative, supporting local individuals, groups and communities in caring for their local shoreline. Beachwatch Big Weekend is their annual flagship event, now in its 19th year, when thousands of volunteers get involved in the fight against marine litter.
Beachwatch Big Weekend 20-23 September 2013
(http://www.mcsuk.org/beachwatch/)
sepa wins connect ICT innovate award
(Posted 31 August 2013)
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) gained recognition at the Connect ICT Awards for using innovative technology to deliver public services. SEPA won the award for employing rugged Global Positioning System (GPS) enabled tablet PCs to assist in a range of fieldwork activities. The GPS-enabled tablet PCs are being used by SEPA when carrying out work to achieve the Scottish Government’s target of improving 98% of Scotland’s rivers to good condition by 2027, under the EU Water Framework Directive.
For the full story, go to:
(http://www.sepa.org.uk/about_us/news/2013/sepa_wins_connect_ict_innovate.aspx)
mps say case for hafren power barrage scheme unproven
(Posted 31 August 2013)
A tidal barrage across the Severn could contribute to energy and climate objectives, but the Hafren Power scheme has failed to demonstrate economic, environmental and public acceptability, according to MPs on the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee.
(Posted 31 August 2013)
This initiative, supported by Richard Benyon MP and rower James Cracknell, is not just about educating people about the difficulties that many rivers face. It also recognises the great work local groups already do to look after their rivers – honouring the community spirit and the inspirational individuals who give up their time and energy to improve their local environment. A new ‘Love Your River’ blog has been launched online, highlighting why taking action to improve river health is so important.
You can visit the new blog at:
(http://loveyourriver.tumblr.com/)
welsh water raises investment to improve the quality of rivers and wetlands
(Posted 31 August 2013)
Dwr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW) is investing a further £150,000 into environmental projects that aim to improve the quality of Welsh rivers, lakes and wetlands. Adding to an initial £400,000 made available in 2012, the investment scheme will help implement the EU’s Water Framework Directive within Welsh Water’s supply area.
(http://www.edie.net/news/4/Welsh-Water-raises-investment-to-improve-quality-of-rivers-and-wetlands/)
(Posted 31 August 2013)
Environmental groups warn of dredging ‘triple whammy’ with damage to wildlife, increased flooding and legal challenges. In July, the Blueprint for Water coalition of environmental organisations submitted a strong response to the government, objecting to proposals to weaken controls on river dredging.
For more on this, go to:
(http://www.salmon-trout.org/news_item.asp?news_id=267)
uk shellfish are cleaner thanks to sewerage infrastructure improvements
(Posted 31 August 2013)
Shellfish harvesting areas in the UK are cleaner, thanks to sewerage improvement schemes over the last decade which have lowered average levels of Escherichia coli in oysters, mussels and other commercially important species, and boosted the shellfish industry’s economic value. Addressing the additional pollution risks from agriculture could further reduce contamination and human health risks.
Read the full abstract at:
(http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/archive/marine-ecosystems.htm)
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
historic agreement reached on eu fisheries reform
(Posted 31 August 2013)
European legislators have taken a huge step towards ending overfishing by agreeing that most EU fish stocks will be fished sustainably by 2015, and all stocks by 2020. The decision is part of a reform of the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy, and follows four years of concerted campaigning by a diverse group of stakeholders.
Read more at:
(http://ocean2012.eu/press_releases/124-historic-agreement-reached-on-eu-fisheries)
eu agrees €3.45bn fund for environmental projects
(Posted 31 August 2013)
The European Commission has agreed on a new LIFE funding programme to finance projects involved in climate action and the environment over the next seven years. (The LIFE programme is the EU’s funding instrument for the environment.)
The Commission will provide €3.45bn (£2.97bn) from 2014 to 2020, with €2.59bn dedicated to the environment and €864m specifically for climate action.
eu commission to monitor 12 new water polluting substances
(Posted 31 August 2013)
At the first reading of the Priority Substances Directive, the EC has agreed on an updated list of ‘priority’ substances known to pollute water. The list includes a further 12 priority substances that are ‘very persistent and bio-accumulative, highly toxic, or suspected of being endocrine disruptors’. All 12 substances have been incorporated into the initial list of 33 priority substances, drawn up in 2001, and include several industrial chemicals and pesticides.
In 2008, the first Priority Substances Directive set environmental quality standards for those priority substances, and for eight other pollutants, to be met by 2015. According to the Commission, the new substances will be monitored regularly in all Member States and, starting no later than 2021, action will ‘have to be taken where necessary’ to reduce or eliminate emissions and bring concentrations down to safe levels by 2027.
un watercourses convention interactive website launched
(Posted 31 August 2013)
The UN Watercourses Convention Users’ Guide was published in 2012 as a comprehensive guide to aid interpretation and implementation for water practitioners and decision-makers at all levels. Based on this guide, an interactive website on the Convention has been developed to cater for the multi-faceted ways in which people learn, as well as functioning as a central information portal and advocacy platform for promoting the Convention.
The new website can be accessed at:
(http://www.unwatercoursesconvention.org/)
PROJECTS & RESEARCH
developing a clearer understanding of ocean ecosystems
(Posted 31 August 2013)
The EU-funded HERMIONE project (Hotspot Ecosystem Research and Man's Impact on European Seas) has contributed much needed data on the complexity of deep-sea ecosystems. This in turn has created a community of scientists who continue to work together to better understand the remarkable world of the deep sea and its vast diversity of habitat and life.
This project, with €8m in funding, has focused on investigating Europe's marine ecosystems. Scientists from a range of disciplines researched natural ocean dynamics, ecosystem distribution and interconnections, considering biodiversity, specific adaptations and biological capacity in the context of a wide range of highly vulnerable deep-sea habitats. One of the key questions they addressed was how natural and anthropogenic changes affect specific European marine ecosystems.
A major aim of HERMIONE was to use the knowledge gained during the project to contribute to EU environmental policies.
To learn more about the project, go to:
the potential of using the ecosystem approach for wfd implementation
(Posted 31 August 2013)
This report was produced by researchers at Imperial College, working closely with the Environment Agency. Funding for the work was provided by WSKEP (Water Security Knowledge Exchange Programme).
The ecosystem approach provides a framework for decision making, looking at whole ecosystems and the services they provide, to ensure that society can maintain a healthy and resilient natural environment now and for future generations.
Although not explicitly mentioned in the Water Framework Directive (WFD), it appears as a promising concept to help its implementation. This is based upon the assumption that there is a connection between WFD aims and objectives and the realisation of benefits from ecosystem services. Findings demonstrate that the ecosystem approach has the potential to enrich WFD implementation and can help regulators engage with the public, with a focus on meaningful outcomes.
Read the report at:
(http://www.wskep.net/news.php?id=266)
how much phosphorus pollution makes lakes unsafe for recreation?
(Posted 31 August 2013)
A target level of 20 micrograms of phosphorus per litre of lake water could help keep many lakes safe for recreation by restricting the growth of harmful algal blooms, European research suggests. The scientists analysed the relationship between phosphorus levels in medium- and high-alkalinity lakes, the growth of cyanobacteria blooms and the concentrations of cyanobacteria that trigger World Health Organization (WHO) warnings.
To read a summary and details of the full reference, go to:
(http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/pdf/333na3.pdf)
a bird’s eye view of fishery discard reforms
(Posted 31 August 2013)
Reforms to reduce discards of over-quota fish catches are generally predicted to have positive effects on marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Although concerns have been raised over the impacts of the changes on scavenging seabirds who feed upon discarded fish, new research on gannets indicates that, while they often forage near fishing vessels, more than half their time is spent foraging ‘naturally’ in the open sea.
To read a summary and details of the full reference, go to:
(http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/pdf/332na4rss.pdf)
effects of shale gas development on water quality: experiences from the marcellus shale
(Posted 31 August 2013)
The impact of shale gas development on surface water quality has been explored in a recent study. Focusing on the Pennsylvania portion of the Marcellus Shale formation (which stretches from West Virginia to the Canadian border), the researchers conclude that shale gas wells and the treatment of shale gas extraction waste have measurable impacts on downstream surface water quality.
To read a summary and details of the full reference, go to:
(http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/pdf/332na5.pdf)
environmental concentrations of antibiotics are potentially damaging to aquatic life
(Posted 31 August 2013)
Combinations of antibiotics have been found in high enough concentrations to pose a serious threat to aquatic ecosystems, in a recent Spanish study. Antibiotics can have toxic effects on the bacteria and algae that form the basis of aquatic ecosystems.
To read a summary and details of the full reference, go to:
(http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/pdf/333na6.pdf)
global warming could increase mercury accumulation in fish
(Posted 31 August 2013)
Methylmercury may accumulate more quickly in fish as the climate grows warmer, new research suggests. Researchers in the US have found that levels of the toxin were higher in fish exposed to higher temperatures; global warming could therefore lead to increased human exposure to methylmercury through seafood consumption.
To read a summary and details of the full reference, go to:
(http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/pdf/333na5.pdf)
wetland plants involved in marsh restoration
(Posted 31 August 2013)
Differences in the way wetland plants accumulate pollutants are helping researchers understand how vegetation can be used to help restore contaminated marshes. In a study by Belgian researchers, certain plants, including bulrushes, were identified as being potentially useful for locking away metal contaminants below the surface, thereby helping to reduce the spread of these pollutants through food chains and to the wider environment.
To read a summary and details of the full reference, go to:
(http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/pdf/333na4.pdf)
PUBLICATIONS
payment for ecosystem services: best practice guide
(Posted 31 August 2013)
This has been produced by Defra to assist with the design and implementation of Payments for Ecosystem Services schemes.
An expert consortium with hands-on experience of developing Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) schemes was commissioned to develop a Best Practice Guide in collaboration with potential users. This guide collates a number of instructive domestic and international case studies (covered in detail in the annex) demonstrating the various challenges and solutions associated with a PES approach. This authoritative, practical and business-focused guide will help users to:
To access the guide and the annex containing some case studies, go to:
(https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/payments-for-ecosystem-services-pes-best-practice-guide)
(Posted 31 August 2013)
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has redesigned and relaunched their online magazine.
new on sepaview: water facts and figures
(Posted 31 August 2013)
SEPAView, SEPA’s online magazine, has an interesting new section in which you can follow water on the journey it takes from falling as rain in the Scottish mountains, flowing across the country in rivers and then out to sea, with some fascinating facts and figures along the way.
(http://www.sepaview.com/2013/07/water-facts-and-figures/)
european environment agency: annual report 2012 and environmental statement 2013
(Posted 31 August 2013)
This document describes the work carried out by the EEA last year. During 2012, in addition to its regular, on-going activities and specific work for the EU Presidencies of Denmark and Cyprus, major priorities included water, resource efficiency, the green economy and ecosystem accounting; climate change mitigation and adaptation; implementation and development of information and communications technology (ICT) to support environmental observation, monitoring, reporting, assessment; and supporting environmental reporting. The report also includes details of internal processes in the EEA, including management processes and details of how the organisation manages its own environmental impact.
You can find the report at:
(http://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/eea-annual-report-2012)
the catchment based approach newsletter June 2013
(Posted 31 August 2013)
This newsletter reflects on the ending of the pilot phase (2011-2013) and the next stages of the catchment based approach.
If you want to be included on the mailing list please contact:
the rivers trust e-newsletter – summer 2013
(Posted 31 August 2013)
Topics covered include the launch of River Ecosystem Services (the trading arm of The Rivers Trust), South Cumbria’s Alien Initiative and the UK’s Upland Water Monitoring Network.
(http://www.theriverstrust.org/newsletter/enews_25/The_Rivers_Trust_E-Newsletter_25.html#2)
‘World environment’ from ciwem
(Posted 31 August 2013)
The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management announced the launch of its new quarterly digital magazine and app. This is available on both iPad and Android systems.
(Posted 31 August 2013)
This summer issue is a special edition concentrating on the Water Framework Directive.
(Posted 31 August 2013)
Water Security Knowledge Exchange Programme eZine issue 14 is now available:
(http://www.wskep.net/ezine/default.php)
Reports from Events
regenerating coastal economies
(Posted 31 August 2013)
The aim of the conference (23 July 2013) was to showcase the more ambitious approaches to regenerating the economy and environment of both coastal communities and urban waterfronts that have the potential to achieve rapid recovery and sustainable employment all around the UK’s coastline.
The conference outputs can be accessed at:
(http://www.coastms.co.uk/conferences/477)
coastal & mariNe management & development: evidence – trends, issues and solutions
(Posted 31 August 2013)
This conference, held on 2nd July 2013, looked to understand and explore the trends that are developing in relation to ‘evidence’ – costs, legal challenge, stakeholder process, etc. Also, to understand clearly how data, information, evidence, decision-making and processes link together, and, by using case studies, highlight solutions that are relevant to government, its agencies, industry and NGOs alike.
The conference outputs can be accessed at:
(http://www.coastms.co.uk/conferences/474/show)
diffuse pollution: evidence, effective practice and lessons for policy, practice and investment
(Posted 31 August 2013)
The aim of the conference, held on 20th June 2013, was to set out the policy drivers, emerging trends, our understanding of the scale of the problem and whether or not we are making progress. The diversity of approaches being used to address the problem was considered, plus a look at what lessons need to be taken forward by policy and investment programmes.
The conference outputs can be accessed at:
(http://www.coastms.co.uk/conferences/476/show)