28-Apr-2006 - Following
consultation with the public and the Stakeholder
Group, Environment Agency Wales has now launched
the Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy
(CAMS) for the Tywi, Taf and Gwendraeth river
catchments. This strategy will enable sustainable
management of water resources within rivers and
their tributaries over the next six years, while
balancing the many competing water uses.
Elizabeth James, Agency CAMS
Officer said: ‘These river catchments contain
some of the most beautiful landscapes and support
a rich diversity of wildlife. The benefits that
these bring to people's lives and the local economy
are significant. The rivers have played a large
part in the development of the landscape. They
support the wildlife, their fisheries are important
for angling, and they also provide domestic and
industrial water supplies both locally and across
south west Wales. It is important to protect these
vital resources.
‘This strategy allows everyone
to see where water is available for further abstraction
and how we propose to manage these water resources
in the future. It is available to anyone who has
an interest in water resources, but particularly
those who wish to abstract water from these catchments
for any purpose. The Tywi, Taf & Gwendraeth
CAMS will enable business and private individuals
to consider water resource availability prior
to applying for an abstraction licence.’
Following the consultation period
last autumn, a Statement of Response was issued.
This and the final strategy document are available
to view on the Agency web site,
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/cams
If you would like to receive
a paper copy of either document, please contact
Elizabeth James, CAMS Officer, Tel: 01437 783053
or email cams.walessouthwest@environmentagency.gov.uk.
q The Environment Agency is
also currently undertaking a review of all licensed
water abstractions and the operation of releases
from Llyn Brianne Reservoir to see if they may
potentially impact on the Afon Tywi Special Area
of Conservation. If potential impacts are identified,
we can consider options for mitigating those impacts.
While the work on identifying the impacts and
options is to be completed shortly, mitigation
measures may not be in place for some time due
to the complicated process of identifying suitable
measures and the cost and time implications of
any necessary engineering works.
