Rachel Fielding - 18-May-2007
- Carp fisheries across Cheshire, Manchester
and Liverpool are being advised to prepare
for the predicted hot summer to ensure their
stocks stay fit and healthy.
The Environment Agency has sent letters
to all fisheries in the area reminding clubs
to manage their waters carefully.
Nicki Rushton, Fisheries Team Leader, said:
“With the predicted hot summer and the effects
this has on oxygen levels in the water we
thought now was a good time to remind fishing
clubs of the easy steps they can take to
reduce the risk of carp deaths.”
Key areas highlighted in the letter include
over stocking and reducing unnecessary stress
including handling and moving carp, keeping
them out of the water for too long and holding
them in keep nets, all of which can lead
them more susceptible to parasites and disease.
Nicki continues: “If you find any dead
or dying fish you must report it to the
Environment Agency using our 24 hour free
emergency number 0800 80 70 60.”
Leicestershire man appointed to Environment
Agency committee
Holly Smith - 14-May-2007 - Mr Ian Biddulph
of Ravenstone, near Ashby De La Zouch, in
Leicestershire, has been appointed to the
Environment Agency’s Midlands Regional Environmental
Protection Advisory Committee (REPAC).
Ian is Group Corporate Responsibility,
Planning and Environment Director for Wilson
Bowden Ltd. Ian is a member of numerous
planning and house building groups as well
as a member of an All Party Parliamentary
Environment Group. Ian is committed to improving
the quality of life for people throughout
the Midlands and contributes to the CBI
East Midlands Environment Group, EMDA Energy
Task Group, Construction Industry Forum
and the Forestry Commission East Midlands
Regional Advisory Committee.
In his spare time Ian enjoys gardening,
attending airshows and music events.
Speaking of his new appointment, Mr Biddulph
says: "I am delighted to be appointed
to this important position. With the threat
of global warming we face a major challenge
both to people and the environment, as we
know it.
The Environment Agency is very aware of
this and is playing an important role in
addressing climate change across its range
of activities. I am passionate about the
environment and the need to protect and
enhance it. I look forward to helping the
Environment Agency play its part at this
vital time."
Notes to Editors:
Interviews with Mr Biddulph can be arranged
through the Environment Agency’s Midlands
Press Office on 0121 711 5829/5855.
REPAC
REPAC (Regional Environmental Protection
Advisory Committee) is an advisory committee
which specifically concentrates on pollution
control, water resources, air quality, control
of complex industrial processes and disposal
of controlled waste and makes recommendations
on the following areas:
operational performance issues of concern
in the region
issues of concern in the region
the implications of national policy proposals.
The committee is made up of a Chairman appointed
by the Secretary of State for the Environment,
Food and Rural Affairs, the Chairmen of
Regional Flood Defence Committee and Regional
Fisheries, Ecology and Recreation Committee
and eighteen other members who represent
the following interests:
Regulated industries
Land and air
Conservation
Local Government
The committee meets quarterly. Members of
the public and press are welcome to attend
as non-participatory observers. A full list
of members, together with agendas, minutes
and dates of forthcoming meetings can be
found on the Midlands pages of our website:
www.environment-agency.gov.uk
+ More
Environment Agency investigates pollution
on the River Calder
Francesca Glyn-Jones - 15-May-2007 - Staff
at the Environment Agency will be working
with Yorkshire Water to improve water quality
close to a waste water treatment works after
pollution escaped into the River Calder.
The Environment Agency investigated the
incident which was reported by members of
the public on April 25.
Officers found dead trout and grayling
between Copley and Cromwell Bottom, near
Brighouse and traced the pollution to Halifax
Waste Water Treatment Works at Copley.
This stretch will now be surveyed to assess
whether the pollution has caused any long-term
impact, and the results will be used to
determine whether fish restocking is needed.
Environment Agency team leader for Calderdale
Tracy Langdale said: “Our investigation
found that the problem was caused when the
power supply was cut to the treatment works.
This meant that the sewage being discharged
into the river was only partially treated.”
Halifax treatment works is allowed to discharge
under these conditions as part of its consent
permit which is issued by the Environment
Agency.
Staff are now reviewing this permit to
reduce the amount of ammonia that is allowed
to discharge into the river. Ammonia is
present in sewage and is toxic to fish.
Yorkshire Water is also carrying out a
programme of improvements at the treatment
works which will further reduce the risk
of pollution.
Tracy said: “Our rivers are a valuable
part of the environment and good water quality
is vital for the health of wildlife and
their habitats. We are working with Yorkshire
Water to make sure that everything is being
done to protect the River Calder.”
The power supply was cut to Halifax treatment
works on the afternoon of April 24, and
Yorkshire Water brought in an emergency
generator later that day.
Environment Agency officers attended the
pollution incident and counted more than
200 dead fish but a survey of the area showed
the impact on the river was limited to the
stretch between Halifax Copley Outfall and
Cromwell Bottom.
