As the competent body under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended) Cabinet is asked to note the progress being made towards creating Integrated Wetlands phosphate reduction and steps being taken to ensure Nutrient Certainty to the required standard of beyond reasonable scientific doubt.

That cabinet: 

a)    Agree that all necessary due diligence to confirm Nutrient Certainty has now been achieved; 

b)   Authorise the Corporate Director Economy and Environment to commence the trading of credits as outlined in the Phosphate Credit Pricing and Allocation Policy agreed by Cabinet on 26 May 2022; 

c)    Establish a Cabinet Working Group to be called the Phosphates Commission - Restoring the River Wye - to consider how the Council and its partners can progress the wider systemic and strategic issues needed to address Phosphate Pollution in the Wye; 

d)   Agree that the Terms of Reference for the Phosphates Commission are agreed in writing by Cabinet with the Final Terms of Reference and Membership of the Phosphates Commission being reported to the next available meeting of Cabinet;

e)    Approve the response to the recommendations of the environment and sustainability scrutiny committee as set out in appendix 4; and

f)     To establish a Commissioning provision of £60k and delegate to the Corporate Director of Economy and Environment in consultation with the Deputy Leader of the Council commissioning expenditure decisions. 

1. The options to purchase and build Integrated Wetlands were determined in the August 2020 Executive Member decision. This is an update report following that decision and no options are presented on the Integrated Wetland Projects. This report is available here:

 https://councillors.herefordshire.gov.uk/documents/s50081736/The%20construction%20and%20management%20of%20Integrated%20Wetlands%20as%20tertiary%20treatments%20for%20waste%20water%20treatm.pdf

2. Not to form a Commission to take any further action to protect Water Quality in River Wye and Lugg. This is not recommended. There is strong resident support for taking further action. Inaction would delay river restoration and the Commission will increase the capacity available to address the issue beyond what is currently being provided through the important work of the Nutrient Management Board.