To receive an update on the NMP.

[Herefordshire Council]

To consider the method to produce and deliver the updated NMP.

[Chairperson, Councillor Elissa Swinglehurst]

The Chairperson noted that the River Wye Statutory Officers’ Group was responsible for producing a publicly available Nutrient Management Plan but considered that a degree of collaboration through the draft stages would be beneficial.

Martin Quine said that, once the Diffuse Water Pollution Plan and the Welsh Evidence Base were finalised, work could be progressed on a bridging document.  The Chairperson highlighted the importance of identifying and tracking actions.

There was discussion about the gap between the outputs of the measures and mechanisms modelled and the target.  Martin Quine acknowledged that the agencies did not have all the answers currently, referenced the Welsh and UK government joint research initiative, and emphasised that there was a significant volume of work being undertaken in the catchment.

A board member commented on the significant roles of regulatory bodies and the farming community in the delivery of meaningful outcomes.  A remote attendee commented on the need to consider emerging issues, including the ramifications of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.