Update on the Wye Catchment Management Plan and intention to extract nutrient elements to form a new Nutrient Management Plan.

[Oliver Bowers, Haskoning UK Ltd; 15 minutes]

Oliver Bowers (Haskoning UK Ltd) reported on progress with the development of the Wye Catchment Management Plan (CMP) and how it related to the Nutrient Management Plan (NMP).  The principal points included:

1.           An evidence review was underway, involving the collation of data and other information sources, to develop an evidence-led report that would identify the key issues and pressures within the catchment.

2.           There would be an options assessment which would also explore synergies in relation to potential solutions.

3.           An overall options appraisal would be conducted to develop a shortlist of solutions, supported by modelling, with the overall aim of attaining favourable condition.

4.           Four key themes were identified: flooding, geomorphological constraints, water quality, and ecology.

5.           There were ten sub-catchments, with some areas further subdivided to facilitate more detailed analysis where required.

6.           The action plan would need to be implementable and include defined timescales, potential funding opportunities, assigned responsibilities, and monitoring arrangements.  It was noted that data gaps may be identified and the action plan would address this, including consideration of feasibility studies where applicable.

7.           It was anticipated that the CMP would span approximately ten years, with periodic updates scheduled.

8.           It was intended that the options assessment would be completed by the end of summer 2026, followed by a period of stakeholder engagement.

9.           The evidence base, modelling, and framework of the CMP would be utilised to develop a standalone NMP, incorporating relevant levels, targets, and bespoke elements.  It was noted that there was a need to quantify and account for significant new housing growth in the catchment.

10.        The team involved in the development of the CMP would be mostly the same for the subsequent development of the NMP.

In response to questions from the Chairperson, Oliver Bowers acknowledged the need to look at: evidence in terms of phosphate and total phosphorus; levels of ammonia; the condition assessments of the Wye and Lugg being conducted by Natural England, as well as the Welsh Evidence Base.  The Chairperson highlighted the general principle moved at the previous meeting that ‘the new Nutrient Management Plan, as and when it was scoped and designed, needed to at the least accord with the legally binding targets’; note 30 of 21 January 2026 refers (link).

Liz Bickerton commented on the need for action plan timings to align with budget cycles.  In response to a question, Oliver Bowers indicated that, while additional modelling, engagement and adoption processes would be necessary, there should not be a substantial time gap between the CMP and the NMP.

In response to a question from Kate Speke Adams, it was reported that WSIMOD (Water System Integrated Model) would be utilised for water quality modelling given the scale of the catchment.

Helen Dale commented that consultation and engagement activities should include the broader agricultural sector.  It was confirmed that an engagement plan was being developed.  The Chairperson said that the board was the obvious route for consultation and engagement.

In response to a question from  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40

To receive an update on the NMP.

[Herefordshire Council]

The Chairperson outlined options for the development of the Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) and invited comments from board members and other meeting participants.  The principal points included:

i.             Gemma Dando reported that: the Statutory Officers’ Group had identified a preference for single plan, with a single set of objectives, given the need to pull in the same direction and work to the same goals; and Herefordshire Council would be prepared to undertake a coordinating role.

ii.            Pat Stirling said that: the proposal was welcomed, particularly given the overlap between the Nutrient Management Plan and the Catchment Management Plan; the process would need to be communicated to the respective members; the Evidence Base for Wales identified measures per sub catchment area and this level of specificity would be needed in the plan; and the need to improve the ecological status of the catchment on both sides of the border should be recognised.

iii.          The Chairperson suggested that interim targets and trajectories should be included, and consideration should be given to lifting the evidence base further, particularly to assist regulators on matters such as voluntary agriculture mitigation measures and Water Protection Zones.

iv.          Andrew McRobb noted that there was general consensus for a single plan, but consideration should be given to discrete elements for the Nutrient Management Board given its specific responsibilities and accountabilities.

v.           In response to a question from the Chairperson, Pat Stirling advised that the membership of the task and finish group for the Catchment Management Plan had not yet been announced but he supported the inclusion of a representative from the Nutrient Management Board.

Later in the discussion, the following additional points were made: Helen Dale requested agricultural sector representation; and the Chairperson said that the Nutrient Management Board nominee would need to represent the diverse viewpoints of board members.

vi.          In response to a question from Pat Stirling, Claire Minett reported that Natural England had undertaken condition assessments for the Lugg and the Wye, and subsequent analysis may inform whether a nitrogen target was applicable or necessary; data would be shared at the earliest opportunity.  Ann Weedy reported that SAC and WFD compliance had been undertaken in 2024, with the next assessment due in 2027.

vii.         Helen Dale supported a single plan, subject to it being produced collaboratively, with any proposals informed by risk and cost assessments.

viii.       Liz Bickerton made observations about the need for an actions focused approach and for measurable indicators to ensure that progress was being made.

ix.          Councillor Charlton said that it was important to have clarity around the ownership of the plan, with a preference expressed for ownership by the Nutrient Management Board.

x.           Gemma Dando clarified that the Herefordshire Council resource offer was around the initial development of the plan.  It was noted various issues would need to be explored, including ownership and the roles of each organisation, mindful of the separate decision-making arrangements.

xi.          Louise Bodnar invited the Environment Agency to consider whether any effective and actionable measures identified  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33

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.