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 Pat Stirling, Claire Minett reported that the condition assessment for the Lugg had been largely completed, with work continuing for the Wye; this evidence would be appraised to determine if a nitrogen target was appropriate.

In response to a question from Christine Hugh-Jones, it was confirmed that the entirety of the catchment would be covered.

The Chairperson thanked Oliver Bowers and requested that the board receive ongoing updates regarding progress.