Written By: Mark Lyod
On Date: 2/7/2018
Newark and Sherwood District Council has admitted that it got the law wrong in granting planning permission for a hydropower scheme on the Trent at Cromwell weir without following European Rules on assessing impact on the environment. It has now agreed to revoke its decision, following receipt of a “pre-action” Judicial Review letter from Fish Legal acting for the Collingham Angling Association.
Caerphilly Council told to 'pay up' for fish losses
Fish Legal has sent a letter before action to Caerphilly Council claiming for the losses suffered by Rhymney & District Angling Society as a result of a lake being drained. Council contractors began silt removal works by opening an outlet valve at Deri Lake, Parc Cwm Darran, completely draining the lake without placing any protection to prevent fish escaping or warning the club or National Resources Wales that this was going to happen. Expert evidence has been put to the Council to show that the club lost 90% of their fish stocks.
Banks on the Nidd restored
The Nidderdale Angling Club are pleased to have settled their dispute with a farmer who caused damage to sections of bank on the Nidd by crossing the river with heavy farm machinery. In September 2017, contractors working for the farmer drove a forager across the river but the vehicle became stuck in the river bed gravels and had to be pulled out – causing further damage to the river bed and banks. After a bankside meeting with the Club, Fish Legal’s lawyer Justin Neal, the farmer and his representatives, the farmer agreed to re-instate the banks and replant with wild grass.
Non-Exec vacancies
Fish Legal is seeking to appoint three new Non-Executive Directors to steer the organisation through the next stage of expansion and development. Candidates are likely to have experience at board or senior executive level in similar-sized organisations and be keenly interested in issues affecting the water environment and angling. More information
Illuminating response on Durham hydroscheme
Durham City Council is currently trialling optical acoustic deterrents to stop migrating salmon and trout entering and becoming trapped in the chamber of a hydroelectric scheme at Durham weir on the river Wear. The move follows pressure from Fish Legal, and the publication of video evidence of salmon being caught on the turbine blades and thrown against the turbine chamber to highlight the inadequacy of the Environment Agency approved fish screens currently in place. The Wear Anglers Association hoped for a successful outcome, however it is understood the trials are in difficulties with fish still being seen in the turbine chamber. The Council had indicated that they would consider reducing turbine operation in preference to further screens if necessary. Fish Legal is awaiting the outcome of the trial before advising affected members further.
Consultation failures over East Midlands Airport de-icer discharges into the Trent
Fish Legal has criticised an Environment Agency-led review of the discharge permit for East Mildlands Airport which fails to take into account the airport’s plans to double passenger traffic and treble the existing freight tonnage handled annually by 2030-35. Each year the Derby Railway Angling Club sees sewage fungus caused by discharges of de-icers into the river Trent during the winter months. Fish Legal has made representations on behalf of the club – who were provided with very little information in order to properly comment on the permit changes - stating that the existing permit is not fit for purpose and the proposed permit variation is not adequate to tackle the existing problems, let alone making it suitable for the 21st century.
No subsidy for Swansea Bay tidal lagoon
The UK government has decided not to provide financial support for the proposed Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon. Fish Legal and the Angling Trust have been challenging the economic and environmental evidence in support of the lagoon for over five years and claimed the scheme would risk serious harm to marine and migratory fish populations, and other aquatic wildlife. Read more
And finally...
Countryfile highlighted the problem of untreated sewage being dumped into rivers in its most recent episode. Filming on the river Windrush, BBC presenter Tom Heap reported how discharges from combined sewage overflow (CSOs) can seriously affect water quality and fisheries. Fish Legal currently has 29 ongoing cases and advice matters involving pollution from sewage treatment works – including discharges from CSOs - on behalf of its member angling clubs and fishery owners.
Fish Legal is a membership association using the law to protect fish stocks and the rights of its members throughout the UK. It is united in a collaborative relationship with the Angling Trust, the national representative and governing body for angling in England. Joint membership packages with the Angling Trust are available for individuals, clubs, fisheries and other categories. Want to find out more? CLICK HERE
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