Davec
New Member
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An organization I am involved with have recently received the letter below.
I hope all Landyzone members will respect it
Asiantaeth yr
Amgylchedd Cymru
Environment Agency Wales
Dear Sir I Madam
USE OF FORD ACROSS RIVER ALWEN NEAR GLANALWEN, CORWEN
The Environment Agency Wales are concerned about reports of activities at the ford crossing the River Alwen between Glan Alwen and Hafod-y-calch near Corwen, Denbighshire, North Wales. It has been reported that 4x4 vehicles are crossing the river and being cleaned at this point.
This part of the watercourse is a recognised spawning area for salmon and sea trout. Eggs are laid in winter in the rocky bed of the river where they stay for several months while they develop.
Whilst mud is a natural substance, and often regarded as not being a pollutant, allowing increased sediment to enter a watercourse can be very damaging to fish and the small invertebrates on which they feed. Sediment can block fish gills and smother fish eggs, preventing them from hatching. It is therefore a significant pollution risk to fish populations.
Under the Water Resources Act 1991 and the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975 the introduction of polluting matter (including sediment) to watercourses and
the wilful disturbance of fish spawning grounds constitute criminal offences.
The Environment Agency are aware that this ford is an adopted highway and therefore is unable to be closed during spawning. However, we would be grateful if you could make any of your members using the area aware of this issue and dissuade them from using this road during the spawning period. We are working with the Local Authority to erect signs for this area to highlight this issue to drivers.
It has also been noted that vehicles are being washed in the River Alwen at this crossing. We would appreciate it if this activity should be actively discouraged by 4x4 clubs to prevent excess sediment from entering any watercourse and thereby protect the environment. It is recommended that drivers use appropriate facilities at petrol stations for example, where the run off is contained and not allowed to enter the surface drainage system.
The River Alwen is a high quality river, both chemically and biologically and we would appreciate your members’ consideration whilst enjoying their hobby.
I appreciate your co-operation in this matter and if you would like any further information from the Environment Agency please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours faithfully
Jenny Dodwell
Environment Officer
I hope all Landyzone members will respect it
Asiantaeth yr
Amgylchedd Cymru
Environment Agency Wales
Dear Sir I Madam
USE OF FORD ACROSS RIVER ALWEN NEAR GLANALWEN, CORWEN
The Environment Agency Wales are concerned about reports of activities at the ford crossing the River Alwen between Glan Alwen and Hafod-y-calch near Corwen, Denbighshire, North Wales. It has been reported that 4x4 vehicles are crossing the river and being cleaned at this point.
This part of the watercourse is a recognised spawning area for salmon and sea trout. Eggs are laid in winter in the rocky bed of the river where they stay for several months while they develop.
Whilst mud is a natural substance, and often regarded as not being a pollutant, allowing increased sediment to enter a watercourse can be very damaging to fish and the small invertebrates on which they feed. Sediment can block fish gills and smother fish eggs, preventing them from hatching. It is therefore a significant pollution risk to fish populations.
Under the Water Resources Act 1991 and the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975 the introduction of polluting matter (including sediment) to watercourses and
the wilful disturbance of fish spawning grounds constitute criminal offences.
The Environment Agency are aware that this ford is an adopted highway and therefore is unable to be closed during spawning. However, we would be grateful if you could make any of your members using the area aware of this issue and dissuade them from using this road during the spawning period. We are working with the Local Authority to erect signs for this area to highlight this issue to drivers.
It has also been noted that vehicles are being washed in the River Alwen at this crossing. We would appreciate it if this activity should be actively discouraged by 4x4 clubs to prevent excess sediment from entering any watercourse and thereby protect the environment. It is recommended that drivers use appropriate facilities at petrol stations for example, where the run off is contained and not allowed to enter the surface drainage system.
The River Alwen is a high quality river, both chemically and biologically and we would appreciate your members’ consideration whilst enjoying their hobby.
I appreciate your co-operation in this matter and if you would like any further information from the Environment Agency please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours faithfully
Jenny Dodwell
Environment Officer
