Freshwater Morphology Study Best Practice Measures Tool Kit Paul Johnston Associates Fisheries Consultants

Risk Assessment Refinement Use field data to refine Article 5 risk assessment pressure thresholds Aerial Imagery Capture and Processing Derive Channel TypologiesDevelop Remote Sensing Methods Fieldwork Contracts 2006 and 2007 Morphology and Biology Field Data Programmes of Measures Populate a morphology database Developing the Morphological Assessment Process RISK ASSESSMENT CLASSIFICATION & MONITORING PoMS STUDY Decision Support Tool

Risk Assessment Refinement Use field data to refine Article 5 risk assessment pressure thresholds Aerial Imagery Capture and Processing Derive Channel TypologiesDevelop Remote Sensing Methods Fieldwork Contracts 2006 and 2007 Morphology and Biology Field Data Programmes of Measures Populate a morphology database Developing the Morphological Assessment Process RISK ASSESSMENT CLASSIFICATION & MONITORING PoMS STUDY Decision Support Tool Best Practice Measures Toolkit

Channelisation: Approach to future river channel works Capital works & maintenance works Report contents Measures to address Morphological Pressures: Outline of key pressures & impactsOutline of key pressures & impacts Identification of specific measures to address key pressuresIdentification of specific measures to address key pressures

FUTURE CHANNELISATION WORKS? Further arterial drainage schemes unlikely Channel works will focus on:  Capital works - Localised channel works: urban (& rural) flood prevention (also road works, bridge construction & associated channel realignment)  Maintenance works - Statutory requirement to maintain drainage schemes under Arterial Drainage Act 1945

Supplementary measures – Apply morphology measures toolkit to prioritised waterbodies Awareness programmes Voluntary initiatives eg wetlands / riparian areas Actions – Morphology monitoring programme Prescribed basic measures – national regulation system Protected areas measures – favourable condition requirements Decision Support Tool Programmes of Measures Programmes Of Measures (PoMs)

Supplementary measures – Apply morphology measures toolkit to prioritised waterbodies Awareness programmes Voluntary initiatives eg wetlands / riparian areas Actions – Morphology monitoring programme Prescribed basic measures – national regulation system Protected areas measures – favourable condition requirements Decision Support Tool Programmes of Measures Programmes Of Measures (PoMs)

1Basic measures - legislative and regulatory 2Supplementary measures:  codes of practice  voluntary initiatives  improvement programmes Morphology Measures Tool Kit

MORPHOLOGY PRESSURES Article 5 Pressures and Impacts Analysis Key morphology pressures:  Channelisation and flood embankments  Impoundments and regulation  Intensive land use +  Barriers to migration

ANALYSIS Pressure Sub-pressure Impact Measure

ANALYSIS Pressure Sub-pressure Impact Channelisation Re-sectioning of channel Measure Loss of morphological diversity Narrowing of channel = = = = Example

Programmes Of Measures (PoMs) Supplementary measures: Morphology Measures Tool Kit 21 measures identified to address morphological pressures

Anon (2000) Forestry and Water Quality Guidelines. Forest Service. Department of the Marine and Natural Resources. 13pp. Anon (2007) Farmer’s Guide to REPS 4. Rural Environment Protection Scheme. Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Anon (2007a) Guidelines on the Planning, Design, Construction & Operation of Small- Scale Hydro-Electric Schemes and Fisheries. Central & Regional Fisheries Boards & Engineering Division, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food. Dublin. 52pp. APEM (1996) Restoration of Riverine Salmon Habitats – A Guidance Manual. R&D Technical Report W44. Environment Agency, Bristol. FAO/DVWK (2002) Fish passes – Design, dimensions and monitoring. Rome, FAO. 119pp Irish SuDS: Guidance and Tools. Dublin City Council. King JJ (2001) The Experimental Drainage Maintenance Programme (EDM) Summary Report and Recommendations. Central Fisheries Board, Dublin. King JJ & Wightman GD (2006) The Experimental Drainage Maintenance Programme (EDM) Management Summary. Central Fisheries Board, Dublin. Main reference material (1):

OPW (2007) Screening of Natura 2000 sites for Impacts of Arterial Drainage Maintenance Operations. Series of Ecological Assessments on Arterial Drainage Maintenance – No 1. Office of Public Works. O’Grady MF (2006) Channels & Challenges. Enhancing Salmonid Rivers. Irish Freshwater Fisheries Ecology & Management Series: No 4. Central Fisheries Board, Dublin, Ireland. RRC (2002) Manual of River Restoration Techniques. River Restoration Centre, Silsoe, UKSEPA (2002) Managing River Habitats for Fisheries. SAC. Summers DW, Giles N & Willis DJ (1996) Restoration of Riverine Trout Habitats – A Guidance Manual. R&D Technical Report W18. Environment Agency, Bristol. Ward D, Holmes N & José P (1994) The New Rivers and Wildlife Handbook. RSPB, NRA, RSNS, Royal Society for Protection of Birds, 426pp. WWF (2000) Farming and Watercourse Management. SNH, WWF (Scotland), FWAG, SEPA, SAC. Main reference material (2):

PRESSURESUB-PRESSUREIMPACTNO.MEASURES Channelisation & Flood embankments

PRESSURESUB-PRESSUREIMPACTNO.MEASURES Channelisation & Flood embankments Channel alteration – straightening, deepening, widening of channel Flood walls and embankments Drainage maintenance works (dredging and control of vegetation)

PRESSURESUB-PRESSUREIMPACTNO.MEASURES Channelisation & Flood embankments Channel alteration – straightening, deepening, widening of channel Loss of morphological and ecological diversity Loss or impairment of riparian zone Flood walls and embankments Drainage maintenance works (dredging and control of vegetation)

PRESSURESUB-PRESSUREIMPACTNO.MEASURES Channelisation & Flood embankments Channel alteration – straightening, deepening, widening of channel Loss of morphological and ecological diversity 1Re-meandering of straightened channels 2Narrowing of channels 3Re-construction of pools 4Substrate enhancement Loss or impairment of riparian zone 5Fencing programmes to exclude livestock Flood walls and embankments Drainage maintenance works (dredging and control of vegetation)

PRESSURESUB-PRESSUREIMPACTNO.MEASURES Channelisation & Flood embankments Channel alteration – straightening, deepening, widening of channel Loss of morphological and ecological diversity 1Re-meandering of straightened channels 2Narrowing of channels Assisted natural recovery 3Re-construction of pools 4 Substrate enhancement Loss or impairment of riparian zone 5Fencing programmes to exclude livestock Flood walls and embankments Drainage maintenance works (dredging and control of vegetation)

PRESSURESUB-PRESSUREIMPACTNO.MEASURES Channelisation & Flood embankments Channel alteration – straightening, deepening, widening of channel Loss of morphological and ecological diversity 1Re-meandering of straightened channels 2Narrowing of channels Assisted natural recovery 3Re-construction of pools 4 Substrate enhancement Loss or impairment of riparian zone 5Fencing programmes to exclude livestock Flood walls and embankments Drainage maintenance works (dredging and control of vegetation)

PRESSURESUB-PRESSUREIMPACTNO.MEASURES Channelisation & Flood embankments Channel alteration – straightening, deepening, widening of channel Loss of morphological and ecological diversity 1Re-meandering of straightened channels 2Narrowing of channels Assisted natural recovery 3Re-construction of pools 4 Substrate enhancement Loss or impairment of riparian zone 5Fencing programmes to exclude livestock Flood walls and embankments Reduced floodplain area/ loss of riparian zone and marginal habitats/ reduced connectivity with floodplain/ entrapment of sediments Drainage maintenance works (dredging and control of vegetation)

PRESSURESUB-PRESSUREIMPACTNO.MEASURES Channelisation & Flood embankments Channel alteration – straightening, deepening, widening of channel Loss of morphological and ecological diversity 1Re-meandering of straightened channels 2Narrowing of channels Assisted natural recovery 3Re-construction of pools 4 Substrate enhancement Loss or impairment of riparian zone 5Fencing programmes to exclude livestock Flood walls and embankments Reduced floodplain area/ loss of riparian zone and marginal habitats/ reduced connectivity with floodplain/ entrapment of sediments 6Removal or re-location of flood banks Drainage maintenance works (dredging and control of vegetation)

PRESSURESUB-PRESSUREIMPACTNO.MEASURES Channelisation & Flood embankments Channel alteration – straightening, deepening, widening of channel Loss of morphological and ecological diversity 1Re-meandering of straightened channels 2Narrowing of channels Assisted natural recovery 3Re-construction of pools 4 Substrate enhancement Loss or impairment of riparian zone 5Fencing programmes to exclude livestock Flood walls and embankments Reduced floodplain area/ loss of riparian zone and marginal habitats/ reduced connectivity with floodplain/ entrapment of sediments 6Removal or re-location of flood banks Drainage maintenance works (dredging and control of vegetation)

PRESSURESUB-PRESSUREIMPACTNO.MEASURES Channelisation & Flood embankments Channel alteration – straightening, deepening, widening of channel Loss of morphological and ecological diversity 1Re-meandering of straightened channels 2Narrowing of channels Assisted natural recovery 3Re-construction of pools 4 Substrate enhancement Loss or impairment of riparian zone 5Fencing programmes to exclude livestock Flood walls and embankments Reduced floodplain area/ loss of riparian zone and marginal habitats/ reduced connectivity with floodplain/ entrapment of sediments 6Removal or re-location of flood banks Drainage maintenance works (dredging and control of vegetation) Loss of morphological and ecological diversity Disturbance of riverbed and banks/ mobilisation of sediments/ loss of instream and riparian vegetation

PRESSURESUB-PRESSUREIMPACTNO.MEASURES Channelisation & Flood embankments Channel alteration – straightening, deepening, widening of channel Loss of morphological and ecological diversity 1Re-meandering of straightened channels 2Narrowing of channels Assisted natural recovery 3Re-construction of pools 4 Substrate enhancement Loss or impairment of riparian zone 5Fencing programmes to exclude livestock Flood walls and embankments Reduced floodplain area/ loss of riparian zone and marginal habitats/ reduced connectivity with floodplain/ entrapment of sediments 6Removal or re-location of flood banks Drainage maintenance works (dredging and control of vegetation) Loss of morphological and ecological diversity Disturbance of riverbed and banks/ mobilisation of sediments/ loss of instream and riparian vegetation 7Application of OPW Environmental Drainage Maintenance guidelines

DRAINAGE MAINTENANCE WORKS 1Protect bank slopes 2Restrict maintenance to channel 3Deposit spoil on bank full 4Selective vegetation removal 5Leave sections untouched Best practice measures OPW Environmental Drainage Maintenance 10 steps

DRAINAGE MAINTENANCE WORKS Best practice measures OPW Environmental Drainage Maintenance 10 steps 6 Management of trees 7 Manage berms to form 2-stage channel 8 Replace boulders 9 Loosen bed gravels 10 Excavate pools

PRESSURESUB-PRESSUREIMPACTNO.MEASURES Channelisation & Flood embankments Channel alteration – straightening, deepening, widening of channel Loss of morphological and ecological diversity 1Re-meandering of straightened channels 2Narrowing of channels Assisted natural recovery 3Re-construction of pools 4 Substrate enhancement Loss or impairment of riparian zone 5Fencing programmes to exclude livestock Flood walls and embankments Reduced floodplain area/ loss of riparian zone and marginal habitats/ reduced connectivity with floodplain/ entrapment of sediments 6Removal or re-location of flood banks Drainage maintenance works (dredging and control of vegetation) Loss of morphological and ecological diversity Disturbance of riverbed and banks/ mobilisation of sediments/ loss of instream and riparian vegetation 7Application of OPW Environmental Drainage Maintenance guidelines 8Incorporation of river restoration & fisheries enhancement projects (see Measures 2-4) 9Measures to facilitate natural recovery

PRESSURE: Channelisation and flood embankments Summary of measures: 1.Re-meandering of straightened channels 2.Narrowing of channels 3.Re-construction of pools 4.Substrate enhancement 5.Fencing programmes to exclude livestock 6.Removal or re-location of flood banks 7.Application of OPW Environmental Drainage Maintenance guidelines 8.Incorporation of river restoration & fisheries enhancement projects 9.Adjustment of drainage maintenance criteria

PRESSURE SUB- PRESSURE IMPACTNO.MEASURES IMPOUNDMENTS & REGULATION

PRESSURE SUB- PRESSURE IMPACTNO.MEASURES IMPOUNDMENTS & REGULATION Dams & weirs

PRESSURE SUB- PRESSURE IMPACTNO.MEASURES IMPOUNDMENTS & REGULATION Dams & weirsLoss of morphological and ecological diversity in impounded reach / Reduction in productivity / Accumulation of sediment upstream / Loss of sediment input downstream

PRESSURE SUB- PRESSURE IMPACTNO.MEASURES IMPOUNDMENTS & REGULATION Dams & weirsLoss of morphological and ecological diversity in impounded reach / Reduction in productivity / Accumulation of sediment upstream / Loss of sediment input downstream 10Removal of structure and de- silting of impounded reach

PRESSURE SUB- PRESSURE IMPACTNO.MEASURES IMPOUNDMENTS & REGULATION Dams & weirsLoss of morphological and ecological diversity in impounded reach / Reduction in productivity / Accumulation of sediment upstream / Loss of sediment input downstream 10Removal of structure and de- silting of impounded reach Inadequate residual flow downstream

PRESSURE SUB- PRESSURE IMPACTNO.MEASURES IMPOUNDMENTS & REGULATION Dams & weirsLoss of morphological and ecological diversity in impounded reach / Reduction in productivity / Accumulation of sediment upstream / Loss of sediment input downstream 10Removal of structure and de- silting of impounded reach Inadequate residual flow downstream 11Adoption of operational protocols

PRESSURE: Impoundments & Regulation Summary of measures: 10.Removal of structure and de-silting of impounded reach 11.Adoption of operational protocols

PRESSURESUB-PRESSUREIMPACTNO.MEASURES INTENSIVE LAND USE

PRESSURESUB-PRESSUREIMPACTNO.MEASURES INTENSIVE LAND USE Over-grazing & bank trampling Forestry operations Peat extraction Hard surface run- off – urban drainage, roads etc

PRESSURESUB-PRESSUREIMPACTNO.MEASURES INTENSIVE LAND USE Over-grazing & bank trampling Forestry operations Peat extraction Hard surface run-off – urban drainage, roads etc

PRESSURESUB-PRESSUREIMPACTNO.MEASURES INTENSIVE LAND USE Over-grazing & bank trampling Bank erosion/ over- widening of channel/ sediment deposition in watercourses Loss of riparian zone Forestry operations Peat extraction Hard surface run-off – urban drainage, roads etc

PRESSURESUB-PRESSUREIMPACTNO.MEASURES INTENSIVE LAND USE Over-grazing & bank trampling Bank erosion/ over- widening of channel/ sediment deposition in watercourses Loss of riparian zone 12Stabilisation of river banks 13Application of REPS special measures 14Fencing programmes to exclude livestock Forestry operations Peat extraction Hard surface run-off – urban drainage, roads etc

PRESSURESUB-PRESSUREIMPACTNO.MEASURES INTENSIVE LAND USE Over-grazing & bank trampling Bank erosion/ over- widening of channel/ sediment deposition in watercourses Loss of riparian zone 12Stabilisation of river banks 13Application of REPS special measures 14Fencing programmes to exclude livestock Forestry operations Peat extraction Hard surface run-off – urban drainage, roads etc

PRESSURESUB-PRESSUREIMPACTNO.MEASURES INTENSIVE LAND USE Over-grazing & bank trampling Bank erosion/ over- widening of channel/ sediment deposition in watercourses Loss of riparian zone 12Stabilisation of river banks 13Application of REPS special measures 14Fencing programmes to exclude livestock Forestry operations Increased run-off rate through drainage systems / silt deposition in watercourses / shading effects Peat extraction Hard surface run-off – urban drainage, roads etc

PRESSURESUB-PRESSUREIMPACTNO.MEASURES INTENSIVE LAND USE Over-grazing & bank trampling Bank erosion/ over- widening of channel/ sediment deposition in watercourses Loss of riparian zone 12Stabilisation of river banks 13Application of REPS special measures 14Fencing programmes to exclude livestock Forestry operations Increased run-off rate through drainage systems / silt deposition in watercourses / shading effects 15Application of best practice guidelines Peat extraction Hard surface run-off – urban drainage, roads etc

PRESSURESUB-PRESSUREIMPACTNO.MEASURES INTENSIVE LAND USE Over-grazing & bank trampling Bank erosion/ over- widening of channel/ sediment deposition in watercourses Loss of riparian zone 12Stabilisation of river banks 13Application of REPS special measures 14Fencing programmes to exclude livestock Forestry operationsIncreased run-off rate through drainage systems / silt deposition in watercourses / shading effects 15Application of best practice guidelines Peat extraction Hard surface run-off – urban drainage, roads etc

PRESSURESUB-PRESSUREIMPACTNO.MEASURES INTENSIVE LAND USE Over-grazing & bank trampling Bank erosion/ over- widening of channel/ sediment deposition in watercourses Loss of riparian zone 12Stabilisation of river banks 13Application of REPS special measures 14Fencing programmes to exclude livestock Forestry operationsIncreased run-off rate through drainage systems / silt deposition in watercourses / shading effects 15Application of best practice guidelines Peat extractionPeat silt run-off and deposition in watercourses Hard surface run-off – urban drainage, roads etc

PRESSURESUB-PRESSUREIMPACTNO.MEASURES INTENSIVE LAND USE Over-grazing & bank trampling Bank erosion/ over- widening of channel/ sediment deposition in watercourses Loss of riparian zone 12Stabilisation of river banks 13Application of REPS special measures 14Fencing programmes to exclude livestock Forestry operationsIncreased run-off rate through drainage systems / silt deposition in watercourses / shading effects 15Application of best practice guidelines Peat extractionPeat silt run-off and deposition in watercourses 16Operation and maintenance of silt traps 17De-silting of affected reaches Hard surface run-off – urban drainage, roads etc

PRESSURESUB-PRESSUREIMPACTNO.MEASURES INTENSIVE LAND USE Over-grazing & bank trampling Bank erosion/ over- widening of channel/ sediment deposition in watercourses Loss of riparian zone 12Stabilisation of river banks 13Application of REPS special measures 14Fencing programmes to exclude livestock Forestry operationsIncreased run-off rate through drainage systems / silt deposition in watercourses / shading effects 15Application of best practice guidelines Peat extractionPeat silt run-off and deposition in watercourses 16Operation and maintenance of silt traps 17De-silting of affected reaches Hard surface run- off – urban drainage, roads etc

PRESSURESUB-PRESSUREIMPACTNO.MEASURES INTENSIVE LAND USE Over-grazing & bank trampling Bank erosion/ over- widening of channel/ sediment deposition in watercourses Loss of riparian zone 12Stabilisation of river banks 13Application of REPS special measures 14Fencing programmes to exclude livestock Forestry operationsIncreased run-off rate through drainage systems / silt deposition in watercourses / shading effects 15Application of best practice guidelines Peat extractionPeat silt run-off and deposition in watercourses 16Operation and maintenance of silt traps 17De-silting of affected reaches Hard surface run- off – urban drainage, roads etc Run-off of silt and deposition in watercourses Increased peak flows Bank erosion

PRESSURESUB-PRESSUREIMPACTNO.MEASURES INTENSIVE LAND USE Over-grazing & bank trampling Bank erosion/ over- widening of channel/ sediment deposition in watercourses Loss of riparian zone 12Stabilisation of river banks 13Application of REPS special measures 14Fencing programmes to exclude livestock Forestry operationsIncreased run-off rate through drainage systems / silt deposition in watercourses / shading effects 15Application of best practice guidelines Peat extractionPeat silt run-off and deposition in watercourses 16Operation and maintenance of silt traps 17De-silting of affected reaches Hard surface run- off – urban drainage, roads etc Run-off of silt and deposition in watercourses Increased peak flows Bank erosion 18Incorporation of SuDS processes

PRESSURE: Intensive land use Summary of measures: 12.Stabilisation of river banks 13.Application of REPS special measures 14.Fencing programmes to exclude livestock 15.Application of best practice forestry guidelines 16.Operation and maintenance of silt traps at peat extraction sites 17.De-silting of affected river reaches 18.Incorporation of SuDS processes

PRESSURESUB-PRESSUREIMPACTNO.MEASURES BARRIERS TO MIGRATION

PRESSURESUB-PRESSUREIMPACTNO.MEASURES BARRIERS TO MIGRATION Dams, weirs, bridge aprons, & culverts

PRESSURESUB-PRESSUREIMPACTNO.MEASURES BARRIERS TO MIGRATION Dams, weirs, bridge aprons, & culverts Lack of continuity Obstruction to migration of fish and invertebrates

PRESSURESUB-PRESSUREIMPACTNO.MEASURES BARRIERS TO MIGRATION Dams, weirs, bridge aprons, & culverts Lack of continuity Obstruction to migration of fish and invertebrates 19Removal of structures 20Structural modification - construction of fish passes etc 21Adoption of operational protocols

PRESSURE: Barriers to migration Summary of measures: 19.Removal of structures 20.Structural modification - construction of fish passes etc 21.Adoption of operational protocols

Full suite of measures: 1.Re-meandering of straightened channels 2.Narrowing of channels 3.Re-construction of pools 4.Substrate enhancement 5.Fencing programmes to exclude livestock 6.Removal or re-location of flood banks 7.Application of OPW Environmental Drainage Maintenance guidelines 8.Incorporation of river restoration & fisheries enhancement projects 9.Adjustment of drainage maintenance criteria 10.Removal of structure and de-silting of impounded reach 11.Adoption of operational protocols 12.Stabilisation of river banks 13.Application of REPS special measures 14.Fencing programmes to exclude livestock 15.Application of best practice forestry guidelines 16.Operation and maintenance of silt traps at peat extraction sites 17.De-silting of affected river reaches 18.Incorporation of SuDS processes 19.Removal of structures 20.Structural modification - construction of fish passes etc 21.Adoption of operational protocols