The Irwell Pilot an integrated approach to delivering sustainable water management and additional benefits Katherine Causer National Pilot Steering Group 24 May 2012

Water White Paper Natural Environment White Paper Floods Directive Environmental Planning review Big Society & Localism Drivers – not just Water Framework Directive

Irwell Catchment Pilot What are the issues? 78 waterbodies most failing to achieve GES/GEP) Diffuse pollution (urban) Physical modification (urban, water industry, industry) Point source pollution (water industry) Some of the most deprived areas of England High unemployment Crime and anti-social behaviour Poor health Flood risk Industrial legacy –cont’ land Economic challenges

Progress so far Steering Group established – common ground, shared challenges Ten outcomes developed (fisheries, habitats, river function, UDP, access & recreation, skills & jobs, local communities, brownfield land, upland management, planning & development) Evidence gathering Needs and opportunity mapping Exploring associations and added benefits What next? Prioritisation and solutions Engagement and action planning Integrated delivery and multiple benefits

Evidence & prioritisation

Exploring associations WFD and Water Resources Fish passage Possible change in legislation? Hydropower Drinking water- SCAMP Water level management Drought orders Legislation Impoundment licensing Eel regulations

Exploring associations WFD and the Natural Environment Natural Environment White Paper Habitats Directive - protected habitats and species Designated sites LNP’s NIA’s Green Infrastructure – SUDS Ecosystem services

Exploring associations WFD and Flood Risk Management Floods and Water Management Bill - SUDS, SABs and Planning Policy Local Authority Surface Water Plans – it’s not all about quantity New flood defences - no deterioration, opportunities Defence maintenance Eel regulations – pumping stations

Making associations – Green Infrastructure in Greater Manchester Project EA & AGMA working together Mapping WFD and flood risk priorities areas - hotspots Developing GI solutions to mitigate flooding and improve WQ Produce a process that is replicable/repeatable

WFD Failing Water bodies: TIER 1 Failures / Waterbodies with Multiple Failures © Crown Copyright. All rights reserved License number Source: EA WFD Data

WFD Failing Water bodies: TIER 2 Failures – Diffuse Source © Crown Copyright. All rights reserved License number Source: EA WFD Data

WFD Failing Water bodies: TIER 2 Failures – Physical Modifications © Crown Copyright. All rights reserved License number Source: EA WFD Data

Flood Zones 2 and 3 Source: Environment Agency© Crown Copyright. All rights reserved License number

Source: JBA Draft Map SWMP Received: Surface Water Flooding Hotspots Top 50 in red: These are the top 50 hotspots due to the number of people, commercial units and critical/vulnerable infrastructure at risk of surface water flooding during the 1 in 200year event. Surface water flood hazards have also been used. Scores for each have been combined. 500m squares with the top 50 scores have then been extracted. Pink – all other surface water flooding hotspots (not sure what thresholds were used). © Crown Copyright. All rights reserved License number

The result = A Draft Opportunities Map © Crown Copyright. All rights reserved License number Source: EA WFD Data

Additional benefits GI can benefit:- Biodiversity Recreation and amenity Health and wellbeing Pride and ownership Inward investment Property value Mitigating impacts of climate change

Building on existing projects Clayton Vale weir removal

leading to new projects River Medlock - Clayton Vale to Phillips Park removal of 1.6km of brick lined channel – feasibility study

Other opportunities arising from Pilot CLASP – ‘Water management in a changing climate’, seminar with LA’s NEETS – ‘Youth employment and environmental improvements project’ Moston Brook – partnership working Catchment Restoration Fund - generating interest in the Pilot area NIA/Pilot partnership?