Environment Agency Consultation on Hydropower Good Practice

[Will Smith]

Coming soon to a river near you - Hydropower
The EA are asking for your comments to gather people's views, opinions and evidence on certain features of hydropower schemes.
https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/portal/ho/br/gpg/review

"What this consultation means to you
We think that this consultation will be of particular interest to anyone who is a hydropower operator or developer and those who have an interest in rivers and their environmental value, particularly anglers. This includes professional advisors to operators of such activities, trade associations and anyone else with an interest in hydropower, including members of the public."

That means YOU.

Read any of these for background...

http://www.anglingtrust.net/page.asp?section=496&sectionTitle=Fight+the+Hydropower!

http://www.anglingtrust.net/news.asp?section=29&itemid=722

http://www.anglingtrust.net/news.asp?section=29&itemid=519

http://www.anglingtrust.net/news.asp?section=29&itemid=672

http://www.anglingtrust.net/news.asp?section=29&itemid=726

http://www.anglingtrust.net/news.asp?section=29&itemid=776

http://www.anglingtrust.net/news.asp?section=29&itemid=660

http://www.anglingtrust.net/news.asp?section=29&itemid=489

 

[Colin Gordon]

I can understand peoples fears but an informed opinion needs to be formed, not just a reaction too the unknown.

As many rivers will prove completely unsuitable due too such poor seasonal flow rates. There were plans afoot to install a plant at the head of Seacourt stream (a side stream off of the Thames in Oxford) but its now looking highly unlikely that it'll proceed due to poor flows in summer.
Reading about the Teme of late, I'd guess it isn't a viable option as zero water. Much of the Great Ouse and the Thames above Berkshire, flow rates are too heavily regulated by the EA (flood prevention).

On a flip side, on heavily flow regulated rivers, they may even prove beneficial by adding much needed flow diversification.

I'll judge on a case by case basis, as I don't doubt they can have a detrimental effect but in every case ?

All that waffle said, we must be engaged in consultation!

 

[Paul Boote]

The Chairman on Saturday


Ah yes. Consultation. The new C-word.


As ever,

B.B.

 

[David Hall]

the 'C' word, more the 'I' word
ignore!!
like HS2 will be.

 

[Will Smith]

Colin, just for your info: 2 hydro schemes on the Teme already and both within walking distance of each other.