Summary of 2023
David Clayden summarizes the work that NAG has done in 2023 - what we have learnt about the Nidd. Click here to view presentation
Storm Overflow Sewage Discharges: urgent action from DEFRA
A piece of good news, to fit with the season!
The new Secretary of State for DEFRA looks like he means business!
Read his letter to the water companies here
Park your cynicism for a week or two.... but be alert for the actions that need to follow the words!
Happy Niddmass to all
David Clayden
Nidd Action Group Chairperson
The new Secretary of State for DEFRA looks like he means business!
Read his letter to the water companies here
Park your cynicism for a week or two.... but be alert for the actions that need to follow the words!
Happy Niddmass to all
David Clayden
Nidd Action Group Chairperson
NAG Public Meeting on the 5th November
“More than 70 people attended the NAG/University of Leeds Public Meeting about the health and the ecology of the Nidd and its tributaries.
A valuable meeting, with attendees even more focused on the future of the Nidd than they were in March 2023. There was a knowledgeable buzz among the audience – after all we know a bit more about our own river than we did, and representatives from Yorkshire Water and The Environment Agency were present, responding to some pretty straight questions.
Five short presentations were given, which will be made available from the NAG website shortly. Lots of formal and informal discussion ensued. A nice atmosphere to the meeting.
“Posters there outlined not just what we had learnt from our sampling and other work but what we need to tackle next, alongside our collaborating groups and individuals, many of whom we are now working closely with.
YWs ‘Enforcement Undertaking’ has provided some welcome, though of sad origin, funds for YDRT to administer on behalf of the Nidd – working with NAG and others to improve our waters”
A valuable meeting, with attendees even more focused on the future of the Nidd than they were in March 2023. There was a knowledgeable buzz among the audience – after all we know a bit more about our own river than we did, and representatives from Yorkshire Water and The Environment Agency were present, responding to some pretty straight questions.
Five short presentations were given, which will be made available from the NAG website shortly. Lots of formal and informal discussion ensued. A nice atmosphere to the meeting.
“Posters there outlined not just what we had learnt from our sampling and other work but what we need to tackle next, alongside our collaborating groups and individuals, many of whom we are now working closely with.
YWs ‘Enforcement Undertaking’ has provided some welcome, though of sad origin, funds for YDRT to administer on behalf of the Nidd – working with NAG and others to improve our waters”
Nidd Action Group media statement about Hookstone Beck, Harrogate
Please note the special relevance of this incident to the Public Conversation about the Nidd and its tributaries - due to take place on Tuesday December 5th in Knaresborough
The Nidd and storm water overflows - need for a Conversation!
I highly recommend a look at the recorded video from a North Yorkshire Council committee meeting held last week click here to view
From about 1 hour 13 minutes onward there’s a super piece from local Environment Agency’s Jamie Duncan.
His first 5 minutes summarises the history, up to the present day, of how people have used the river Nidd, and how this has shaped the current water quality issues we are now facing. Outstanding!
Another 10 minutes tells us what can be done to reduce storm water overflows into our becks and the river Nidd.
Terrific value – not to be missed!
What better could you get as a setup for our NAG public meeting in Knaresborough next Tuesday afternoon?
From about 1 hour 13 minutes onward there’s a super piece from local Environment Agency’s Jamie Duncan.
His first 5 minutes summarises the history, up to the present day, of how people have used the river Nidd, and how this has shaped the current water quality issues we are now facing. Outstanding!
Another 10 minutes tells us what can be done to reduce storm water overflows into our becks and the river Nidd.
Terrific value – not to be missed!
What better could you get as a setup for our NAG public meeting in Knaresborough next Tuesday afternoon?
Media release from Nidd Action Group
Councillors act on Nidd Pollution
An interesting article about a North Yorkshire Council meeting in Harrogate on Thursday. Click here to view the BBC report
NAG contributed informed questions to the meeting, and the EA representative provided clear responses to some critical questions from councillors.
It felt like local democracy in action.
OK it’s actions needed, not just words, but this highlights the importance of our NAG / University of Leeds meeting next Tuesday December 5th
Yorkshire Water and the Environment Agency will be there, along with a host of experts with information about our beloved Nidd.
Come to the meeting - get informed, and put your views across!
NAG contributed informed questions to the meeting, and the EA representative provided clear responses to some critical questions from councillors.
It felt like local democracy in action.
OK it’s actions needed, not just words, but this highlights the importance of our NAG / University of Leeds meeting next Tuesday December 5th
Yorkshire Water and the Environment Agency will be there, along with a host of experts with information about our beloved Nidd.
Come to the meeting - get informed, and put your views across!
Some results from the NAG surveys in August and October
It's only a couple of weeks to the 'Drop-in' Public Meeting hosted by Nidd Action Group and the University of Leeds in Knaresborough from 3pm to 6.30 on December 5th
You are coming, aren't you?
Among lots of interesting stuff in the meeting about our river Nidd and its tributaries, the attached figure shows the E. coli bacteria concentrations we found on the two afternoons we spent sampling this year, on August 3rd (after rain the previous day) and October 17th (after a period of dry weather).
The patterns of E. coli concentrations are very similar, but concentrations are much higher after rain (established in the literature, and the reason why we did two samplings under different conditions!). The level of E. coli on both days is high enough to cause concern for public health (compared with 900 cfus per 100ml!)
Notice where the Sewage Treatment Works are located!
Learn more about this result and many more at the public event on December 5th!
See you there!
David Clayden
NAG Chairperson
You are coming, aren't you?
Among lots of interesting stuff in the meeting about our river Nidd and its tributaries, the attached figure shows the E. coli bacteria concentrations we found on the two afternoons we spent sampling this year, on August 3rd (after rain the previous day) and October 17th (after a period of dry weather).
The patterns of E. coli concentrations are very similar, but concentrations are much higher after rain (established in the literature, and the reason why we did two samplings under different conditions!). The level of E. coli on both days is high enough to cause concern for public health (compared with 900 cfus per 100ml!)
Notice where the Sewage Treatment Works are located!
Learn more about this result and many more at the public event on December 5th!
See you there!
David Clayden
NAG Chairperson
Partnerships – The Way Forward!
A wonderful meeting yesterday at C.O.G.S. in Knaresborough, the venue that Nidd Action Group (NAG) will be using on December 5th for our own ‘Public Conversation’.
Organized by Dales to Vale Rivers Network (DVRN) to celebrate partnerships as a way of improving river catchments like ours, it was celebrating 10 years of the Catchment-Based Approach (CaBA).
The meeting focused on work in Yorkshire, and a large and supportive audience were treated to some excellent talks of how successful, though challenging, the approach can be.
Inspirational case studies on the improvement of water quality and the local habitat in the moors (metals from historic mining activities) in the Wharfe (bathing and ecology) and in towns (York’s becks).
It makes you realize how many smart and committed individuals there are in Yorkshire, and beyond. What has been achieved in Yorkshire is remarkable, and not well known about.
Nidd Action Group got a few honourable mentions in the meeting! When we work together – we are unstoppable!
Lots to think about, and copy, as NAG members gear themselves up to review our own Nidd Catchment situation and take citizen science actions, working together with all interested partners.
See you at the Meeting on December 5th!
David Clayden
NAG Chairperson
17 November 2023
Organized by Dales to Vale Rivers Network (DVRN) to celebrate partnerships as a way of improving river catchments like ours, it was celebrating 10 years of the Catchment-Based Approach (CaBA).
The meeting focused on work in Yorkshire, and a large and supportive audience were treated to some excellent talks of how successful, though challenging, the approach can be.
Inspirational case studies on the improvement of water quality and the local habitat in the moors (metals from historic mining activities) in the Wharfe (bathing and ecology) and in towns (York’s becks).
It makes you realize how many smart and committed individuals there are in Yorkshire, and beyond. What has been achieved in Yorkshire is remarkable, and not well known about.
Nidd Action Group got a few honourable mentions in the meeting! When we work together – we are unstoppable!
Lots to think about, and copy, as NAG members gear themselves up to review our own Nidd Catchment situation and take citizen science actions, working together with all interested partners.
See you at the Meeting on December 5th!
David Clayden
NAG Chairperson
17 November 2023
The NAG / University of Leeds Public Event on December 5th Come along and Have your Say!
River Nidd bursts its banks
iNidd sampling location 44, better known as New Skip bridge , over the A59 on the way to York, has produced its customary seasonal lake by flooding the adjacent fields.
It's a good job that we completed the Nidd sampling on October 17th! What a difference a month makes!
Thanks to our roving reporter James for the fine photo.
It's a good job that we completed the Nidd sampling on October 17th! What a difference a month makes!
Thanks to our roving reporter James for the fine photo.
Nidd Action Group (NAG) / University of Leeds public meeting about the Nidd on December 5th at COGS, on Gracious street, Knaresborough
The planning for this meeting is almost complete.
You may remember the previous meeting in March this year, which attracted an attendance of 70 people throughout the afternoon.
The format is similar -a public conversation at a drop-in event any time from 3pm to 6.30.
There'll be a number of short talks that will be repeated during the afternoon for those who can't make it from the beginning:
Talks by:
Leeds University academics (on the background to and an up to date understanding of our river and its tributaries)
NAG (reporting on our water quality sampling),
Stephen Culpin who prepared the Bid for Designation of Bathing Water at the Lido,
Professor Jonny Grey of The Wild Trout Trust on habitat improvements in the Nidd and
YDRT on the role of citizen science in improving the Nidd.
and more.... The Environment Agency will be represented, and Yorkshire Water have been invited too.
There will be stands with relevant information, and lots of opportunities to ask questions, get answers and give opinions
NAG will hold a brief AGM towards the end of the meeting, and we'll hope to use your experiences and opinions in planning for our work in 2024 to make our Nidd 'fit for life'.
See you there!
David Clayden
NAG Chair
You may remember the previous meeting in March this year, which attracted an attendance of 70 people throughout the afternoon.
The format is similar -a public conversation at a drop-in event any time from 3pm to 6.30.
There'll be a number of short talks that will be repeated during the afternoon for those who can't make it from the beginning:
Talks by:
Leeds University academics (on the background to and an up to date understanding of our river and its tributaries)
NAG (reporting on our water quality sampling),
Stephen Culpin who prepared the Bid for Designation of Bathing Water at the Lido,
Professor Jonny Grey of The Wild Trout Trust on habitat improvements in the Nidd and
YDRT on the role of citizen science in improving the Nidd.
and more.... The Environment Agency will be represented, and Yorkshire Water have been invited too.
There will be stands with relevant information, and lots of opportunities to ask questions, get answers and give opinions
NAG will hold a brief AGM towards the end of the meeting, and we'll hope to use your experiences and opinions in planning for our work in 2024 to make our Nidd 'fit for life'.
See you there!
David Clayden
NAG Chair
Questions about Yorkshire Water's Business Plan
YW's business plan Yorkshire Water - Our plans for 2025-2030 is a huge document, and not everyone is going to read it all!
Yorkshire Water have been invited to the NAG Public meeting on December 5th in Knaresborough, and I hope they will highlight for us the proposals for the Nidd
You'll have your own views about the plan, and what you'd like to ask about it, but here's my six penn'orth:
1. This plan is about AMP8 and beyond. Would you explain to what extent your AMP7 plans have been, or will be by next year, completed, with the outcomes you claimed?
2. As your business plan is so huge in terms of pages, would you provide us with a brief written summary of the intended plans (assuming OFWAT approve them) for AMP8 for the Nidd Catchments?
3. What specific outcomes will you expect for the Nidd by 2030?
4. Would you assure us that your proposals for the Nidd will not be abandoned by referring to internal cost benefit decisions to de-prioritise plans for the Nidd?
5. In view of the Wildfish judgement High Court Judgment Template (wildfish.org) about the 1994 law (the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations)
a) both OFWAT and the Environment Agency have a duty (not just a power) to enforce the 1994 law:
b) the Environment Agency has a duty to revise its permits to meet the 1994 law’s exceptional weather requirement and then enforce the revised permits.
c) The works to comply with the 1994 law are outside the scope of the plan and must be paid for by the water companies not customers.
Does YW agree with that?
6. Your business plan refers to working with stakeholders - are you open for your plans and actions to be scrutinised constructively by groups such as Nidd Action Group?
David Clayden
NAG Chair
Yorkshire Water have been invited to the NAG Public meeting on December 5th in Knaresborough, and I hope they will highlight for us the proposals for the Nidd
You'll have your own views about the plan, and what you'd like to ask about it, but here's my six penn'orth:
1. This plan is about AMP8 and beyond. Would you explain to what extent your AMP7 plans have been, or will be by next year, completed, with the outcomes you claimed?
2. As your business plan is so huge in terms of pages, would you provide us with a brief written summary of the intended plans (assuming OFWAT approve them) for AMP8 for the Nidd Catchments?
3. What specific outcomes will you expect for the Nidd by 2030?
4. Would you assure us that your proposals for the Nidd will not be abandoned by referring to internal cost benefit decisions to de-prioritise plans for the Nidd?
5. In view of the Wildfish judgement High Court Judgment Template (wildfish.org) about the 1994 law (the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations)
a) both OFWAT and the Environment Agency have a duty (not just a power) to enforce the 1994 law:
b) the Environment Agency has a duty to revise its permits to meet the 1994 law’s exceptional weather requirement and then enforce the revised permits.
c) The works to comply with the 1994 law are outside the scope of the plan and must be paid for by the water companies not customers.
Does YW agree with that?
6. Your business plan refers to working with stakeholders - are you open for your plans and actions to be scrutinised constructively by groups such as Nidd Action Group?
David Clayden
NAG Chair
Register for an online zoom meeting to question Yorkshire Water about their plans for the Nidd and its tributaries
All water companies are required by OFWAT to hold a meeting to discuss their Business Plans for 2025-2030
Yorkshire Water's is on November 23rd at 6pm.
This is important - YW are asking for our views on what they propose to do about the Nidd, particularly in connection with our bid for Bathing Water Status for The Lido, but also for how they intend to reduce the amount of sewage finding its way into the Nidd and its tributaries.
Please register here. and take part in the webinar
I will see you there!
The full YW plan is here
Please note it is a BIG document. NAG provides some help with absorbing the content if you go to the NAG website /recent news.
A few items down, headed 'Yorkshire Water PR24 Business Plan', some key contents and document sections are identified.
There are even some possible questions you may agree with from Surfers Against Sewage read here
Finally, if you can't make the online meeting, or even if you can, come along to the NAG public meeting in Knaresborough on December 5th, where this topic is bound to be discussed.
YW have been invited to our meeting!
David Clayden
NAG Chair
Yorkshire Water's is on November 23rd at 6pm.
This is important - YW are asking for our views on what they propose to do about the Nidd, particularly in connection with our bid for Bathing Water Status for The Lido, but also for how they intend to reduce the amount of sewage finding its way into the Nidd and its tributaries.
Please register here. and take part in the webinar
I will see you there!
The full YW plan is here
Please note it is a BIG document. NAG provides some help with absorbing the content if you go to the NAG website /recent news.
A few items down, headed 'Yorkshire Water PR24 Business Plan', some key contents and document sections are identified.
There are even some possible questions you may agree with from Surfers Against Sewage read here
Finally, if you can't make the online meeting, or even if you can, come along to the NAG public meeting in Knaresborough on December 5th, where this topic is bound to be discussed.
YW have been invited to our meeting!
David Clayden
NAG Chair
Application for Bathing Water Status for The Lido at Knaresborough submitted
I am delighted to say the bathing water application has been submitted.
Thank you to everyone who helped with the survey work and to those who helped provide evidence of usage up and down the river.
We have demonstrated that the Lido has been used by a great many people. We included photographic evidence of the site looking very busy and also photos as old as the 1950s which highlight this site has been used and loved for many decades. We are confident the application meets all the criteria.
I have included a copy of the bathing water application here
Following its submission, Defra will conduct their own consultation. They will invite the following organisations to respond to their consultation: Yorkshire Water, the British Long Distance Swimming Association, Consumer Council for Water, Country Land and Business Association, Marine Conservation Society, National Farmers Union, Outdoor Swimming Society, River and Lake Swimming Association, Swim England, UK Beach Management Forum and Visit England.
They will let us know the result of the application as soon as possible or by 30 April at the latest.
I will pass on the result as soon as we receive it.
Thank you again for all your help - it could not have been done without you.
Stephen
Caseworker to Andrew Jones MP
Member of Parliament for Harrogate & Knaresborough
Thank you to everyone who helped with the survey work and to those who helped provide evidence of usage up and down the river.
We have demonstrated that the Lido has been used by a great many people. We included photographic evidence of the site looking very busy and also photos as old as the 1950s which highlight this site has been used and loved for many decades. We are confident the application meets all the criteria.
I have included a copy of the bathing water application here
Following its submission, Defra will conduct their own consultation. They will invite the following organisations to respond to their consultation: Yorkshire Water, the British Long Distance Swimming Association, Consumer Council for Water, Country Land and Business Association, Marine Conservation Society, National Farmers Union, Outdoor Swimming Society, River and Lake Swimming Association, Swim England, UK Beach Management Forum and Visit England.
They will let us know the result of the application as soon as possible or by 30 April at the latest.
I will pass on the result as soon as we receive it.
Thank you again for all your help - it could not have been done without you.
Stephen
Caseworker to Andrew Jones MP
Member of Parliament for Harrogate & Knaresborough
Nidd Action Group Annual General Meeting
NAG’s AGM will be held on Tuesday December 5th at Centre on Gracious Street, Knaresborough during the public meeting about the health of the river Nidd, held between 3.30pm and 6.30pm
AGENDA
1. Elect the Chairperson, Treasurer, and Secretary
2. Elect the Group Committee
3. Receive the Annual Report of the Group Committee
4. Undertake any other business, subject to 28 days’ notice in writing to the Secretary.
The minutes of the NAG formation meeting on October 3rd 2022 and the notes from the meeting of NAG organizers on June 19th (at which the NAG Constitution and the NAG committee were agreed) are on the NAG website under the ‘About Us’ tab. About Us -Nidd Action Group
NAG Secretary
James Mckay
29/10/2023
AGENDA
1. Elect the Chairperson, Treasurer, and Secretary
2. Elect the Group Committee
3. Receive the Annual Report of the Group Committee
4. Undertake any other business, subject to 28 days’ notice in writing to the Secretary.
The minutes of the NAG formation meeting on October 3rd 2022 and the notes from the meeting of NAG organizers on June 19th (at which the NAG Constitution and the NAG committee were agreed) are on the NAG website under the ‘About Us’ tab. About Us -Nidd Action Group
NAG Secretary
James Mckay
29/10/2023
A Public Meeting about the River Nidd and its Tributaries
The Nidd Action Group (NAG) Committee met on October 27th and agreed to hold a public meeting on
‘What do We know about the River Nidd and its Tributaries – and what do we need to do?’
on Tuesday December 5th at Centre on Gracious Street, Knaresborough, from 3 - 6.30pm.
The content and style will be like the previous NAG meeting held on March 14th 2023,
• A ‘drop in’ event, with a series of 5-to-10-minute presentations about the Nidd, repeated later in the afternoon.
• A variety of stands and displays to allow you to familiarise yourself with what is happening, or it is planned to do in the Nidd Catchment
• Question and answer sessions, and
• A short Annual General Meeting of the Nidd Action Group.
Meeting topics will include:
• The activities and achievements of Nidd Action Group members since our March 2023 meeting - progress and plans for 2024.
• Current information on the Bid to get The Lido designated as a Safe Bathing Water
• The results of the sampling activities by NAG citizen scientists, researchers from the University of Leeds and others
• The work of NAG partner organizations, and
• The recently published business plans of Yorkshire Water for 2025-2030
More details of the meeting will be announced as plans progress.
David Clayden
Nidd Action Group Chair
29/10/2023
‘What do We know about the River Nidd and its Tributaries – and what do we need to do?’
on Tuesday December 5th at Centre on Gracious Street, Knaresborough, from 3 - 6.30pm.
The content and style will be like the previous NAG meeting held on March 14th 2023,
• A ‘drop in’ event, with a series of 5-to-10-minute presentations about the Nidd, repeated later in the afternoon.
• A variety of stands and displays to allow you to familiarise yourself with what is happening, or it is planned to do in the Nidd Catchment
• Question and answer sessions, and
• A short Annual General Meeting of the Nidd Action Group.
Meeting topics will include:
• The activities and achievements of Nidd Action Group members since our March 2023 meeting - progress and plans for 2024.
• Current information on the Bid to get The Lido designated as a Safe Bathing Water
• The results of the sampling activities by NAG citizen scientists, researchers from the University of Leeds and others
• The work of NAG partner organizations, and
• The recently published business plans of Yorkshire Water for 2025-2030
More details of the meeting will be announced as plans progress.
David Clayden
Nidd Action Group Chair
29/10/2023
The E.Coli Results are IN!
The results of the E.coli analysis arrived from the Simplex lab in Lichfield yesterday afternoon (26th October)!
We're obviously reviewing them with experts before sharing the results with EA and YW and publishing the findings, but:
as envisaged, repeating the samples in October after a dry period, to compare with the results from the August sampling after rain, showed lower concentrations of E. coli bacteria
However, many of the 45 locations sampled still show concentrations well above acceptable limits, and locations identified in August as 'hotspots' have been confirmed with this latest data.
This afternoon the Nidd Action Group Committee is meeting to discuss next steps, which will include planning for a second public meeting, at which we will share progress and discuss plans for 2024.
The public meeting will be in early December in Knaresborough, in a similar format to the meeting in March 2023.
Details of the content of the meeting will be announced as soon as they are agreed, but they will include the NAG Annual General Meeting.
David
NAG Chair
We're obviously reviewing them with experts before sharing the results with EA and YW and publishing the findings, but:
as envisaged, repeating the samples in October after a dry period, to compare with the results from the August sampling after rain, showed lower concentrations of E. coli bacteria
However, many of the 45 locations sampled still show concentrations well above acceptable limits, and locations identified in August as 'hotspots' have been confirmed with this latest data.
This afternoon the Nidd Action Group Committee is meeting to discuss next steps, which will include planning for a second public meeting, at which we will share progress and discuss plans for 2024.
The public meeting will be in early December in Knaresborough, in a similar format to the meeting in March 2023.
Details of the content of the meeting will be announced as soon as they are agreed, but they will include the NAG Annual General Meeting.
David
NAG Chair
Wildfish challenge to EA, OFWAT and and water companies
A brilliant successful legal challenge to government agencies by Fishlegal, an organisation of lawyers associated with Wildfish (who are concerned with trout and salmon fishing).
This judgement will have an impact on the implementation of the laws that govern our rivers - not just for anglers!
EA must urgently review pollution limits
OFWAT must enforce the law (which they haven't been doing)
Water companies (including YW, must pay to end illegal sewage discharges - not the customers.
Details here
Good news for the Nidd!
This judgement will have an impact on the implementation of the laws that govern our rivers - not just for anglers!
EA must urgently review pollution limits
OFWAT must enforce the law (which they haven't been doing)
Water companies (including YW, must pay to end illegal sewage discharges - not the customers.
Details here
Good news for the Nidd!
Media Update. iNidd Sampling by Nidd Action Group 17/10.2023
Nidd Action group (NAG) completed a sample survey of 45 locations of the river Nidd and its tributaries on August 3rd 2023. 30 volunteers collected water samples on the same day, and the samples were analyzed in laboratories for the concentration of E. coli bacteria and nutrient chemicals.
The purpose was to describe the river Nidd and its tributaries in terms of these concentrations on a single day, to identify locations where peaks of concentrations are observed, suggesting possible sources (point or diffuse) of pollution.
On August 3rd E.coli concentrations were high throughout most of the lower river from below Killinghall STW, particularly from Hunsingore down to Moor Monkton. Only a handful of sites met the sufficient level for safe inland bathing water. River-Nidd-Chart-Aug.png and Nidd-Tribs-Chart.png
The Nidd tributaries sampled all had high concentrations of E.coli - Ripley Beck, Oak beck, Bilton Beck (extremely high) and Crimple Beck.
The concentrations of many nutrient chemicals increased the further down river one goes.
Below Nidd Viaduct, where Oak Beck (into which Harrogate North STW discharges treated and untreated sewage) meets the Nidd and at Hunsingore just below Crimple Beck, (into which Harrogate South STW discharges) high phosphate and nitrate concentrations were found.
Some high concentrations of heavy metals above WFD standards -zinc, copper and mercury were found in specific locations.
Potential sources of pollutants include the geomorphology of the environment, the effects of farming activities as well as from waste water treatment, misconnected pipes etc.
A Second Sample Survey
NAG volunteers repeated this sample survey on October 17th after 4 days of no rain to ensure that the data found so far can be interpreted correctly. The collected samples have been received by the Simplex Laboratory in Lichfield, and are currently being analysed for E. coli concentrations. Results expected with two weeks.
NAG’s members and friends, including Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust (YDRT), The Universities of Leeds and Hull, The Ilkley Clean River Group (ICRG) and the Bilton Conservation Group have shared our results so far.
NAG has held meetings with the Environment Agency to discuss the results, and has had a preliminary meeting with Yorkshire Water to discuss their recently published Business Plan for 2025-2030.
More meetings are planned when the results of this second survey are available, leading to a program of work by NAG’s citizen scientists in collaboration with agencies to be agreed at a forthcoming public meeting, date to be announced, of NAG members and the local community.
David Clayden
Nidd Action Group Chair
iNidd Sampling on October 17th
The sampling will definitely take place this coming Tuesday afternoon. 45 locations from the top to the bottom of the Nidd and many of its tributaries.
The 10 groups of volunteers now have their sampling crates, and we are looking forward to an unseasonably sunny afternoon's sampling.
As soon as we get some results we will publish them on the NAG website and Facebook page.
Thanks for your help!
David
NAG Chair
The 10 groups of volunteers now have their sampling crates, and we are looking forward to an unseasonably sunny afternoon's sampling.
As soon as we get some results we will publish them on the NAG website and Facebook page.
Thanks for your help!
David
NAG Chair
The second Nidd sampling of the Nidd and its tributaries will be on Tuesday October 17th
You will recall that on August 3rd Nidd Action Group sampled the Nidd and its tributaries to establish the concentrations of E.coli and nutrient chemistry throughout the river.
Some of the results so far are on the NAG website here
As it is known that these concentrations are much higher after rain, NAG has been waiting for a period of dry weather to do some repeat sampling as a comparison.
Weather prediction apps suggest that this weekend should be the start of 4 days of no rain (let's hope they're right!)
NAG citizen scientists will therefore be sampling on the afternoon of Tuesday October 17th at the same 45 locations from Scar House Reservoir down to Moor Monkton.
Many volunteers taking part will be repeating the sampling they did on August 3rd, but they will be supported by some new to sampling.
Sampling kits will be made available for prior collection, and samples will be taken from the allocated sampling locations from 2pm onwards and will be delivered to NAG HQ in Harrogate after 5pm that day
The E. coli samples will be taken to Lichfield for laboratory analysis the following morning. Other samples will be refrigerated and sent to a laboratory in Aberdeen within the week.
In the hopefully unlikely event that there is a radical change in the weather before Tuesday, the sampling will be postponed, and all samplers will be 'stood down'.
David Clayden
NAG Chairman
11/10/23
Some of the results so far are on the NAG website here
As it is known that these concentrations are much higher after rain, NAG has been waiting for a period of dry weather to do some repeat sampling as a comparison.
Weather prediction apps suggest that this weekend should be the start of 4 days of no rain (let's hope they're right!)
NAG citizen scientists will therefore be sampling on the afternoon of Tuesday October 17th at the same 45 locations from Scar House Reservoir down to Moor Monkton.
Many volunteers taking part will be repeating the sampling they did on August 3rd, but they will be supported by some new to sampling.
Sampling kits will be made available for prior collection, and samples will be taken from the allocated sampling locations from 2pm onwards and will be delivered to NAG HQ in Harrogate after 5pm that day
The E. coli samples will be taken to Lichfield for laboratory analysis the following morning. Other samples will be refrigerated and sent to a laboratory in Aberdeen within the week.
In the hopefully unlikely event that there is a radical change in the weather before Tuesday, the sampling will be postponed, and all samplers will be 'stood down'.
David Clayden
NAG Chairman
11/10/23
Yorkshire Water- their PR24 Business Plan For the period 2025 - 2030
YW have just published their business plan for the 5 years starting 2025
https://www.yorkshirewater.com/about-us/our-business-plan/
I confess that for biggish documents I tend to browse them on the screen, and save and print some key sections.
This is a 296 page document, with many much bigger supporting documents, annexes, appendices, data tables etc.
I can’t pretend to have got far into it – it was only published yesterday!
One document of interest is the YKY43_WINEP Enhancement Case, where plans for responding to the designation of the Lido as a safe bathing water location is referred to in a detailed way. https://www.yorkshirewater.com/media/kukjfz3f/yky43_winep-enhancement-case.pdf
On page 161 there is reference to NAG’s aims and promotion of the Lido as a swimming destination, and there are details of proposed possible expenditures by YW to successful designation.
There is reference on page 167 and 174 to actions on a list of CSOs - ABBEY ROAD/NO 2 CSO, RIVERSIDE 47/CSO, WATERSIDE 48/CSO, WATERSIDE 49/CSO, BOROUGHBRIDGE ROAD/CSO, CRAGG TOP/CSO, ABBEY MILL/CSO, SPITAL CROFT/CSO
On pages 75 and 76 there is reference to further investigations into Oak beck!
There’s a long way to go, but this document is a great step forward.
We are part of the planning process, and not just for Bathing Water related improvements. Our work so far seems to be paying off, but heralds some much greater involvement by NAG members.
I am particularly hoping that among our number, NAG has some experts in reading, interpreting and explaining these monstrously big documents!
Please make yourself known to me!
I hope that you’re all ready to step up the fight for improvement to our river Nidd and its tributaries!
David Clayden
NAG Chair
https://www.yorkshirewater.com/about-us/our-business-plan/
I confess that for biggish documents I tend to browse them on the screen, and save and print some key sections.
This is a 296 page document, with many much bigger supporting documents, annexes, appendices, data tables etc.
I can’t pretend to have got far into it – it was only published yesterday!
One document of interest is the YKY43_WINEP Enhancement Case, where plans for responding to the designation of the Lido as a safe bathing water location is referred to in a detailed way. https://www.yorkshirewater.com/media/kukjfz3f/yky43_winep-enhancement-case.pdf
On page 161 there is reference to NAG’s aims and promotion of the Lido as a swimming destination, and there are details of proposed possible expenditures by YW to successful designation.
There is reference on page 167 and 174 to actions on a list of CSOs - ABBEY ROAD/NO 2 CSO, RIVERSIDE 47/CSO, WATERSIDE 48/CSO, WATERSIDE 49/CSO, BOROUGHBRIDGE ROAD/CSO, CRAGG TOP/CSO, ABBEY MILL/CSO, SPITAL CROFT/CSO
On pages 75 and 76 there is reference to further investigations into Oak beck!
There’s a long way to go, but this document is a great step forward.
We are part of the planning process, and not just for Bathing Water related improvements. Our work so far seems to be paying off, but heralds some much greater involvement by NAG members.
I am particularly hoping that among our number, NAG has some experts in reading, interpreting and explaining these monstrously big documents!
Please make yourself known to me!
I hope that you’re all ready to step up the fight for improvement to our river Nidd and its tributaries!
David Clayden
NAG Chair
Effective Monitoring of Water Companies by our Regulators?
Blog | Windrush Against Sewage Pollution (windrushwasp.org)
WASP ( windrush against sewage pollution ) have an excellent website, full of information and challenges against pollution, particularly sewage pollution. I recommend it!
The latest in a series of blogs they are producing concerns ‘mythbusting’. The latest myth under scrutiny is that there is effective monitoring of Water Companies by our regulators.
Operator Self Monitoring has been claimed by the Environment Agency to be effective, with annual audits of the returns by water companies being carried out to check that all is well.
WASP researchers asked to see the audits by the EA of the data submitted to them by water companies.
The results showed that some water companies had not been audited for many years
In the case of Yorkshire Water, audits were not conducted by the Environment Agency on 7 of the 13years since OSM commenced, yet the company achieved 3 stars or above ratings on 8 out of 12 years including four stars on two occasions.
Audit reports of YW in recent years were carried out every other year, last audit in 2022
It is a concern! Is an audit every other year sufficient?
I believe that the problems like the pollution of our rivers that we face can only be solved by open, joint collaboration between public bodies, private companies and concerned citizens.
But there does need to be critical monitoring of the water companies by regulatory authorities (DEFRA, EA, OFWAT...) – to ensure that we know the true state of our rivers and what is being done to improve them by our agents, the water companies.
EA doesn’t have the resources to properly monitor our rivers, and citizen scientists like Nidd Action Group and other environmental organisations are helping to fill some of the gaps.
We’d like to be more certain that we are all working together to make a better Nidd.
David Clayden
NAG Chair
WASP ( windrush against sewage pollution ) have an excellent website, full of information and challenges against pollution, particularly sewage pollution. I recommend it!
The latest in a series of blogs they are producing concerns ‘mythbusting’. The latest myth under scrutiny is that there is effective monitoring of Water Companies by our regulators.
Operator Self Monitoring has been claimed by the Environment Agency to be effective, with annual audits of the returns by water companies being carried out to check that all is well.
WASP researchers asked to see the audits by the EA of the data submitted to them by water companies.
The results showed that some water companies had not been audited for many years
In the case of Yorkshire Water, audits were not conducted by the Environment Agency on 7 of the 13years since OSM commenced, yet the company achieved 3 stars or above ratings on 8 out of 12 years including four stars on two occasions.
Audit reports of YW in recent years were carried out every other year, last audit in 2022
It is a concern! Is an audit every other year sufficient?
I believe that the problems like the pollution of our rivers that we face can only be solved by open, joint collaboration between public bodies, private companies and concerned citizens.
But there does need to be critical monitoring of the water companies by regulatory authorities (DEFRA, EA, OFWAT...) – to ensure that we know the true state of our rivers and what is being done to improve them by our agents, the water companies.
EA doesn’t have the resources to properly monitor our rivers, and citizen scientists like Nidd Action Group and other environmental organisations are helping to fill some of the gaps.
We’d like to be more certain that we are all working together to make a better Nidd.
David Clayden
NAG Chair
NAG second sampling day postponed - watch this space
In view of the continuing high river level, and the current 10 day weather projections for the Nidd Catchment, we are not going to get a clear 4 days without rain before our planned October 4th or 5th sampling. That is required so we get drier conditions for this second sampling to compare with our August 3rd first sampling (lovely on the day, but heavy rain in previous days)
So no sampling on October 4th or 5th
NAG is working on identifying different specific days for the second sampling in weeks commencing October 16th, 23rd and 30th..
We will get back to previous samplers and to all those who have volunteered subsequently as soon as it looks likely that we will have a four day dry run-in!
Cross fingers! Only in Britain?
David
NAG Chair
So no sampling on October 4th or 5th
NAG is working on identifying different specific days for the second sampling in weeks commencing October 16th, 23rd and 30th..
We will get back to previous samplers and to all those who have volunteered subsequently as soon as it looks likely that we will have a four day dry run-in!
Cross fingers! Only in Britain?
David
NAG Chair
Big River Watch next weekend (September 22nd to 25th)
Here’s something useful that all NAGgers, and other local citizens might consider doing next weekend!
The Rivers Trust, obviously a big advocate for cleaner rivers have designed an App for download that enables you to record the state of our river, its local wildlife and plant life
Similar to the RSPB’s annual birdwatch activity, the Trust aims to make a record of river health, which includes positives like species seen, as well as any observations you may have on the state of the river.
There are 22 questions, initially about ID or location, and then simple multiple choice or single word responses after sitting by the river for 15 minutes.
It’s really quick to complete, and your answers will be useful to give a local, and national, picture of the state of our rivers and what we feel about them.
You can choose a beautiful favourite location, and record all the wildlife you see and the pleasant thoughts you have, or select one of our less pristine locations (like the becks of the river Nidd that we recently sampled) to observe any pollution. There doesn’t seem to anything to stop you visiting the river on a number of occasions, and uploading your observations!
As well as information about wildlife, there’s some useful information that enables you to identify common things you may see – algae, livestock. Mine water, run off, sewage and sewage fungus etc.
The Big River Watch | The Rivers Trust
Give it a go! Get your friends to join in!
We’ll report back on the local results we get, from the Rivers Trust data when it is complete.
The Rivers Trust, obviously a big advocate for cleaner rivers have designed an App for download that enables you to record the state of our river, its local wildlife and plant life
Similar to the RSPB’s annual birdwatch activity, the Trust aims to make a record of river health, which includes positives like species seen, as well as any observations you may have on the state of the river.
There are 22 questions, initially about ID or location, and then simple multiple choice or single word responses after sitting by the river for 15 minutes.
It’s really quick to complete, and your answers will be useful to give a local, and national, picture of the state of our rivers and what we feel about them.
You can choose a beautiful favourite location, and record all the wildlife you see and the pleasant thoughts you have, or select one of our less pristine locations (like the becks of the river Nidd that we recently sampled) to observe any pollution. There doesn’t seem to anything to stop you visiting the river on a number of occasions, and uploading your observations!
As well as information about wildlife, there’s some useful information that enables you to identify common things you may see – algae, livestock. Mine water, run off, sewage and sewage fungus etc.
The Big River Watch | The Rivers Trust
Give it a go! Get your friends to join in!
We’ll report back on the local results we get, from the Rivers Trust data when it is complete.
An essential source of information about rivers and pollution
The river Windrush rises in Gloucestershire and meets the Thames in Oxfordshire.
The WASP citizen science group (Windrush against Sewage Pollution) that is working to improve its water quality has an excellent, informative website , and is led by a couple of retired experienced professional local residents. They have been on the TV, and have provided compelling evidence to the Government’s Environmental Audit Committee.
One of the leadersd, Peter Hammond, has worked with, and published, some data from the Nidd (and elsewhere) to investigate Storm Water Overflows.
They are a very active group, and if you look at their website you will find that they have extended their work from water sampling and analysing data (the stage NAG is at currently), to providing detailed factual data about the operation of sewage ‘assets’ and sewerage networks to inform citizens generally.
They publish an online blog that currently covers Mythbusting (that Victorian sewers are the problem) and suggestions of potential corruption or at least very close working between water companies and regulators.
Make your own mind up – but I think that their website and blogs should be a regular read!
Home | windrushwasp
David NAG Chair
The WASP citizen science group (Windrush against Sewage Pollution) that is working to improve its water quality has an excellent, informative website , and is led by a couple of retired experienced professional local residents. They have been on the TV, and have provided compelling evidence to the Government’s Environmental Audit Committee.
One of the leadersd, Peter Hammond, has worked with, and published, some data from the Nidd (and elsewhere) to investigate Storm Water Overflows.
They are a very active group, and if you look at their website you will find that they have extended their work from water sampling and analysing data (the stage NAG is at currently), to providing detailed factual data about the operation of sewage ‘assets’ and sewerage networks to inform citizens generally.
They publish an online blog that currently covers Mythbusting (that Victorian sewers are the problem) and suggestions of potential corruption or at least very close working between water companies and regulators.
Make your own mind up – but I think that their website and blogs should be a regular read!
Home | windrushwasp
David NAG Chair
September 21st Webinar, by The Rivers Trust - again!
There’s a very interesting webinar on Thursday September 21st at 6.30 pm
It is to discuss and discover what benefits nature-based solutions can have for communities, climate and our eco-systems and what we can do about it as individuals - through real-world examples.
It’s free! See you there.
One week to go! The Rivers Trust x UK Youth for Nature: What makes a healthy river? (mailchi.mp)
It is to discuss and discover what benefits nature-based solutions can have for communities, climate and our eco-systems and what we can do about it as individuals - through real-world examples.
It’s free! See you there.
One week to go! The Rivers Trust x UK Youth for Nature: What makes a healthy river? (mailchi.mp)
Nidd Tributaries concentration of E. coli
Here is an additional barchart from our E. coli survey results
This is about the tributaries of the Nidd that NAG sampling teams sampled on August 3rd.
The tributaries are identified in a sequence from upstream LHS to downstream RHS
Like the main river Nidd, all the values exceed safe bathing water levels of E. coli, though:
Bilton Beck’s one sampling point is the standout value - extremely high.
Like the peak values found in the main river, these will be a particular focus of discussion, initially in our meeting with the Environment Agency next week
The results from the laboratory testing our samples for Nutrient Chemistry and heavy metals, have arrived, and are being looked at. There’ll soon be a lot more evidence of the state of the Nidd and its tributaries - so watch this space!
Plus, our whole Nidd repeat sample survey is coming up soon, at the end of September / beginning of October (dependent on the weather being reasonably dry)
This is about the tributaries of the Nidd that NAG sampling teams sampled on August 3rd.
The tributaries are identified in a sequence from upstream LHS to downstream RHS
Like the main river Nidd, all the values exceed safe bathing water levels of E. coli, though:
- It’s unlikely that anyone will be wild swimming in any of them (though our dogs often do)
- There is less dilution in Becks compared with the main river, but they are pretty polluted from this data.
Bilton Beck’s one sampling point is the standout value - extremely high.
Like the peak values found in the main river, these will be a particular focus of discussion, initially in our meeting with the Environment Agency next week
The results from the laboratory testing our samples for Nutrient Chemistry and heavy metals, have arrived, and are being looked at. There’ll soon be a lot more evidence of the state of the Nidd and its tributaries - so watch this space!
Plus, our whole Nidd repeat sample survey is coming up soon, at the end of September / beginning of October (dependent on the weather being reasonably dry)
NAG and YDRT at the Knaresborough community morning at the Lido, September 3rd
A beautiful day at the Lido –blue sky, warm, typical Knaresborough weather
Some happy swimmers, the numbers building up through the day
Andrew Jones MP present, collecting signatures of support for the Lido’s bathing water designation
Lots of NAG and YDRT material on display, including the latest survey results. Some good discussions with residents and holidaymakers
Invertebrate sampling from Luke of Harrogate Flyfishers - with a lot of interested children involved
A flycasting experience (on land) by Adrian and Paula from AJS Flyfishers – I got better after a lot of ‘trials’ .....
Some happy swimmers, the numbers building up through the day
Andrew Jones MP present, collecting signatures of support for the Lido’s bathing water designation
Lots of NAG and YDRT material on display, including the latest survey results. Some good discussions with residents and holidaymakers
Invertebrate sampling from Luke of Harrogate Flyfishers - with a lot of interested children involved
A flycasting experience (on land) by Adrian and Paula from AJS Flyfishers – I got better after a lot of ‘trials’ .....
‘River Nidd sampling E.Coli results published’
The first results of the August 3rd sampling by NAG and partner organisations are now available.
The attached links provide a bar chart of the different E.coli concentrations along the full length of the river Nidd and a text summary of our preliminary conclusions.
These will form the basis of discussions with the Environment Agency, Yorkshire Water and other organisations”
More information will be available on the NAG website soon.
Nidd Action Group will be at the Knaresborough Lido on Sunday September 3rd, from 10am to 1pm, as part of the Knaresborough Community Clean Up event.
At this event NAG will make the results of this survey available to the general public for discussion, as well as showing the sampling equipment, do a bit of invertebrate sampling, demonstrate some flyfishing, (and hope to attract new members!)
Our MP Andrew Jones will be there too, consulting with the public about the safe bathing water application”
The attached links provide a bar chart of the different E.coli concentrations along the full length of the river Nidd and a text summary of our preliminary conclusions.
These will form the basis of discussions with the Environment Agency, Yorkshire Water and other organisations”
More information will be available on the NAG website soon.
Nidd Action Group will be at the Knaresborough Lido on Sunday September 3rd, from 10am to 1pm, as part of the Knaresborough Community Clean Up event.
At this event NAG will make the results of this survey available to the general public for discussion, as well as showing the sampling equipment, do a bit of invertebrate sampling, demonstrate some flyfishing, (and hope to attract new members!)
Our MP Andrew Jones will be there too, consulting with the public about the safe bathing water application”
Interim results from the August 3rd sampling of the river Nidd
Interim results from the August 3rd sampling of the river Nidd and its tributaries are due to be published early next week (on our Web/facebook), and will be available at the Riverside event on September 3rd to discuss with NAG
Knaresborough Riverside Community Clean-Up Event on September 3rd
The Nidd Action Group will be present at The Lido in support of their aim for a cleaner river Nidd.
The group on the Application for Safe Bathing water status for the Lido, led by Andrew Jones and Stephen Culpin, will be present, to update us on progress so far and as part of the consultation with the community on the application.
Material about the work, the results so far, and NAG’s plans for the future will be on display and some of our supporters will be present.
Equipment for sampling river chemistry and for assessing invertebrate numbers and diversity will be in use. Learn and enjoy!
Come and talk to us! Tell us what matters to you about our lovely river Nidd and its tributaries
Further details here
David Clayden
Chairman, Nidd Action Group
The group on the Application for Safe Bathing water status for the Lido, led by Andrew Jones and Stephen Culpin, will be present, to update us on progress so far and as part of the consultation with the community on the application.
Material about the work, the results so far, and NAG’s plans for the future will be on display and some of our supporters will be present.
Equipment for sampling river chemistry and for assessing invertebrate numbers and diversity will be in use. Learn and enjoy!
Come and talk to us! Tell us what matters to you about our lovely river Nidd and its tributaries
Further details here
David Clayden
Chairman, Nidd Action Group
Bilton Conservation Group on the latest pollution in Oak Beck
This latest incident comes around the same time as the recent sampling work carried out on Oak Beck by Bilton Conservation Group as part of the Nidd Action Group (NAG) iNidd investigation into the whole Nidd catchment
After a very wet July, the first few days of August in Harrogate had no rain, including the NAG sample day of August 3rd.
The weekend of August 4th and 5th had 1.6 mm of rain, and virtually nothing since. Yet Oak Beck shows considerable pollution, apparently from a variety of sources.
Read the Stray Ferret article here
It is comforting that the Environment Agency are on the case.
The results from the NAG survey of the whole river Nidd on August 3rd may provide EA with some useful evidence, when the results come in soon of the laboratory analysis of samples taken of E. Coli and nutrient chemistry concentrations.
Oak Beck, among others, has been subjected to long standing pollution. It’s time that we established a clear plan, with enforced actions, to improve the water quality of this beck, which runs through Harrogate (famed for its spring water) and its environs.
Oak Beck is a symbol of the long term neglect of our Nidd river Catchment. Lets do something about it!
David Clayden
NAG Chair
After a very wet July, the first few days of August in Harrogate had no rain, including the NAG sample day of August 3rd.
The weekend of August 4th and 5th had 1.6 mm of rain, and virtually nothing since. Yet Oak Beck shows considerable pollution, apparently from a variety of sources.
Read the Stray Ferret article here
It is comforting that the Environment Agency are on the case.
The results from the NAG survey of the whole river Nidd on August 3rd may provide EA with some useful evidence, when the results come in soon of the laboratory analysis of samples taken of E. Coli and nutrient chemistry concentrations.
Oak Beck, among others, has been subjected to long standing pollution. It’s time that we established a clear plan, with enforced actions, to improve the water quality of this beck, which runs through Harrogate (famed for its spring water) and its environs.
Oak Beck is a symbol of the long term neglect of our Nidd river Catchment. Lets do something about it!
David Clayden
NAG Chair
Stop sewage - Shares Not Fines
An interesting idea from a campaign group ‘We Own It’ – with a petition for you to sign if you feel supportive of the idea.
They propose that instead of fines for sewage law infringements that water companies are convicted of, the public is given shares in the water companies, with influence on the Board and its decisions.
I guess this is a step towards re-nationalisation of water resources, which many of NAG’s supporters seem to be in favour of, judging from the feeling of the public meeting in Knaresborough in March this year.
Personally I’m not convinced that full scale re-nationalisation of water is either practical or would be effective in getting more money into improving the waste water infrastructure.
I do think we need to have a bigger say in / influence on how we get the river Nidd improved quicker and better. And petitions are one way!
David Clayden
NAG Chair
Stop sewage - Shares Not Fines | We Own It
They propose that instead of fines for sewage law infringements that water companies are convicted of, the public is given shares in the water companies, with influence on the Board and its decisions.
I guess this is a step towards re-nationalisation of water resources, which many of NAG’s supporters seem to be in favour of, judging from the feeling of the public meeting in Knaresborough in March this year.
Personally I’m not convinced that full scale re-nationalisation of water is either practical or would be effective in getting more money into improving the waste water infrastructure.
I do think we need to have a bigger say in / influence on how we get the river Nidd improved quicker and better. And petitions are one way!
David Clayden
NAG Chair
Stop sewage - Shares Not Fines | We Own It
WASP website and Blogs - cause for concern?
WASP ( windrush against sewage pollution ) have an excellent website, full of information and challenges against pollution, particularly sewage pollution. I recommend it!
Prof. Peter Hammond from WASP has produced lots of recent evidence that is critical of the behaviour of Water Companies, and included analysis of the impact of storm overflows and the absence of volumetric measuring on our own river Nidd. Effective regulation of untreated sewage discharges needs volumetric and catchment-based monitoring
The series of blogs they are producing, including the latest (number 5), concern potential conflicts of interest of senior executives in EA and Ofwat in the operations of local water companies.
I am a bit of a sceptic in this area, preferring to believe in ‘cock-up’ rather than ‘conspiracy’ when things aren’t going right (e.g. the massive unnecessary and potentially illegal pollution of our waterways)
These blogs, and the website itself, provide coherent, not hysterical, evidence and arguments that I feel need addressing. They point to original sources and useful links, so are thought provoking and question asking.
I believe that the problems like the pollution of our rivers that we face can only be solved by open, joint collaboration between public bodies, private companies and concerned citizens.
We need to seek and implement solutions that mitigate the worst effects on our rivers – but this has to be on the basis of openness and trust.
More work necessary!
Blog | Windrush Against Sewage Pollution (windrushwasp.org)
Prof. Peter Hammond from WASP has produced lots of recent evidence that is critical of the behaviour of Water Companies, and included analysis of the impact of storm overflows and the absence of volumetric measuring on our own river Nidd. Effective regulation of untreated sewage discharges needs volumetric and catchment-based monitoring
The series of blogs they are producing, including the latest (number 5), concern potential conflicts of interest of senior executives in EA and Ofwat in the operations of local water companies.
I am a bit of a sceptic in this area, preferring to believe in ‘cock-up’ rather than ‘conspiracy’ when things aren’t going right (e.g. the massive unnecessary and potentially illegal pollution of our waterways)
These blogs, and the website itself, provide coherent, not hysterical, evidence and arguments that I feel need addressing. They point to original sources and useful links, so are thought provoking and question asking.
I believe that the problems like the pollution of our rivers that we face can only be solved by open, joint collaboration between public bodies, private companies and concerned citizens.
We need to seek and implement solutions that mitigate the worst effects on our rivers – but this has to be on the basis of openness and trust.
More work necessary!
Blog | Windrush Against Sewage Pollution (windrushwasp.org)
Nidd Action Group(NAG) carried out their major water sampling action today, Thursday August 3rd
40 NAG volunteers took samples to be sent for laboratory analysis for concentrations of E. coli, nutrient chemicals like nitrate s and phosphates, and heavy metals.
By collecting this data in one afternoon from 45 locations from the top to the bottom of the Nidd and its major tributaries like Ripley, Oak and Crimple becks we will get a unique picture of the variation of pollution throughout the river, unaffected by differing weather and river conditions.
An interview with NAG members during the survey on Radio York today enables you to hear about the survey, as it happened.
Here’s a link to the iPlayer (the piece goes out approximately 2 hrs 50 mins into the programme):
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0fywwdx
By collecting this data in one afternoon from 45 locations from the top to the bottom of the Nidd and its major tributaries like Ripley, Oak and Crimple becks we will get a unique picture of the variation of pollution throughout the river, unaffected by differing weather and river conditions.
An interview with NAG members during the survey on Radio York today enables you to hear about the survey, as it happened.
Here’s a link to the iPlayer (the piece goes out approximately 2 hrs 50 mins into the programme):
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0fywwdx
Pollution reported in tributaries of Crimple Beck
During a recce of the 45 sampling locations for NAG’s iNidd project (sampling this Thursday!), a couple of pollution incidents were observed, and reported to the EA
Location 38: Hookstone Beck, downstream from the footbridge, on the Harrogate Ringway. July 23rd. 10.30am Latitude/Longitude: 53.97877, -1.51773.
Very grey coloured water as far as could be seen, with a strong smell of sewage. Reference number 02174671
Location 40: Rud Beck, runs under Forest lane. July 23rd 11am: (53.98761, -1.49061)
Very grey coloured water as far as could be seen, with a strong smell of sewage. Reference number 02174076
Such pollution in Crimple beck (and Oak Beck) is probably pretty common, but if it’s not brought to the attention of the EA, nothing will be done.
Please report any suspected pollution to the EA incident hotline 0800 80 70 60. Get a reference number!
They are very helpful, but it is a national service so you need to identify the location clearly (latitude/longitude or Grid reference or What three words are OK)
The cumulative effect of such reports focuses EA and YW on potential problems. It doesn’t require dead fish to justify a report!
Location 38: Hookstone Beck, downstream from the footbridge, on the Harrogate Ringway. July 23rd. 10.30am Latitude/Longitude: 53.97877, -1.51773.
Very grey coloured water as far as could be seen, with a strong smell of sewage. Reference number 02174671
Location 40: Rud Beck, runs under Forest lane. July 23rd 11am: (53.98761, -1.49061)
Very grey coloured water as far as could be seen, with a strong smell of sewage. Reference number 02174076
Such pollution in Crimple beck (and Oak Beck) is probably pretty common, but if it’s not brought to the attention of the EA, nothing will be done.
Please report any suspected pollution to the EA incident hotline 0800 80 70 60. Get a reference number!
They are very helpful, but it is a national service so you need to identify the location clearly (latitude/longitude or Grid reference or What three words are OK)
The cumulative effect of such reports focuses EA and YW on potential problems. It doesn’t require dead fish to justify a report!
More Tributaries to explore!
Maybe some of our current NAG samplers, not too exhausted from our own sampling duties, (and any prospective new samplers) would like to help our friends from the wharfe?
It sounds fun, and would keep you in training for our second iNidd sampling at the end of September! I’m going to join in on the Wharfe.
It’s all GO!
Please apply directly – you might mention that you’re from NAG!
David Clayden
NAG Chair
Nidd Action Group INidd Update - we’re ready to go!
This is a massive local citizen science activity from our 100 plus NAG volunteers, including the YDRT, The University of Leeds, the Bilton Conservation Group, the Nidd Catchment Angling Group and many other outstanding individual citizens, with the support of the Environment Agency. All from our love of the ‘bright’ river that runs through our communities.
Our purpose? To find out just how bad (or good) the water quality of Nidd is, to learn about the sources of any pollution, and to press for improvement.
This huge sample survey will look for the concentrations of E. Coli, nutrient chemicals and heavy metals throughout the river, provide much-needed data to the developing Nidd Catchment Plan, and support the bid for Safe Bathing Water status at the Lido, Knaresborough.
Wish us good luck!
Hookstone Beck payment from Yorkshire Water for sewage discharge.
The YW fine follows a larger fine in 2022 for sewage discharges in 2018 into Bradford Becks Bradford Beck: Yorkshire Water fined £1.6m for sewage pollution - BBC News
Hookstone beck is an immediate outlet for Hookstone Road CSO (combined Sewer Overflow) and is linked through the sewerage network to other CSOs in Harrogate. The Hookstone beck leads into Crimple Beck which winds its way through South Harrogate and Spofforth on its way to Harrogate South STW and then into the river Nidd above Walshford.
On August 3rd Nidd Action Group (NAG) volunteers are taking water samples to test for E.coli and nutrient chemicals from 45 locations in the Nidd Catchment, including one from the Hookstone beck where it passes under the Harrogate Ringway, one from Rud beck, which also feeds into Crimple beck, and three locations on Crimple Beck itself at Burnbridge, Crimple lane and Spofforth.
NAG aims to gain, and share, knowledge of the biological and chemical profile of these becks. Pollution affects not only the communities that these becks pass through, but influences the water quality in the Lower Nidd, downstream of Knaresborough
Clearly no-one wants these types of sewage incidents in our Nidd, or any other river catchment. NAG believes that prompt investigation and agreement of the facts, and quick and informed restitution, are required to keep the Nidd and its tributaries in as good a condition as possible.
NAG iNidd training event
Volunteers at the Training event (photo courtesy of The Stray Ferret)
David Clayden (Chairman of the Nidd Action Group) and Charlotte Simons with a testing kit (photo courtesy of The Stray Ferret)
The planned NAG sampling training event on the riverbank of the Nidd at Conyngham public car park in Knaresborough went well yesterday, Monday July 10th.
The expected 40 volunteer samplers turned up, plus a few late volunteers!
We were pleased to see a couple of people from the Environment Agency present, and they provided some useful advice and support to the group.
The two-hour session allowed us to meet each other, get into one of the ten teams of samplers, talk about what we wanted to achieve from our whole river Nidd sampling activities in August and September and get a bit of practice in how to do the sampling in a citizen -scientific, meaningful way.
A very positive experience all round. It’s good to meet real people after engaging largely by email, and realize that we can be stronger together in achieving our shared goals of a cleaner Nidd. We are not alone!
Oh, and there should be a good picture of us all in The Stray Ferret, to follow last week’s article.
Next actions for samplers are for each team to receive their full sampling kits and venture out to sample their 4-6 sampling locations each, from the full list of 45, on the afternoon of August 3rd, and get the collected samples, kept cool in ice, to an agreed central location before the samples are taken to the accredited laboratory for analysis within 24 hours.
Many thanks to all involved.
The expected 40 volunteer samplers turned up, plus a few late volunteers!
We were pleased to see a couple of people from the Environment Agency present, and they provided some useful advice and support to the group.
The two-hour session allowed us to meet each other, get into one of the ten teams of samplers, talk about what we wanted to achieve from our whole river Nidd sampling activities in August and September and get a bit of practice in how to do the sampling in a citizen -scientific, meaningful way.
A very positive experience all round. It’s good to meet real people after engaging largely by email, and realize that we can be stronger together in achieving our shared goals of a cleaner Nidd. We are not alone!
Oh, and there should be a good picture of us all in The Stray Ferret, to follow last week’s article.
Next actions for samplers are for each team to receive their full sampling kits and venture out to sample their 4-6 sampling locations each, from the full list of 45, on the afternoon of August 3rd, and get the collected samples, kept cool in ice, to an agreed central location before the samples are taken to the accredited laboratory for analysis within 24 hours.
Many thanks to all involved.
NAG in the Yorkshire Post Saturday July 8th
Today's Yorkshire Post has an excellent article entitled 'rising flow of fury on sewage in our rivers'. Focusing on the state of the Nidd. It quotes work by
Professor Peter Hammond who has analysed storm overflow data from the Waste water Treatment Works discharging into the Nidd, and features interviews (and photos) with NAGgers including David Clayden, Maddy Wright and James McKay. Keith Wilkinson, a NAGger from the Bilton Conservation Group gets a mention too, Overall it's an excellent piece!
Professor Peter Hammond who has analysed storm overflow data from the Waste water Treatment Works discharging into the Nidd, and features interviews (and photos) with NAGgers including David Clayden, Maddy Wright and James McKay. Keith Wilkinson, a NAGger from the Bilton Conservation Group gets a mention too, Overall it's an excellent piece!
iNidd Water Sampling Project -Timetable and Training Day Agenda
Click for details
NAG constitution and organisation -meeting 19th June
Attendees:
David Clayden, Mandy Evans, Maddy Wright, Megan Godden, Paul Kay, Stephen Culpin
Apologies:
James McKay, Andrew Thomas, Charlotte Simons, Matt Walker
Matters Arising
Knaresborough Bed Race: an enjoyable occasion, wonderful weather. No cases of illness reported in the Media as far as we are aware.
Updates and Main points:
Bathing Water Status:
Stephen reported that volunteers were counting swimmers and others using the water for two hours (10-11 and 2-3) on weekends and at busy times. The nice weather had resulted in more than 50 people being recorded in the water on occasions.
Stephen had asked volunteers to complete an online questionnaire which forms part of the consultation for the campaign. Currently he has 164 responses and is looking for more. Please fill this in and share it to friends, family, and any local groups you may be in online. https://forms.gle/JkwGkUaWrvG71LHf7
In response to questions:
Stephen does not know the basis which DEFRA has used to reject recent applications for bathing water status. It is likely that number of river users is important. There is a view that rivers where E. coli counts are very high may be disadvantaged in designation – possibly too polluted to prioritize?
Sampling by the University of Leeds:
Maddy and Paul reported on the sampling data collected and analyzed so far.
Maddy will present a more complete analysis in July. Broadly the data so far suggests that an important contribution to background pollution levels comes from diffuse sources of agriculture and from septic tanks. Background spikes of E. coli below sewage treatment works have been observed.
Paul remarked that the general level of water quality was quite good, better than many other rivers, with low conductivity measurements and nutrients generally, with a peak of Nitrates in May probably related to fertilizer use. Phosphate levels are relatively low.
Plans for Sampling whole river Nidd, with laboratory analyses.
Plans are coming together, and getting more detailed
Volunteers appealed for via Web and Facebook – currently 25 volunteers and still coming (deadline Friday June 23rd.)
Training for sampling will be on July 10th, on the riverbank near Conyngham Hall car park, Knaresborough. The sampling day will be August 3rd
Volunteers will be communicated with to ensure that the plans for small teams to sample different sections of the river are practical, agreed and understood. There may be zoom meetings before the training day and before the sampling day.
More details will be released to volunteers and NAG members as they become available.
Mandy asked about volunteers that could not make the training day but would like to take samples. The Ilkley protocol used makes it clear that all volunteers will have to attend training prior to sampling.
Maddy reported that she and six colleagues will be available for training and sampling.
The funding for laboratory testing for E. coli and nutrient chemistry has been obtained. Other more minor costs, for sampling equipment etc will come from committed mainly council-based sources. Funds will be required for other NAG activities, and these will require a NAG bank account.
NAG’s proposed constitution and group committee membership – for approval
A NAG constitution, based very closely on Ilkley Clean River Group’s constitution, available online, had been previously circulated. This envisages the appointment of three officers (Chair, Treasurer and Secretary), with a further 4 members of a Group Committee. The committee is authorized to appoint members or advisors to the committee. An AGM in October will receive reports from the officers and there will be elections for officer and committee roles.
A proposed list of names of individuals for officer roles and committee membership had been circulated in advance. These were:
Chair: David Clayden
Treasurer: Mandy Evans
Secretary: James Mckay
Committee members: Stephen Culpin and Megan Godden
After a vote of those present It was agreed that the constitution and the names of NAG officers and committee members be APPROVED
Future Arrangements
NAG activities in the future will be arranged by the committee, with the ongoing involvement of all supporters on particular projects encouraged and communicated through the NAG website and Facebook page
Those who have helped so much to date in running and supporting NAG activities were thanked, and asked to continue the good work.
David Clayden NAG Chair June 20, 2023
David Clayden, Mandy Evans, Maddy Wright, Megan Godden, Paul Kay, Stephen Culpin
Apologies:
James McKay, Andrew Thomas, Charlotte Simons, Matt Walker
Matters Arising
Knaresborough Bed Race: an enjoyable occasion, wonderful weather. No cases of illness reported in the Media as far as we are aware.
Updates and Main points:
Bathing Water Status:
Stephen reported that volunteers were counting swimmers and others using the water for two hours (10-11 and 2-3) on weekends and at busy times. The nice weather had resulted in more than 50 people being recorded in the water on occasions.
Stephen had asked volunteers to complete an online questionnaire which forms part of the consultation for the campaign. Currently he has 164 responses and is looking for more. Please fill this in and share it to friends, family, and any local groups you may be in online. https://forms.gle/JkwGkUaWrvG71LHf7
In response to questions:
Stephen does not know the basis which DEFRA has used to reject recent applications for bathing water status. It is likely that number of river users is important. There is a view that rivers where E. coli counts are very high may be disadvantaged in designation – possibly too polluted to prioritize?
Sampling by the University of Leeds:
Maddy and Paul reported on the sampling data collected and analyzed so far.
Maddy will present a more complete analysis in July. Broadly the data so far suggests that an important contribution to background pollution levels comes from diffuse sources of agriculture and from septic tanks. Background spikes of E. coli below sewage treatment works have been observed.
Paul remarked that the general level of water quality was quite good, better than many other rivers, with low conductivity measurements and nutrients generally, with a peak of Nitrates in May probably related to fertilizer use. Phosphate levels are relatively low.
Plans for Sampling whole river Nidd, with laboratory analyses.
Plans are coming together, and getting more detailed
Volunteers appealed for via Web and Facebook – currently 25 volunteers and still coming (deadline Friday June 23rd.)
Training for sampling will be on July 10th, on the riverbank near Conyngham Hall car park, Knaresborough. The sampling day will be August 3rd
Volunteers will be communicated with to ensure that the plans for small teams to sample different sections of the river are practical, agreed and understood. There may be zoom meetings before the training day and before the sampling day.
More details will be released to volunteers and NAG members as they become available.
Mandy asked about volunteers that could not make the training day but would like to take samples. The Ilkley protocol used makes it clear that all volunteers will have to attend training prior to sampling.
Maddy reported that she and six colleagues will be available for training and sampling.
The funding for laboratory testing for E. coli and nutrient chemistry has been obtained. Other more minor costs, for sampling equipment etc will come from committed mainly council-based sources. Funds will be required for other NAG activities, and these will require a NAG bank account.
NAG’s proposed constitution and group committee membership – for approval
A NAG constitution, based very closely on Ilkley Clean River Group’s constitution, available online, had been previously circulated. This envisages the appointment of three officers (Chair, Treasurer and Secretary), with a further 4 members of a Group Committee. The committee is authorized to appoint members or advisors to the committee. An AGM in October will receive reports from the officers and there will be elections for officer and committee roles.
A proposed list of names of individuals for officer roles and committee membership had been circulated in advance. These were:
Chair: David Clayden
Treasurer: Mandy Evans
Secretary: James Mckay
Committee members: Stephen Culpin and Megan Godden
After a vote of those present It was agreed that the constitution and the names of NAG officers and committee members be APPROVED
Future Arrangements
NAG activities in the future will be arranged by the committee, with the ongoing involvement of all supporters on particular projects encouraged and communicated through the NAG website and Facebook page
Those who have helped so much to date in running and supporting NAG activities were thanked, and asked to continue the good work.
David Clayden NAG Chair June 20, 2023
Call for Volunteers! Taking Water Samples from the Nidd
Our Outline plan of action can be viewed here.
There is a short document there that includes a project under bullet point 4 - to initiate planned biological sampling, with analysis of samples at accredited laboratories
We will collect water samples to establish the concentration of E. Coli bacteria throughout the length of the river Nidd.
NAG has obtained funding for the laboratory analysis of water samples taken from the top of the river near the Scar House reservoir and at 40 other locations down to Nun Monkton where the Nidd reaches the Ouse.
By taking these samples, all on the same day, we can get a valid picture of the E. coli concentrations, unaffected by different weather and other factors -helping us to establish the dominant sources of the organic pollution
We are looking to recruit volunteers to help with the sampling
We will:
You will take the samples, packed in ice, to a central location by a particular time
You would need to:
If you volunteer we will provide you with more details, and we may run some virtual sessions in addition, to help get you ready, and to show you the plans that we’ve made
The two links below give full details of the protocol we are using.
Protocol Citizen Science guide to water testing for faecal bacteria
Synoptic sampling considerations
If you would like to take part in this sampling activity, please
Contact -Nidd Action Group preferably by June 23rd.
David Clayden, Nidd Action Group 17/06/2023
There is a short document there that includes a project under bullet point 4 - to initiate planned biological sampling, with analysis of samples at accredited laboratories
We will collect water samples to establish the concentration of E. Coli bacteria throughout the length of the river Nidd.
NAG has obtained funding for the laboratory analysis of water samples taken from the top of the river near the Scar House reservoir and at 40 other locations down to Nun Monkton where the Nidd reaches the Ouse.
By taking these samples, all on the same day, we can get a valid picture of the E. coli concentrations, unaffected by different weather and other factors -helping us to establish the dominant sources of the organic pollution
We are looking to recruit volunteers to help with the sampling
We will:
- provide you with information,
- run a training session on how to sample in a scientifically valid way (using the Ilkley protocol) NO WADING IN THE NIDD INVOLVED!
- enable you to collect samples with one or two fellow volunteers in a particular stretch of the river (to be agreed)
You will take the samples, packed in ice, to a central location by a particular time
You would need to:
- Attend a 2 hour training session on the morning of Monday July 10th from 10am, and
- Do the sampling on the morning of Thursday August 3rd
If you volunteer we will provide you with more details, and we may run some virtual sessions in addition, to help get you ready, and to show you the plans that we’ve made
The two links below give full details of the protocol we are using.
Protocol Citizen Science guide to water testing for faecal bacteria
Synoptic sampling considerations
If you would like to take part in this sampling activity, please
Contact -Nidd Action Group preferably by June 23rd.
David Clayden, Nidd Action Group 17/06/2023
Drought Planning
This article WildFish | Working To Protect Wild Fish & Their Waters is about drought planning (or lack of it).
It’s timely because of the current weather, but it’s common knowledge that although the UK has lots of rain, every year we have periods when the people in some area or another are exhorted to ‘save water’, use it sparingly or have to resort to using bottled water.
The rain is never in the right places, so there are proposals to move it from ‘where’s there is plenty’ to the ‘dryer’ areas. Sounds expensive and potentially disruptive to natural habitats – and maybe avoidable?
Environmental campaigners demand the Government comes clean about where our water is coming from | Wildfish
We appreciate that there isn’t a simple, single solution – but what the article is saying is that such plans as there are against drought aren’t clear to the general public – and there may be an ecological price to pay for the current plans.
Let’s hear something from Yorkshire Water about the plans for the Nidd Catchment – and the implications, for us and for the riverside habitat (not just for wildfish, but the whole ecosystem that our trout depend on)
The pre-planning work by NAG for sampling the river Nidd this summer has involved going to different sites along the Nidd, and this week, looking for a sampling site above Lofthouse, this was one ‘possible’ sampling site! Impossible!
I realize that the geology of this area, and the Scar House reservoir upstream of this spot, make this sight a common one, where the river goes underground for a bit, to emerge a way downstream. But maybe it’s a sign of our future further down the Nidd?
The focus of Nidd Action Group has been, rightly, on the far too frequent ‘storm overflows’ of untreated or partially treated of sewage-bearing surface water into the Nidd.
This remains a long term problem, and NAG is working hard to add to the body of knowledge about our river Nidd, by getting the designation of Knaresborough’s Lido as a bathing water (leading to closer attention by EA and YW), and the soon to be announced NAG water sampling plan along the whole of the river Nidd.
It’s timely because of the current weather, but it’s common knowledge that although the UK has lots of rain, every year we have periods when the people in some area or another are exhorted to ‘save water’, use it sparingly or have to resort to using bottled water.
The rain is never in the right places, so there are proposals to move it from ‘where’s there is plenty’ to the ‘dryer’ areas. Sounds expensive and potentially disruptive to natural habitats – and maybe avoidable?
Environmental campaigners demand the Government comes clean about where our water is coming from | Wildfish
We appreciate that there isn’t a simple, single solution – but what the article is saying is that such plans as there are against drought aren’t clear to the general public – and there may be an ecological price to pay for the current plans.
Let’s hear something from Yorkshire Water about the plans for the Nidd Catchment – and the implications, for us and for the riverside habitat (not just for wildfish, but the whole ecosystem that our trout depend on)
The pre-planning work by NAG for sampling the river Nidd this summer has involved going to different sites along the Nidd, and this week, looking for a sampling site above Lofthouse, this was one ‘possible’ sampling site! Impossible!
I realize that the geology of this area, and the Scar House reservoir upstream of this spot, make this sight a common one, where the river goes underground for a bit, to emerge a way downstream. But maybe it’s a sign of our future further down the Nidd?
The focus of Nidd Action Group has been, rightly, on the far too frequent ‘storm overflows’ of untreated or partially treated of sewage-bearing surface water into the Nidd.
This remains a long term problem, and NAG is working hard to add to the body of knowledge about our river Nidd, by getting the designation of Knaresborough’s Lido as a bathing water (leading to closer attention by EA and YW), and the soon to be announced NAG water sampling plan along the whole of the river Nidd.
Surfers Against Sewage Petition
Visit the site and sign the petition
North Yorkshire Council, Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Constituency meeting
Nidd Action Group was the subject of a North Yorkshire Council, Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Constituency meeting on June 8th.
Watch the video from 1 hour and 55 minutes into the meeting onwards.
Apart from the recognition that NAG’s work is getting, it was proposed that the Council provides £25K to fund the ambitious programme of water sampling and citizen activities concerned with the water quality of the river Nidd and the biodiversity of the riverside land.
NAG’s Outline Plan is here
Some aspects of the plan have already been funded, and water sampling is scheduled to take place along the whole length of the river Nidd for E. Coli
Details soon, with a call for volunteers”
Watch the video from 1 hour and 55 minutes into the meeting onwards.
Apart from the recognition that NAG’s work is getting, it was proposed that the Council provides £25K to fund the ambitious programme of water sampling and citizen activities concerned with the water quality of the river Nidd and the biodiversity of the riverside land.
NAG’s Outline Plan is here
Some aspects of the plan have already been funded, and water sampling is scheduled to take place along the whole length of the river Nidd for E. Coli
Details soon, with a call for volunteers”
Yorkshire Water respond to questions raised by Harrogate and Knaresborough Councillors
It is useful, as it confirms the likely spend on improving the Nidd’s water quality.
It’s worth a read, though you may need a dictionary to understand a bit better ‘regulatory drivers’, ‘where capacity upgrades are needed ‘, ‘where funding is available’, ‘SUDS’, etc. but it raises some further questions.
Helpfully YW say that they ‘welcome a conversation with any emerging groups’ I think that’s NAG!
Read the responses here…
It’s worth a read, though you may need a dictionary to understand a bit better ‘regulatory drivers’, ‘where capacity upgrades are needed ‘, ‘where funding is available’, ‘SUDS’, etc. but it raises some further questions.
Helpfully YW say that they ‘welcome a conversation with any emerging groups’ I think that’s NAG!
Read the responses here…
Opportunity to quiz Yorkshire Water
One format where we can all take part is offered elsewhere by YW
Yorkshire Water - Register to join our 'Your water your say' online event
This is an online session on June 7th at 6pm.
We can submit questions in advance, or during the session, and we’re promised answers!
So, PLEASE REGISTER. If you’ve got questions that you’d like answering, but don’t feel that you can yourself, submit them in advance to YW or to us at NAG.
It’s an opportunity!
Yorkshire Water - Register to join our 'Your water your say' online event
This is an online session on June 7th at 6pm.
We can submit questions in advance, or during the session, and we’re promised answers!
So, PLEASE REGISTER. If you’ve got questions that you’d like answering, but don’t feel that you can yourself, submit them in advance to YW or to us at NAG.
It’s an opportunity!
Nidd Action Group (NAG) at Nidderdale Charity Walk on Sunday
Lovely day for a walk, even an 8 mile one.
Stephen Culpin, our ‘designate Knaresborough Lido as a safe bathing area’ organizer, and
David Clayden, NAG Admin officer in front of NAG’s new Banner on the Scout Hut at Pateley Bridge.
Not too many NAGgers in evidence on the walk, though the start was staggered throughout the day, and we met lots of people out supporting their charity or other organisation – so maybe we missed you?
The walk took us from Pateley Bridge alongside the Nidd to Wath, then by Gouthwaite Reservoir, pictured, to Bouthwaite and back
The Gouthwaite reservoir’s water level is being lowered to prepare for work to make extra storage capacity for when / if the rains come in Autumn / Winter.
Stephen Culpin, our ‘designate Knaresborough Lido as a safe bathing area’ organizer, and
David Clayden, NAG Admin officer in front of NAG’s new Banner on the Scout Hut at Pateley Bridge.
Not too many NAGgers in evidence on the walk, though the start was staggered throughout the day, and we met lots of people out supporting their charity or other organisation – so maybe we missed you?
The walk took us from Pateley Bridge alongside the Nidd to Wath, then by Gouthwaite Reservoir, pictured, to Bouthwaite and back
The Gouthwaite reservoir’s water level is being lowered to prepare for work to make extra storage capacity for when / if the rains come in Autumn / Winter.
Aiming to reduce sewage pollution and increase penalties for environmental offences.
DEFRA is consulting, until May 15th about strengthening the abilities of the Environment Agency (EA) to issue monetary penalties for environmental offences in England and to raise the cap for such penalties. This will involve:
Consultation on strengthening environmental civil sanctions - Defra - Citizen Space
- increasing the overall cap for variable monetary penalties in the Environmental Civil Sanctions (England) Order 2010 from its current amount of £250,000
- introducing powers to issue variable monetary penalties for breaches of environmental permits into the Environmental Permitting Regulations.
- Please express your view, before May 15th in the brief survey
Consultation on strengthening environmental civil sanctions - Defra - Citizen Space
Another initiative worthy of support?
On Tuesday April 25th the Shadow Environment Minister is bringing a Bill to the House that would implement legally binding targets to reduce sewage dumping, and impose automatic fines. it calls for the same targets as Surfers Against Sewage have called for - 90% reduction in raw sewage discharges by 2030.
Feargal Sharkey has tweeted about this recently
Feargal Sharkey has tweeted about this recently
- Please bring this to the attention of political influencers, national and local – and express your support for speeding up the reduction in the number and volume of ‘exceptional’ storm water overflows to 2030 rather than 2063!
Nidderdale Charity Walk 14th May 2023
“The upcoming Nidderdale Charity walk on May 14th Nidderdale Walk 2023 offers an opportunity to enjoy a walk / run in the beautiful Nidd Countryside, raise the profile of NAG and even get NAG a small amount of funding for our planned work for the Nidd.
When you register for the run, if you mention either NAG or Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust as sponsoring organisations, and we get more than 10 adult registrations doing so, NAG will get half of the registration fees (£10 or so) back!
What’s not to like?
Perhaps you’d even like to help organize this and other fun-raising and fund-raising events? Contact us
When you register for the run, if you mention either NAG or Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust as sponsoring organisations, and we get more than 10 adult registrations doing so, NAG will get half of the registration fees (£10 or so) back!
What’s not to like?
Perhaps you’d even like to help organize this and other fun-raising and fund-raising events? Contact us
The link below takes you to a YouTube video of the Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Constituency Committee on March 16 2023. Current plans for expenditure on the Nidd are discussed about 1 hour into meeting.
Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Constituency Committee – 10am, 16 March 2023 - YouTube
Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Constituency Committee – 10am, 16 March 2023 - YouTube
Presentations from the event on the 14th March
Water Quality trends in UK rivers- Prof. Paul Kay, University of Leeds
Campaign to clean up the River Nidd- David Clayden, Nidd Action Group
Contributing to a Cleaner Nidd- Madison Wright, University of Leeds
COGS Presentation
Water Quality trends in UK rivers- Prof. Paul Kay, University of Leeds
Campaign to clean up the River Nidd- David Clayden, Nidd Action Group
Contributing to a Cleaner Nidd- Madison Wright, University of Leeds
COGS Presentation
Listen to the Radio York report on the 14th March Event
Report on Public Conversation about the River Nidd 14th March 2023 Click here to read
Success at Ilkley!
A Press release by Ilkley Clean River Group and Yorkshire Water shows that Citizen Science and community campaigning can make change happen in our polluted rivers!
The bid is to double the capacity of the Sewage Treatment Works at Ilkley, and future proof it for 50 years with more capability coming online from there on (more green solutions) Click here to read the Press Release….
A Press release by Ilkley Clean River Group and Yorkshire Water shows that Citizen Science and community campaigning can make change happen in our polluted rivers!
The bid is to double the capacity of the Sewage Treatment Works at Ilkley, and future proof it for 50 years with more capability coming online from there on (more green solutions) Click here to read the Press Release….
Petitions that you may Support
It’s quite easy to join in a petition that you feel strongly about. The websites https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions and The World’s Platform for Change · Change.org let you know some of your options.
It’s personal – not everyone agrees on any particular issue, but if you feel strongly about one, sign up!
1. On my own account I feel strongly about the one concerned with ‘Protect the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) 2004’
Protect the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) 2004 - Petitions (parliament.uk)
Through these regulations, we have the right to get information from organisations such as Yorkshire Water about the detailed functioning of the sewage infrastructure that they operate. Anglers forming part of NAG obtained just such information last year, enabling closer analysis of how well, or how poorly, the storm water overflows were being managed – far better information than that obtained from the high level annual summary data that is routinely published. Better scrutiny!
The Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill going through Parliament currently means that these regulations will be repealed, unless the Government preserves them.
I object! Maybe you do?
It’s quite easy to join in a petition that you feel strongly about. The websites https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions and The World’s Platform for Change · Change.org let you know some of your options.
It’s personal – not everyone agrees on any particular issue, but if you feel strongly about one, sign up!
1. On my own account I feel strongly about the one concerned with ‘Protect the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) 2004’
Protect the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) 2004 - Petitions (parliament.uk)
Through these regulations, we have the right to get information from organisations such as Yorkshire Water about the detailed functioning of the sewage infrastructure that they operate. Anglers forming part of NAG obtained just such information last year, enabling closer analysis of how well, or how poorly, the storm water overflows were being managed – far better information than that obtained from the high level annual summary data that is routinely published. Better scrutiny!
The Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill going through Parliament currently means that these regulations will be repealed, unless the Government preserves them.
I object! Maybe you do?
- At our ‘Cleaner Nidd’ event last week, there seemed to be a lot of verbal support for re-nationalising the Water Companies.
Consultation on an Application for Bathing Water Designation…..click to view