Written question WQ85740
- Asked by
- Laura Anne JonesConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Climate Change
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 8 days
Question
Has the Minister outlined a plan to ensure that the Usk River pollution is reduced and, if so, how will this be measured?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Climate Change
The recently formed Usk Catchment Partnership will be responsible for identifying and delivering key actions which will help build back the ecological health of the River Usk.
The Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) Rivers Oversight Group stands ready to support the Usk Catchment Partnership by providing strategic direction to help deliver the necessary on the ground interventions required to improve the state of the River Usk.
In addition, for the third cycle of River Basin Planning (2021-2027), NRW has identified Opportunity Catchments. These will be integrated as a priority work area for both NRW and external partners across the public and private sector. Opportunity Catchments focus on delivery of longer-term multiple benefits for waterbodies, water dependent habitats and species and wellbeing. The Usk SAC river falls within the boundary of NRW’s Opportunity Catchments. Actions include targeted nutrient reduction visits. A River Restoration plan will also be developed for parts of the Usk.
Investment, legislative drivers and a robust regulatory framework are driving evidence led improvements in the Usk catchment. We are committed to improving water quality, and we are leading an integrated catchment approach focussing on multi-sector co-operation and nature-based solutions.