Agenda item

           Sarah Groves-Phillips introduced the background and current situation to the issues

           raised.

           In January 2021 Natural Resources Wales released interim planning advice

           regarding development with the catchments of riverine Special Areas of Conservation SACs in Wales. This advice was to ensure compliance monitoring of the River Teifi which was suffering from episodic failure of its Phosphate level monitoring, no further development would be allowed which could increase or potentially increase phosphate levels in the riverine SAC.  

           Steve Wilson then gave a power point presentation outlining Dwr Cymru Welsh

           Water’s plans. He also explained the process of mitigating the phosphates issue.

           Owain George Daniel assured Committee Members that there is ongoing

           background work being undertaken.  He advised the Committee that relevant

           Stakeholders are fully engaged in this process.

           The guidance issued has had significant knock-on impact across the County;

           namely:

1.    Lampeter, Tregaron, Llandysul and surrounding settlements are affected;

2.    The Local Development Plan has been put on hold;

3.    Allocated sites within the affected areas are unable to be delivered (over 500 homes of which 114 were to be affordable);

4.    Planning applications have had to be held in abeyance or refused;

5.    Dwr Cymru Welsh Water has confirmed only one WWTP has phosphate stripping in place in Ceredigion located in Llanddewi Brefi, and there are unconfirmed plans that 1 other in Tregaron may be included in the 2025-2030 AMP period; and;

6.    Preliminary source apportionment work (for DCWW on the River Wye) demonstrates a significant proportion of phosphates comes from agriculture as well as WWTP’s. 

Committee Members then had the opportunity to question DCWW and CCC Officers and the main points/concerns raised were:

·         It was confirmed that following collection of samples from the Rivers, an Independent Source scrutinises the level of phosphates present;

·         Concern was raised regarding Tregaron, Lampeter and Llandysul Towns as there are no plans for the next five years, which will result in no new approved developments. Steve Wilson responded advising that the AMP8 plan can still be amended;

·         There is a firm commitment from DCWW to investigate appropriate solutions;

·         NRW need to be persuaded to consider catchments rather than locations;

·         Concern was raised in regard to discharge of raw sewage into the river Aeron, Aberaeron.  Steve Wilson confirmed this is an issue he is aware of and will discuss  with Councillor Elizabeth Evans, Local Member, following the meeting;

·         A Member asked whether chemical filtration should be abandoned?  Steve Wilson replied that there is a drive for a nature based low carbon, low chemical approach to treatment, but, unfortunately the only technique which offers a degree of certainty at present is chemical;

·         In response to a question regarding bathing water, Steve Wilson confirmed that DCWW are 100% committed to ensure clean waters on all beaches;

·         Fishing trade in the River Teifi is an issue of concern at present;

·         A Member stated that there are un-adopted sewage works in old estates bought during the 1986 reform and many still have to pay high maintenance repairs of up to £900.00 per annum.  DCWW confirmed that due to the phosphate issues they cannot be adopted at present;

·         In response to a question Owain George Daniel stated that there is a willingness to enable development types that would not impact phosphates to ensure local trade can continue;

·         The Leader of the Council, Councillor Ellen ap Gwynn and Councillor Rhodri Evans stated that the Cabinet has sent a letter to Mark Drakeford, First Minister,              Julie James, Minister for Climate Change, Leslie Griffiths, Minister for Rural Affairs,  and Vaughan Gething, Minister for Economy, regarding the Authorities Economic and Development concerns due to Phosphates, and no reply has been received to date;

·         The Leader also confirmed that she has together with the Chief Executive, Eifion Evans, met with Natural Resources Wales. Councillor Ap Gwynn expressed her disappointment that no NRW representative was in attendance at this meeting;

·         In response to a comment regarding the River Teifi not being far from compliant, DCWW stated that there is work in progress that provides some hope of a solution in the not too distant future and the importance of working collaboratively is a key requirement for the suggested successful outcome;

·         A Nutrient Management Board comprising all relevant Stakeholders has been set up and are due to meet in the near future;  and;

·         It was suggested that DCWW approach IBERS as they are currently undertaking research at present to see if they can help with possible solutions.

           The Chairman, on behalf of Committee Members, thanked the Officers from Welsh

           Water Dwr Cymru for attending and for their valued contribution at the meeting.  The

           Chairman also thanked Sarah Groves-Phillips.

           It was suggested and agreed by Committee Members that the Chairman writes to

           Natural Resources Wales, expressing their disappointment that a representative did

           not attend the meeting as was previously agreed.