Poultry units not to blame for river contamination, says NRW

“We share that passion and strength of feeling and we are committed to working with stakeholders along the course of the river to do all we can to improve the river’s health.

“There were concerns that phosphate levels were associated with poultry units, but we have not found a direct connection between the two elements.

“The reasons for failure on the river Wye and its tributaries are likely to be from a diverse range of sources, including mains sewerage and septic tanks, misconnections and agricultural practices.”

NRW is now working with planning authorities in the Wye catchment – Powys, Brecon Beacons Natural Park Authority and Monmouthshire – to help them understand what the findings mean for their processes.

Reducing

Each and every project, plan or permit in the area will now have to demonstrate it has a neutral or better impact on reducing phosphate levels in the Wye and its tributaries.

Ruth Jenkins, NRW’s head of natural resource management policy said: “We all have a part to play to make sure Wales’ rivers are healthy for future generations and we want to work with others to find innovative solutions.

“Each river and section of rivers may need different approaches and we will work with people locally to create local solutions.”