Telford Urban Catchment Plan Report
Middle Severn Shropshire 29/01/13 and Version 2
Executive Summary of Actions .
1. Urban run-off – reduce impact on Lyde Brook & Mad Brook (CRF project)
2. Zinc pollution – reduce impact from ex-opencast coal site
3. Morphology – educate Internal Drainage Boards to improve their operational practices and comply with best practice
Brief Description of Catchment
Setting
Telford is a large new town in the borough of Telford & Wrekin with an estimated population of 170,300 people (2010). It is by far the largest town in
Shropshire. The New Town was first designated on 16 January 1963 as
Dawley New Town , covering 9,100 acres (37 km 2 ) of Dawley, Wenlock,
Oakengates, Wellington Rural district and Shifnal Rural District. This proposal was extended in 1968 by 10,143 acres (41.05 km 2 ) of "land lying within the urban districts of Oakengates and Wellington and the rural districts of Shifnal and Wellington" and also taking in the historic area of Ironbridge Gorge. The proposed new town was also renamed Telford.
Significant water uses in the catchment are:

Balancing reservoirs and engineered channels as a means of surface water drainage

Aquatic habitat

Amenity

Angling

Agricultural irrigation
Surface water issues
Telford can be roughly divided north and south by the M54.
To the south (starting from west to east) the drainage, flowing southwards, is via the Lyde Brook, Blists Hill public sws outfall (the largest in the county?)
– both flowing into the River Severn, and the Mad Brook – flowing to the River
Worfe.
To the north (again west to east) the drainage, flowing northwards, is via the
Beanhill Brook – flowing to the River Tern via the NTI*, the River Strine and

Red Strine (via the HOC** & Humber Brook) and outlying districts draining to tributaries of the River Strine, ie Edgmond to the Pipe Strine, Newport to the
Strine Brook and Lilleshall to the Wall Brook. Newport borehole and Edgmond
PWS borehole provide compensation flows to the Strine Brook when required.
The drainage of Telford is somewhat complex where we have
–

watercourses becoming open channel public surface water sewers
(sws) and reverting back or draining to watercourses

lakes and ponds online and part of the public sws (piped) networks
In the north we have 2 open channel systems -

*NTI – North Telford Interceptor

**HOC – Hortonwood Open Channel
To the general public they appear to be watercourses whereas in fact they are designated public sws vested with STW Ltd. As a consequence of the development of Telford natural watercourses or canal sections were reengineered to accommodate the increased surface run-off. This was done under Land Drainage Act(s) converting the designation of “watercourses” into
“sewers” with these assets passing to STW Ltd on privatisation of the Water
Authorities in Sept. 1989.
In the south we have a number of lakes & pools on the public sws network, eg
Randlay Lake, Holmer Lake, Castle Pools, Madeley Court Pools + others (two exist in the north, ie Middle Pool & Priorslee Balancing Lake). All were constructed or re-engineered under the above Act(s) and hence again are vested with STW Ltd.
--------------------------------------------------
The reasons sub-catchments are failing to meet WFD GES include:

Phosphate

Inverts

Diatoms

Fish

Dissolved Oxygen

Zinc

Ammonia

Hydrology

Morphology
---------------------------------------------------
Sewage treatment works (stw) within the catchment:
Two large stws serve Telford:

Rushmoor (on the River Tern) – the largest serving north-Telford

Coalport (on the River Severn)
– serving south-Telford

Three small to medium sized stws in the area:

Little Wenlock (on the Lyde Brook – West Arm)

Edgmond (on the Pipe Strine)

Newport (on the Strine Brook)
One medium sized private stp discharging to a minor watercourse:

MoD Donnington (on a trib of the Wall Brook) – consented to/operated by Kelda Water Services who are responsible for all consented MoD discharges in England.
P apportionment modelling indicates failures being attributed in part or wholly to –

MoD Donnington (on a trib of the Wall Brook) – wholly

Newport (on the Strine Brook) – partly. Phosphate stripping installed in
2012 under UWWTD.
------------------------------------------------------------
Effluent treatment plants (ETP) within the catchment:
Located at GKN Sankey, Hadley, Telford, namely:

Trade effluent ETP - discharging to the ex-Trench Branch of the
Shropshire Union Canal that overflows to the Red Strine via the HOC.
It also connects to the NTI. Mainly a non-organic effluent consisting of heavy metals particularly zinc

Groundwater ETP – this used to discharge to the Red Strine via the
HOC. Mainly contaminated with solvents particularly TCE
(trichloroethylene).
NB: November 2012 it was diverted to the foul sewer under a trade effluent consent from STW Ltd
--------------------------------------------------------------
Groundwater issues
The northern part of the catchment (River Strine) is located on the Permo-
Triassic Sandstone. The sandstones are in turn overlain by a mixture of superficial drift deposits ranging from clays, silts, sands and gravels and in places peat. The Permo-Triassic sandstones are classed as a principal aquifer which comprise layers of permeable rock with a high level of water storage. They support potable water supply on a strategic scale. The majority of the Strine catchment therefore falls within source protection zones associated with potable water supply abstractions. There are also commercial, agricultural and private groundwater abstractions.
However, taking too much water from our aquifers means less flow in rivers and wetlands, which can affect their ecological status. Water abstraction can also mean that contaminants are less diluted and cause water quality issues.
’Low flows’ are especially significant where groundwater and surface water

are well connected and groundwater resources have been heavily over abstracted.
There is a history of over-abstraction from the sandstone aquifer in this area and low flow issues have arisen in parts of the Strine catchment. Some of these issues have been addressed to date through flow augmentation.
Further investigation has been undertaken by the EA as required by the WFD.
A Stage 2 Dependent Surface Water Status Investigation for the Pipe Strine and River Strine reveals a deficit from the Environmental Flow Index and biological failure in these water bodies, which is at least partly due to groundwater abstraction pressure. Further investigation (Stage 3) is therefore required in the form of groundwater level monitoring (close to the river) and the assessment of the likely success of biological mitigation measures selected either on their own or in conjunction with a modified groundwater abstraction regime. If abstraction is contributing to the failure of Good
Ecological Status, solutions will be discussed with Severn Trent Water. It is hoped that long term sustainable solutions can be implemented for the catchment as a whole. Our Catchment Abstraction Management Strategies
(CAMS) support the objectives of the WFD by preventing deterioration of water body status due to new abstractions.
In terms of the sandstone groundwater quality, 'diffuse rural pollution' is the main issue. Elevated groundwater concentrations of nitrate have been observed in a number of the groundwater monitoring points within the Strine.
However the distribution is sporadic may in part be controlled by the permeability and therefore protection (or otherwise) offered by the overlying superficial deposits. It is therefore necessary to protect the groundwater quality to ensure that the aquifer can continue to support potable abstraction.
Targeted additional measures, over and above those implemented through
NVZs, may be required to address drinking water protected areas in the future.
There are no known significant groundwater quantities of quality issues associated with the Secondary aquifers, predominantly Carboniferous Coal
Measures, of the catchment.
Trichloroethylene contamination of groundwater is known at three locations in
Telford (deemed small scale by GW&CL in terms of the size of the catchment):

GKN Sankey (SJ
67791 12641
) – see GW ETP above. Historical contamination subject to investigation/remediation in recent years that was concluded by the end of 2011.

BAE Systems (SJ
67781 12834) – adjacent site to GKN (at one time was GKN Defence). Linked groundwater contamination issues at early stage of investigation.

MoD Donnington, Telford (SJ 69801 14062) – known about long term but there have been no past or current investigations.

Other statutory requirements
The whole catchment is within a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone with the exception of
GB109054049530 – Lyde Brook.
A majority of the Telford catchment is not on a major aquifer with the exception of the Strine catchments that are SPZ3 and include 4 SPZ1.
Significant protected sites in the catchment:

The Wrekin & The Ercall (SSSI) – geology and biology (woodland, heathland, flora and birds)

Lydebrook Dingle (SSSI)
– ancient woodland and flora

Newport Canal (SSSI) – flora (drains to the Strine Brook)
Partnerships
Shropshire Wildlife Trust (SWT) has worked with the Shropshire Middle
Severn Environment Management Team to formulate a bid for funding from the Catchment Restoration Fund. The bid succeeded and £800k was gained for work tackling urban diffuse pollution in Telford.
The principles to be fulfilled are –

Restoring the rivers - to invest £204K in physical improvements to improve habitat quality, water quality and restore a more natural river course

Working with business
–exploring the opportunities for initiatives such as retro-fitting Sustainable Drainage systems [SUDS]

Working with the community – with local communities to involve them in their rivers by offering training in aquatic invertebrate surveying, working with schools and local conservation volunteers.
This will concentrate on –

Lyde Brook (East Arm) – the associated urban areas being Dawley,
Lightmoor and Woodside

Mad Brook (upstream of Holmer Lake)
– the associated urban areas being the Town centre/park, Randlay, Stirchley and Brookside
The target factors are

Run-off from road and the urban environment

Domestic foul to surface water sewage misconnections

Contaminated in-situ river bed sediment

Run-off from trading and industrial estates

Discharges from Combined Sewer Overflows

Septic tanks and sewage treatment plants

Mine waters from redundant workings

Severn Trent Water

Have brought forward the process of phosphate stripping at Newport stw. This deadline (as consented) was to be 31 March 2014. This was brought forward (consent variation issued) to 31 March 2012.
NB : The driver for this, and on other stws, is the UWWTD limiting the discharge of phosphate to 2.0 mg/l. It does not automatically follow that this will achieve WFD standards.

Under AMP6 it is understood that they will investigate/assess their
“open channel public surface sewers” in north Telford

Summary of Pathway to Compliance for Catchment (including requirements for other statutory work) (To be completed by end Feb)
Category Summary of
Issue [all pressures e.g. HMWBs mitigating measures]
1
ACTION
NEEDED
[include external actions]
Urban run-off Project on
Lyde Bk &
Mad Bk catchments
Potential assessment of
“open channel sws”
Data gathering on other catchments
Waterbody
ID [format tbc]
Who
Shrops
Wildlife
Trust
STW Ltd
By When Costs/ resource s
31 March
2013
31 March
2020
CRF
AMP6
1 Partners 31 March
2012
MURCI
1
2
Zinc - from ex-opencast clay & coal site
Funding for feasibility study & options re remedial measures.
Morphology Pilot study
(beyond this
WIP catchment) to improve land management practices.
Initially with the Rea Brook
IDB
– if successful, to be rolled out with other
IDBs.
Low flow Work with partners to investigate potential improvements into low flow issues
Strine IDB Timescale?
By 2027
STW Ltd 31 March
2020
AMP 6
Benefits

2
2
2
Excess silt and phosphate impacts - suspected agricultural run-off
Excess silt and phosphate impacts - suspected agricultural run-off
Excess silt and phosphate impacts - suspected agricultural run-off
Work with partners to educate and address land management issues in the catchment.
This will include advisory visits to land owners to complete
Whole Farm
Plans and risk assessments as well as free
CSF measures
(where/if available) such as soil sampling and nutrient management plans.
Fence off high risk grazing land to restrict access to the watercourse
Soft revetment, river bank repairs and re-profiling where appropriate.
All partners
31 March
2021
All partners
31 March
2021
All partners
31 March
2021

2 Poor water quality from suspected water industry sources.
Target suspected sources
STWs and
CSOs
EM/A&R. P stripping will be required to improve GES
3
3
2
2
Excess phosphate from MoD
Donnington
STP
Barriers to fish passage
(where identified)
Poor cover/refuge for fish population
Degraded fish habitat
Working with consent holders assessing impact of phosphate levels now and potential future input.
Feasibility of removal or installation of fish pass
FRB
Planting, buffer strips, refuge creation FRB
Investigate impacted life stages.
Possibility of improving habitat for fish in failing areas through habitat works, e.g. in put of woody debris.
STW Ltd
SWT
EA
31 March
2020
EA (with
Kelda
Water)
31 March
2021
EA
EA
Strine IDB
31 March
2021
EA
Strine IDB
31 March
2021

Appendix 1 - [Pressure Map of Catchment ]
WBID
GB109054049143
Water body Name
R Severn conf M Wenlock-Farley Bk to conf R Worfe
GB109054049530 Lyde Bk - source to conf R Severn
GB109054050060
GB109054050090
Wesley Bk - source to conf R Worfe
Beanhill Brook source to shawbirch
B4394
Reason for Failure
Agricultural Rural Diffuse Pollution
Water Company Point Source Pollution
Classification Issues
Urban Diffuse Pollution
Water Company Point Source Pollution
Flow Pressure
Classification Issues
Agricultural Rural Diffuse Pollution
Urban Diffuse Pollution
RFF Still to be Confirmed
GB109054050100
Ketley Brook source to Ketley Flood
Meadow
GB109054050110 North Telford Interceptor
GB109054050120 Red Strine - source to conf R Strine
GB109054050130 Wall Bk - source to conf Pipe Strine
Other Diffuse Pollution
Classification Issues
RFF Still to be Confirmed
Urban Diffuse Pollution
Point Source Pollution Other
GB109054050140
Agricultural Rural Diffuse Pollution
Urban Diffuse Pollution
R Strine - conf Red Strine to conf R Tern
Water Company Point Source Pollution
GB109054050150
R Strine - conf Pipe Strine to conf Red
Strine
GB109054050160 Strine Bk - source to conf Wall Bk
GB109054050180 Pipe Strine - source to conf R Strine
GB109054050280 Mad Bk - source to conf R Worfe
Flow Pressure
Agricultural Rural Diffuse Pollution
Flow Pressure
RFF Still to be Confirmed
Water Company Point Source Pollution
Agricultural Rural Diffuse Pollution
Water Company Point Source Pollution
Flow Pressure
Natural
Urban Diffuse Pollution
RFF Still to be Confirmed

Appendix 2 – Project Map (pdf map)

Appendix 3 –Definition of Action Categories
Internal or external
Category 1
Ongoing work, or work that is planned to start within current financial year.
Category 2
Actions identified constrained by cost only
– this category should be prioritised going forward – funding, resources, who delivers the action, cost benefit.
Category 3
Actions constrained by issues other than cost eg

by lack of evidence (so evidence gathering has to happen first eg catchment walkover)

can only happen as the opportunity arises eg development

other remedial action needs to occur first eg. fish pass should only be installed once WQ issues sorted so that river can support fish
(This is an additional thing to do
– not part of the WIP- Summary of the pathway to good (separate paragraph to be provided by mid March).