http://www.seafordanglingclub.co.uk/ en-gb This site is powered by e107, which is released under the terms of the GNU GPL License. moose@nospam.com (Moose) moose@nospam.com (Moose) Sat, 19 May 2012 08:47:12 +0000 Sat, 19 May 2012 08:47:12 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss e107 (http://e107.org) hourly 1 60 http://www.seafordanglingclub.co.uk/e107_images/button.png http://www.seafordanglingclub.co.uk/ 88 31 http://www.seafordanglingclub.co.uk/news.php?item.62.1 Get Hooked on Fishing and the Environment Agency will be holding the free sessions at Baltic Square over the weekend of 3 and 4 May.


Budding anglers will have the chance to try their hands at angling and see what amazing fish can be found in the River Tyne. Whether you find codling, crabs or even flat-fish, you’ll be hooked once you’ve had a go.


The sessions begin at 11am on both days and last for 50 minutes. Experienced coaches will cast your line, answer any questions and give you all the hints and tips to catch a fish. If you’re lucky enough to catch one, you will be able to reel it in and measure it yourself, before releasing it back into the River Tyne.


The last session of the day will begin at 4pm, and the angler who hooks the largest fish will win a bait fishing kit.


Elizabeth Bunting of the Environment Agency said: “To book a spot on one of the sessions please can people call me on 0191 203 4065. Our angling coaches will supervise the children during the session and parents or guardians who want to watch or participate are more than welcome. Children aged 16 and under will need their parent or guardian to fill out a consent form before fishing.


“Here in the North East we’re lucky to have some of the best river fishing for salmon and trout and some excellent stillwater fisheries so people don’t have to travel far for quality fishing in a great environment.”


The taster sessions are part of the Tyne Salmon Trail, which aims to encourage local people and visitors to engage and enjoy the River Tyne. The Tyne Salmon Trail promotes and celebrates all the river and surrounding area has to offer including the many recreational activities such as fishing, cycling, sailing, walking and canoeing, plus of course the beautiful surrounding countryside.


The Tyne Salmon Trail Cubes will also be at the Baltic Square event. These are beautiful sculptured cubes inspired by the textures, changing colours, movement and journey of the salmon, and they will migrate along the River Tyne, following the amazing journey of the salmon. More information at www.tynesalmontrail.co.uk


The sessions are part of the Fish on the Tyne / EAT festival – more at www.newcastlegateshead.com/2138/Food_Festival.html


]]> Get Hooked on Fishing and the Environment Agency will be holding the free sessions at Baltic Square over the weekend of 3 and 4 May.


Budding anglers will have the chance to try their hands at angling and see what amazing fish can be found in the River Tyne. Whether you find codling, crabs or even flat-fish, you’ll be hooked once you’ve had a go.


The sessions begin at 11am on both days and last for 50 minutes. Experienced coaches will cast your line, answer any questions and give you all the hints and tips to catch a fish. If you’re lucky enough to catch one, you will be able to reel it in and measure it yourself, before releasing it back into the River Tyne.


The last session of the day will begin at 4pm, and the angler who hooks the largest fish will win a bait fishing kit.


Elizabeth Bunting of the Environment Agency said: “To book a spot on one of the sessions please can people call me on 0191 203 4065. Our angling coaches will supervise the children during the session and parents or guardians who want to watch or participate are more than welcome. Children aged 16 and under will need their parent or guardian to fill out a consent form before fishing.


“Here in the North East we’re lucky to have some of the best river fishing for salmon and trout and some excellent stillwater fisheries so people don’t have to travel far for quality fishing in a great environment.”


The taster sessions are part of the Tyne Salmon Trail, which aims to encourage local people and visitors to engage and enjoy the River Tyne. The Tyne Salmon Trail promotes and celebrates all the river and surrounding area has to offer including the many recreational activities such as fishing, cycling, sailing, walking and canoeing, plus of course the beautiful surrounding countryside.


The Tyne Salmon Trail Cubes will also be at the Baltic Square event. These are beautiful sculptured cubes inspired by the textures, changing colours, movement and journey of the salmon, and they will migrate along the River Tyne, following the amazing journey of the salmon. More information at www.tynesalmontrail.co.uk


The sessions are part of the Fish on the Tyne / EAT festival – more at www.newcastlegateshead.com/2138/Food_Festival.html


]]> EA News Moose Mon, 21 Apr 2008 14:37:58 +0000 http://www.seafordanglingclub.co.uk/news.php?item.62.1 http://www.seafordanglingclub.co.uk/news.php?item.61.1 Now Yorkshire anglers who are used to the close season dates for coarse fishing are being reminded that the salmon close season is very different.



The salmon close season runs from 1 November to 5 April inclusive, and anglers are also legally required to release with minimal injury any salmon caught in England and Wales between 5 April and 16 June. The close season for coarse fishing on any river stream or drain runs from 15 March to 15 June.



The reminder follows sightings of recent salmon angling activity on the Rivers Ouse and Ure during the salmon close season.



John Shannon, fisheries team leader for the Environment Agency, explains: “We’re delighted that salmon are returning to our Yorkshire rivers, but it does mean that anglers must take notice of the particular rules that govern when they can fish for them.



“We’ve made great strides in improving river water quality over recent decades, in partnership with Yorkshire Water and industry, and now the water is so good that a natural salmon recovery is taking place. This has led to temptation for some, and in recent weeks anglers have been seen fly-fishing using double-handed salmon rods. This can only be salmon fishing taking place, and it is breaking the close season embargo on these fish.



“There’s also been a recent increase in the use of spinners or artificial lures in what is often claimed to be pike fishing, but could just as easily be attempts to lure salmon.



“As the numbers of salmon increase in the Ouse, the Ure, and recently the Aire, we will also be stepping up our enforcement activities to protect stocks. Not only is the salmon close season earlier than the coarse close season, but anglers also need to be aware that they must have a salmon and sea trout licence.



“It is important to note that money from the sale of licences helps to fund our work managing and improving fisheries. Anyone fishing for salmon during the close season or without the appropriate licence is cheating other anglers, and could be fined up to £2,500.”



Rod licences expire on March 31, 2008. Buying a new licence couldn’t be easier – around 15,000 Post Offices and other outlets sell them; a direct debit can be set up, and they can be purchased over the phone (0870 1662662) or on-line at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/rodlicence any time, day or night.]]> Now Yorkshire anglers who are used to the close season dates for coarse fishing are being reminded that the salmon close season is very different.



The salmon close season runs from 1 November to 5 April inclusive, and anglers are also legally required to release with minimal injury any salmon caught in England and Wales between 5 April and 16 June. The close season for coarse fishing on any river stream or drain runs from 15 March to 15 June.



The reminder follows sightings of recent salmon angling activity on the Rivers Ouse and Ure during the salmon close season.



John Shannon, fisheries team leader for the Environment Agency, explains: “We’re delighted that salmon are returning to our Yorkshire rivers, but it does mean that anglers must take notice of the particular rules that govern when they can fish for them.



“We’ve made great strides in improving river water quality over recent decades, in partnership with Yorkshire Water and industry, and now the water is so good that a natural salmon recovery is taking place. This has led to temptation for some, and in recent weeks anglers have been seen fly-fishing using double-handed salmon rods. This can only be salmon fishing taking place, and it is breaking the close season embargo on these fish.



“There’s also been a recent increase in the use of spinners or artificial lures in what is often claimed to be pike fishing, but could just as easily be attempts to lure salmon.



“As the numbers of salmon increase in the Ouse, the Ure, and recently the Aire, we will also be stepping up our enforcement activities to protect stocks. Not only is the salmon close season earlier than the coarse close season, but anglers also need to be aware that they must have a salmon and sea trout licence.



“It is important to note that money from the sale of licences helps to fund our work managing and improving fisheries. Anyone fishing for salmon during the close season or without the appropriate licence is cheating other anglers, and could be fined up to £2,500.”



Rod licences expire on March 31, 2008. Buying a new licence couldn’t be easier – around 15,000 Post Offices and other outlets sell them; a direct debit can be set up, and they can be purchased over the phone (0870 1662662) or on-line at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/rodlicence any time, day or night.]]> EA News Moose Wed, 12 Mar 2008 16:20:30 +0000 http://www.seafordanglingclub.co.uk/news.php?item.61.1 http://www.seafordanglingclub.co.uk/news.php?item.60.1 Working in partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Partnership the project has so far involved putting 44 nest boxes on poles and cutting the amount of mowing on river banks to improve the habitat for the small mammals that owls prey on. The scheme was initially started in the county during the 1990s in habitats alongside the River Hull, Humber and West Beck.


The existing project in East Yorkshire has produced 310 owlets since 2000, an average of about three per box, and this year will be extended onto the lower River Don and Aire, tying in with schemes supported by the Crown Estates and Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.


In the coming month 16 boxes will be installed on the banks of the Don and Aire to form a new link in the Environment Agency riverside habitat chain for barn owls, joining existing projects in East Yorkshire and the river Trent in the south.


Eleanor Andison of the Environment Agency said: “We hope that some nest boxes may be used for breeding this coming season but certainly next year there should be some owl chicks raised.


“The project is only possible with the enthusiasm of the landowners and their support is invaluable in its success. The boxes are generally placed on the river corridors in pairs about two km apart, and there are still a few gaps in this area which we are hoping to fill.


“We will continue to manage, and also to encourage others to manage, the becks and rivers to allow the barn owls food source of small mammals to thrive. An additional benefit to managing the becks in this way is that another threatened animal, the water vole, can expand its range.”


The East Yorkshire Barn Owl Project began in 1992, motivated by the alarming results of a national survey showing a huge fall in barn owl numbers across the UK - 69% since 1930s. The project is part of Operation Riverside Link, a national Environment Agency project aimed at restoring barn owl populations. Operation Riverside Link has successful projects in seven out of the eight Environment Agency Regions, with almost three quarters of all boxes being used by barn owls.

]]> Working in partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Partnership the project has so far involved putting 44 nest boxes on poles and cutting the amount of mowing on river banks to improve the habitat for the small mammals that owls prey on. The scheme was initially started in the county during the 1990s in habitats alongside the River Hull, Humber and West Beck.


The existing project in East Yorkshire has produced 310 owlets since 2000, an average of about three per box, and this year will be extended onto the lower River Don and Aire, tying in with schemes supported by the Crown Estates and Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.


In the coming month 16 boxes will be installed on the banks of the Don and Aire to form a new link in the Environment Agency riverside habitat chain for barn owls, joining existing projects in East Yorkshire and the river Trent in the south.


Eleanor Andison of the Environment Agency said: “We hope that some nest boxes may be used for breeding this coming season but certainly next year there should be some owl chicks raised.


“The project is only possible with the enthusiasm of the landowners and their support is invaluable in its success. The boxes are generally placed on the river corridors in pairs about two km apart, and there are still a few gaps in this area which we are hoping to fill.


“We will continue to manage, and also to encourage others to manage, the becks and rivers to allow the barn owls food source of small mammals to thrive. An additional benefit to managing the becks in this way is that another threatened animal, the water vole, can expand its range.”


The East Yorkshire Barn Owl Project began in 1992, motivated by the alarming results of a national survey showing a huge fall in barn owl numbers across the UK - 69% since 1930s. The project is part of Operation Riverside Link, a national Environment Agency project aimed at restoring barn owl populations. Operation Riverside Link has successful projects in seven out of the eight Environment Agency Regions, with almost three quarters of all boxes being used by barn owls.

]]> EA News Moose Wed, 12 Mar 2008 13:48:03 +0000 http://www.seafordanglingclub.co.uk/news.php?item.60.1 http://www.seafordanglingclub.co.uk/news.php?item.59.1 Francis Powell, 54, of Allison Lane, Lissett, Driffield was also ordered to pay the full investigation and prosecution costs of £1,398.97 to the Environment Agency, which brought the case.



Paul Harley, prosecuting, told the court that on 22 June 2007 at 4.30 pm Environment Agency fisheries officers were on an enforcement patrol on the shoreline at Low Grange Caravan Park near Hornsea. They observed a net set on the beach and saw fresh tyre marks leading to and from the net. They concluded that the net had recently been worked.



The net did not have a net label and low water was about 30 minutes away. The Licence conditions require nets to be in the water not before 6am on a Monday and out of the water by 8pm on a Friday, in order to conserve fish stocks and protect members of the public who may use the beaches at the weekend.



The officers noticed that the net was set to catch the rising tide. They returned shortly after 8pm and observed that the net had risen with the incoming tide and was in a position to catch fish.



They went to see Mr Powell as they were aware it was probably his net and found him working in his partner’s fish and chip shop nearby. The net label was attached to his quad bike and he confirmed it was his,



Under caution he later stated that the net was fouled with weed and he had been unable to remove it. He said fishing had been bad. In any event it was damaged and not capable of taking fish. This was contrary to the views of the officers.



Mr Powell had pleaded guilty and admitted that he was aware of the licence regulations and had chosen to prioritise the work in the chip shop over his responsibilities to remove the net. He could have disabled the net with weights to prevent it floating up on the tide.



The court was told that Mr Powell should have rung the Environment Agency if he had difficulties with the net. They would have contacted a fisheries officer who could have granted him permission to leave it if it was dangerous, on condition that it was removed as soon as it was safe.



He had made a decision to leave the net below high water and had not attempted to contact the Environment Agency or disable the net. These features aggravated the offence. He had admitted that he had not contacted us but knew he should do so.



In mitigation it was said that he did not do this deliberately or for commercial gain, that the net was damaged and that no fish were caught. It was stated that Mr Powell sits on the North East Sea Fisheries Commission and has been involved in the drawing up of byelaws regarding Sea Bass fishing.



Mr Powell was given credit for his early guilty plea and previous good character. The Magistrates said that in view of these factors they considered it appropriate to conditionally discharge him for 12 months but saw no reason why he should not pay the full costs of prosecution and investigation at £1,398.97



Peter Turner, a fisheries officer for the Environment Agency, said: “These byelaws are not only there to protect fish stocks but also the also the interest of licensed netsmen and we take breaches very seriously.”]]> Francis Powell, 54, of Allison Lane, Lissett, Driffield was also ordered to pay the full investigation and prosecution costs of £1,398.97 to the Environment Agency, which brought the case.



Paul Harley, prosecuting, told the court that on 22 June 2007 at 4.30 pm Environment Agency fisheries officers were on an enforcement patrol on the shoreline at Low Grange Caravan Park near Hornsea. They observed a net set on the beach and saw fresh tyre marks leading to and from the net. They concluded that the net had recently been worked.



The net did not have a net label and low water was about 30 minutes away. The Licence conditions require nets to be in the water not before 6am on a Monday and out of the water by 8pm on a Friday, in order to conserve fish stocks and protect members of the public who may use the beaches at the weekend.



The officers noticed that the net was set to catch the rising tide. They returned shortly after 8pm and observed that the net had risen with the incoming tide and was in a position to catch fish.



They went to see Mr Powell as they were aware it was probably his net and found him working in his partner’s fish and chip shop nearby. The net label was attached to his quad bike and he confirmed it was his,



Under caution he later stated that the net was fouled with weed and he had been unable to remove it. He said fishing had been bad. In any event it was damaged and not capable of taking fish. This was contrary to the views of the officers.



Mr Powell had pleaded guilty and admitted that he was aware of the licence regulations and had chosen to prioritise the work in the chip shop over his responsibilities to remove the net. He could have disabled the net with weights to prevent it floating up on the tide.



The court was told that Mr Powell should have rung the Environment Agency if he had difficulties with the net. They would have contacted a fisheries officer who could have granted him permission to leave it if it was dangerous, on condition that it was removed as soon as it was safe.



He had made a decision to leave the net below high water and had not attempted to contact the Environment Agency or disable the net. These features aggravated the offence. He had admitted that he had not contacted us but knew he should do so.



In mitigation it was said that he did not do this deliberately or for commercial gain, that the net was damaged and that no fish were caught. It was stated that Mr Powell sits on the North East Sea Fisheries Commission and has been involved in the drawing up of byelaws regarding Sea Bass fishing.



Mr Powell was given credit for his early guilty plea and previous good character. The Magistrates said that in view of these factors they considered it appropriate to conditionally discharge him for 12 months but saw no reason why he should not pay the full costs of prosecution and investigation at £1,398.97



Peter Turner, a fisheries officer for the Environment Agency, said: “These byelaws are not only there to protect fish stocks but also the also the interest of licensed netsmen and we take breaches very seriously.”]]> EA News Moose Thu, 14 Feb 2008 14:06:03 +0000 http://www.seafordanglingclub.co.uk/news.php?item.59.1 http://www.seafordanglingclub.co.uk/news.php?item.58.1 Reports of some smaller fish dying started to come in last Friday, 8 February and our staff investigated that day but could find no apparent cause for the fish deaths.



More reports came in on Saturday and initial investigations showed that the problem could have been a discharge into the river from a blocked sewer.



However the deaths started to appear upstream of that discharge, and by Monday it was estimated that several hundred stone loach had died along with dozens of trout and some grayling in the four mile stretch of the River Colne between Slaithwaite and the Aspley canal basin near the city centre.



Environment officer Dave Preston has been following the case: “At first it was only the smaller fish that were hit but as time has passed the larger fish are now also becoming sick and dying. This suggests it’s a slow-acting pollutant that has somehow got into the water, and if anyone has any evidence or information we’d welcome more information.



“The latest estimate is that several hundred fish are dead, and we’re still counting. Logic suggests that the pollution must have entered the river somewhere near Slaithwaite as the fish deaths start there, but we have been unable to trace the source.



“It may have stopped now, but we’d welcome any leads that anyone may have – they can call the Environment Agency Hotline on 0800 807060 or email

enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk ”



The Environment Agency is treating the incident as a Category One incident, the most serious level for this kind of river pollution.

]]> Reports of some smaller fish dying started to come in last Friday, 8 February and our staff investigated that day but could find no apparent cause for the fish deaths.



More reports came in on Saturday and initial investigations showed that the problem could have been a discharge into the river from a blocked sewer.



However the deaths started to appear upstream of that discharge, and by Monday it was estimated that several hundred stone loach had died along with dozens of trout and some grayling in the four mile stretch of the River Colne between Slaithwaite and the Aspley canal basin near the city centre.



Environment officer Dave Preston has been following the case: “At first it was only the smaller fish that were hit but as time has passed the larger fish are now also becoming sick and dying. This suggests it’s a slow-acting pollutant that has somehow got into the water, and if anyone has any evidence or information we’d welcome more information.



“The latest estimate is that several hundred fish are dead, and we’re still counting. Logic suggests that the pollution must have entered the river somewhere near Slaithwaite as the fish deaths start there, but we have been unable to trace the source.



“It may have stopped now, but we’d welcome any leads that anyone may have – they can call the Environment Agency Hotline on 0800 807060 or email

enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk ”



The Environment Agency is treating the incident as a Category One incident, the most serious level for this kind of river pollution.

]]> EA News Moose Wed, 13 Feb 2008 11:14:30 +0000 http://www.seafordanglingclub.co.uk/news.php?item.58.1 http://www.seafordanglingclub.co.uk/news.php?item.57.1 The 750 metre flood embankment and associated washland – close to the West Ings Estate - was created in 2004 at a cost of £2 million. When water levels in the River Aire rise, the water floods onto the washland and homes are protected by the new flood embankment. The embankment is deliberately set back from the river to allow this to happen.



A wildlife habitat was created which has been well-used by the local community. It will quickly return to normal once the flood water recedes.



Sarah Burtonwood, Project Manager for the Environment Agency, said: “ This was the first major test of Knottingley’s new flood defence and it did its job really well. We’re absolutely delighted that public money has been well spent to protect local people from the misery flooding can bring.”]]> The 750 metre flood embankment and associated washland – close to the West Ings Estate - was created in 2004 at a cost of £2 million. When water levels in the River Aire rise, the water floods onto the washland and homes are protected by the new flood embankment. The embankment is deliberately set back from the river to allow this to happen.



A wildlife habitat was created which has been well-used by the local community. It will quickly return to normal once the flood water recedes.



Sarah Burtonwood, Project Manager for the Environment Agency, said: “ This was the first major test of Knottingley’s new flood defence and it did its job really well. We’re absolutely delighted that public money has been well spent to protect local people from the misery flooding can bring.”]]> EA News Moose Thu, 24 Jan 2008 16:00:05 +0000 http://www.seafordanglingclub.co.uk/news.php?item.57.1 http://www.seafordanglingclub.co.uk/news.php?item.56.1 Environment Agency flood risk managers are delighted that the flood defences did their job. The walls and floodgates kept the water out and washlands created from the old quarry sites close to the Denby Dale Road junction with the M1 motorway took significant amounts of water from the River Calder, easing river levels which would otherwise have flooded roads and properties around Thornes Lane, Barnsley and Doncaster Roads – effectively crippling the city.



Sue O’Neill, Area Operations Delivery Manager, said: “The defences have protected hundreds of homes and businesses from flooding. The flood water would have been a metre deep if the washlands had been unable to contain it and it would have been a catastrophe for the city.”



“ The Environment Agency’s decision to provide the flood defence scheme for Wakefield has proven to be an excellent use of tax payer’s money as it has stood up so well during this first major test. Without the flood defences in place Wakefield would have potentially suffered millions of pounds of damage.”



The washlands will gradually empty as the river recedes after the heavy rainfall which swept the region on Monday.



The River Calder flood defence scheme in Wakefield has cost £11million so far with flood defences running from The M1 motorway bridge through the City past Chantry Bridge.]]> Environment Agency flood risk managers are delighted that the flood defences did their job. The walls and floodgates kept the water out and washlands created from the old quarry sites close to the Denby Dale Road junction with the M1 motorway took significant amounts of water from the River Calder, easing river levels which would otherwise have flooded roads and properties around Thornes Lane, Barnsley and Doncaster Roads – effectively crippling the city.



Sue O’Neill, Area Operations Delivery Manager, said: “The defences have protected hundreds of homes and businesses from flooding. The flood water would have been a metre deep if the washlands had been unable to contain it and it would have been a catastrophe for the city.”



“ The Environment Agency’s decision to provide the flood defence scheme for Wakefield has proven to be an excellent use of tax payer’s money as it has stood up so well during this first major test. Without the flood defences in place Wakefield would have potentially suffered millions of pounds of damage.”



The washlands will gradually empty as the river recedes after the heavy rainfall which swept the region on Monday.



The River Calder flood defence scheme in Wakefield has cost £11million so far with flood defences running from The M1 motorway bridge through the City past Chantry Bridge.]]> EA News Moose Thu, 24 Jan 2008 15:59:07 +0000 http://www.seafordanglingclub.co.uk/news.php?item.56.1 http://www.seafordanglingclub.co.uk/news.php?item.55.1 On 16 August 2006 the Agency received a report that Wash Dike was discoloured and fish had been seen gasping at the surface near the intersection with the River Calder. Environment Agency Officers went upstream to the Sowgate Lane Pumping Station and noted that the storm tanks were all full - even though there had been no rain for days – and there was a ‘large consistent discharge’. Upstream the watercourse was clear, but downstream of the discharge it was a very murky grey colour, consistent with sewage pollution.


Water samples showed the levels of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) were around 50 times those observed upstream. The ammonia levels were significant enough to have been toxic to fish. The level of suspended solids was 10 times that noted upstream.


Yorkshire Water Services said that an intruder had broken into the Pumping Station and had closed the inlet pen stock but although an alarm had gone off at 11pm on August 15 indicating that the pumps had failed and a second alarm had gone off around 2.40am on August 16 to indicate a storm tank overflow, no-one had gone to the Pumping Station until around 10:30am.


In mitigation YWS said that they had been the victim of vandals which caused the problem at the pumping station which led to the sewage discharging. The way their alarm system was set up at the time they were only required to respond to the alarms within 24 hours. The company accepted that if it had reacted more quickly on this occasion the impact would have been less. Since this incident the company has reconsidered the way its alarm system operates and any second alarm would generate an immediate response so that any discharge would be dealt with.


Jill Fogg, prosecuting for the Environment Agency, said that the incident had had a major impact on the watercourse and it had been classified as a Category 1 incident and Yorkshire Water had accepted that if they had gone to the pumping station sooner, the the impact could have been reduced.


Environment Officer, David Ramsey, said: “Sewage is very polluting to the water environment. It causes oxygen to be removed from the water and contains ammonia, which is very toxic to fish. The sewage affected approximately a 3km stretch of the Wash Dike where fish were seen dead and in distress.

“ It is encouraging that Yorkshire Water has acknowledged that their response protocol was inadequate, and hopefully the impact of such incidents in the future will be significantly reduced by their change in alarm attendance policy,” he added.




Note :-


Biochemical Oxygen Demand analysis is a method for assessing the amount of biodegradable organic material in a water sample. Organic material decomposes in a watercourse and as it does so oxygen is stripped from the water. The higher the level of organic material present in the water then the higher the BOD figure and the more polluted the watercourse. This can have an impact on fish and aquatic organisms, and in severe cases can lead to distress or death.



]]> On 16 August 2006 the Agency received a report that Wash Dike was discoloured and fish had been seen gasping at the surface near the intersection with the River Calder. Environment Agency Officers went upstream to the Sowgate Lane Pumping Station and noted that the storm tanks were all full - even though there had been no rain for days – and there was a ‘large consistent discharge’. Upstream the watercourse was clear, but downstream of the discharge it was a very murky grey colour, consistent with sewage pollution.


Water samples showed the levels of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) were around 50 times those observed upstream. The ammonia levels were significant enough to have been toxic to fish. The level of suspended solids was 10 times that noted upstream.


Yorkshire Water Services said that an intruder had broken into the Pumping Station and had closed the inlet pen stock but although an alarm had gone off at 11pm on August 15 indicating that the pumps had failed and a second alarm had gone off around 2.40am on August 16 to indicate a storm tank overflow, no-one had gone to the Pumping Station until around 10:30am.


In mitigation YWS said that they had been the victim of vandals which caused the problem at the pumping station which led to the sewage discharging. The way their alarm system was set up at the time they were only required to respond to the alarms within 24 hours. The company accepted that if it had reacted more quickly on this occasion the impact would have been less. Since this incident the company has reconsidered the way its alarm system operates and any second alarm would generate an immediate response so that any discharge would be dealt with.


Jill Fogg, prosecuting for the Environment Agency, said that the incident had had a major impact on the watercourse and it had been classified as a Category 1 incident and Yorkshire Water had accepted that if they had gone to the pumping station sooner, the the impact could have been reduced.


Environment Officer, David Ramsey, said: “Sewage is very polluting to the water environment. It causes oxygen to be removed from the water and contains ammonia, which is very toxic to fish. The sewage affected approximately a 3km stretch of the Wash Dike where fish were seen dead and in distress.

“ It is encouraging that Yorkshire Water has acknowledged that their response protocol was inadequate, and hopefully the impact of such incidents in the future will be significantly reduced by their change in alarm attendance policy,” he added.




Note :-


Biochemical Oxygen Demand analysis is a method for assessing the amount of biodegradable organic material in a water sample. Organic material decomposes in a watercourse and as it does so oxygen is stripped from the water. The higher the level of organic material present in the water then the higher the BOD figure and the more polluted the watercourse. This can have an impact on fish and aquatic organisms, and in severe cases can lead to distress or death.



]]> EA News Moose Mon, 21 Jan 2008 19:49:58 +0000 http://www.seafordanglingclub.co.uk/news.php?item.55.1 http://www.seafordanglingclub.co.uk/news.php?item.54.1 A team of four Environment Agency officers will be visiting Riley’s Pond on Friday 11 January. Riley’s Pond is part of the Brookfoot Lake fishery, and is used by members of the Brighouse Angling Association.


The pond is particularly suitable for young or disabled anglers, as it has a surrounding path.


The team will use a combination of netting and electrofishing to capture fish so they can examine their general condition and check for such signs of stress as lesions and haemorrhaging.


They will also be using the survey to assess what species make up the pond’s fish population and roughly what weight of fish there is to be found there.


Once the results of the survey have been compiled the team will be able to make management decisions on the future of the pond. For example, if the pond is found to be overstocked with carp then some of them could be removed and transferred to the adjacent Brookfoot Lake.


Richard Atkinson of the Environment Agency said: “We’re keeping an open mind until we’ve completed our survey of the current fish stocks and checked on what fish are there and what condition they’re in. Then we can look at the best way forward to deal with the problem.”]]> A team of four Environment Agency officers will be visiting Riley’s Pond on Friday 11 January. Riley’s Pond is part of the Brookfoot Lake fishery, and is used by members of the Brighouse Angling Association.


The pond is particularly suitable for young or disabled anglers, as it has a surrounding path.


The team will use a combination of netting and electrofishing to capture fish so they can examine their general condition and check for such signs of stress as lesions and haemorrhaging.


They will also be using the survey to assess what species make up the pond’s fish population and roughly what weight of fish there is to be found there.


Once the results of the survey have been compiled the team will be able to make management decisions on the future of the pond. For example, if the pond is found to be overstocked with carp then some of them could be removed and transferred to the adjacent Brookfoot Lake.


Richard Atkinson of the Environment Agency said: “We’re keeping an open mind until we’ve completed our survey of the current fish stocks and checked on what fish are there and what condition they’re in. Then we can look at the best way forward to deal with the problem.”]]> EA News Moose Thu, 10 Jan 2008 13:42:14 +0000 http://www.seafordanglingclub.co.uk/news.php?item.54.1