|
Concern # |
Concern Title |
What is the question/ concern? |
Responses from the Lower Otter Restoration Project Team |
Date of last update |
Status |
|
1 |
Pursuit of a Single Solution Option |
Current focus of project activities on developing a Single Solution Option is generating an irresistible momentum for that option which has yet to be justified. At least one or two alternative solution options (other than allowing the River Otter to spread by reconnecting it to its floodplain) need to be fully researched and assessed against quantitative and qualitative criteria |
The South Devon and Dorset Shoreline Management Plan (June 2011) identified a policy of managed realignment for the Otter Estuary. There was widespread public consultation during the development of the plan. The lack of public funding for maintenance of existing defences was recognised. A variety of options were explored to some extent in the Haycock Report. We recognise this work is now 6 years old. That's why we're currently trying to secure funding to move to phase 2 of the project. Phase 2 will explore the options for the future of the Lower Otter, including assessment of the costs and impacts of the "Do Nothing" and "Do minimum" options. The partners in the Lower Otter Restoration Project want to explore a managed realignment option because we know there is more likely to be funding available for this option. However until extensive investigations have been done in phase 2, we won't know whether it is a technically and financially acceptable solution to the Lower Otter's climate change challenges. The preferred option will need to meet the objectives of the funding partners; for the EA these include creation of intertidal habitat. The Estate, as landowner, has expressed a clear preference for improving the ecological health of the estuary, where this can be done without detriment to access or livelihoods. We will check that stakeholders are clear about our objectives. Funding has been secured from the Environment Agency for Phase 2, to fully explore options. Engineering and environmental consultants CH2M Hill have been appointed to carry out an appraisal of different options. A ‘long list’ of options will be narrowed down to a ‘short list’ by taking an overview of impacts and whether each option will meet the project objectives. We will choose a preferred option by considering in detail the technical, financial, environmental and social impacts of the short- A short list of four options has been agreed since the last Stakeholder Group meeting. These will now be assessed and displayed at a public exhibition in June 2017. Public exhibition about short listed options held 5 July 2017, with on- |
04 May 2016 28 September 2016 18 January 2017 9 May 2017 20 July 2017. |
Open |
|
2 |
Prioritising provision of wildlife environment over people's homes and businesses. |
Decision made in concert by the EA and CDE that Otter Estuary should provide 14 hectares of compensatory inter tidal habitat for flood works elsewhere reached without justification or public consultation. |
CDE is a responsible landowner and wants to help find a solution to secure the future of the Lower Otter Estuary for its tenants and neighbours, as well as the thousands of visitors who enjoy it every year. It also seeks to enhance the natural environment through its activities. However, it has limited funding. The Environment Agency is a responsible environmental operator, which is legally required to provide compensatory inter- The Environment Agency and EDPHCT have been working together to develop a joint project since 2013, because they recognised that there might be an overlap between their separate objectives. At that time the Environment Agency was also investigating delivery of compensatory habitat for the Exe Estuary at sites around the Exe, in line with Defra guidance. Sites for habitat creation were identified in the Exe Estuary FCRM Strategy; the Otter Estuary was also identified as a fall- The Environment Agency could potentially part- |
04 May 2016 |
Open |
|
3 |
Perceived Conflicts of Interest |
The influential positions held by a single individual in all three bodies sponsoring the Project (CDE, EA and PHCT) need to be balanced by appropriate levels of demonstrably independent oversight and assurance by DEFRA |
We recognise that where there are potential conflicts of interest steps need to be taken to address these. We acknowledge that John Varley has positions within the Environment Agency, Natural England, CDE and EDPHCT. He has made the required declarations of interest to both the Environment Agency and Natural England. Furthermore he has stepped down from the Lower Otter Restoration Project Board so he will not be part of any formal decision making processes. CDE has instead nominated John Wilding to be their representative on the board. The Project has been subject to considerable scrutiny by the Trustees of both CDE and EDPHCT on more than one occasion. Lord Clinton and his family have also considered the proposals in detail before agreeing to proceed. See 5 for more detail on the Environment Agency approval process. |
04 May 2016 |
Closed |
|
4 |
Out of date research |
Haycock report, now over six years old, has become stale and needs to be refreshed to take account of cuurrent projections of future river/tidal flows |
We share this view. The Haycock Report was a good starting point to understand the challenges facing the Lower Otter estuary; however, this work is now 6 years old. That's why we're currently trying to secure funding to move to phase 2 of the project. Phase 2 will explore the options for the future of the Lower Otter, including industry standard hydraulic modelling to take account of current projections of future river and tidal flows. Funding has been secured from the Environment Agency for Phase 2, to fully explore options. Closed April 2018 |
04 May 2016 28 September 2016 |
Closed |
|
5 |
Transparency of Investment Appraisal |
There is a need for independent scrutiny of the tangible and intangible benefits and disbenefits of the Project, the Return On Investment over its projected life cycle and the potential betterment accruing to CDE against the detriment accruing to residents and businesses. |
The business case that is currently being prepared will be fully considered by a national panel at the Environment Agency before approval for expenditure is given. Defra can call in any project if it chooses. The legal requirement for compensatory habitat means that normal cost:benefit analysis is not required, but the cost to the public purse is carefully considered. The business case will be scrutinised by the Estate's trustees at the end of phase2, once improved information is available. Any benefits to the Estate are likely to be outweighed by the costs of converting agricultural land into inter- As the authority with responsibilities for rights of way and highways, Devon County Council will also need to satisfy their own internal governance procedures when agreeing to any proposals. Planning permission and other consents are subject to public consultation. The current options appraisal and outline design phase of the project will conclude with an update to the Business Case, which will be submitted to a national panel at the Environment Agency for scrutiny. The Environment Agency submitted the next stage of the business case to a national review panel in late 2018. It has been assessed and the panel agrees with the preferred option and that the risks can be managed. However, approval of the Environment Agency’s element of the funding for construction will only be given after detailed design, when prices for construction are known. |
04 May 201 18 January 2017 31 July 2019 |
Open |
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6 |
Transparency of synergies with FAB Link Project |
These two projects, both focused on the Otter Estuary, have been developing in parallel since their conception in 2009/10. They are converging - |
We welcome opportunities to work with Transmission Investments / FAB Link and discussions are ongoing. However at this stage no decision has yet been made about the route to be followed by the FAB Link cables; several possible landfall locations and inland routes are being considered. Both the Estate and the Environment Agency have had discussions with the developer and they have indicated that they may be able to work with the Lower Otter Restoration Project. However we must recognise that the developer also has powers (including compulsory purchase) to deliver its proposals, so there is limited opportunity to require the substantial contribution that is envisaged. FAB Link has announced that their preferred route is along the western edge of the River Otter floodplain, along the footpath adjacent to the properties on Granary Lane. FAB link are in discussions with Devon County Council and CDE about raising the footpath above flood levels. FAB Link has applied for planning permission for the raised footpath. FAB Link has received planning permission for the raised footpath and a licence from the Marine Management Organisation to build and maintain the proposed subsea interconnector within UK waters. FAB Link has received approval of its Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) from the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. The CPO will be used to acquire rights to access land, not to buy the land itself, so that FAB can lay the cables underground, and return in the years to come for any maintenance which may be needed. An update on the overlap between LORP and FAB Link is included in the project update for September 2019 Stakeholder Group meeting. We are continuing to work with FAB Link on a solution for the overlap area of the footpath at the western edge of the floodplain between Granary Lane and South Farm Road. The works required here will need to be covered by a separate planning application or amendment. |
04 May 2016 28 September 2016 17 October 2017 24 January 2018 23 April 2018 31 July 2019 2 September 2020 |
Open |
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7 |
Unjustified Project Team Assumptions |
Dismissal of various concerns raised at public consultation meetings as "not significant" based on subjective opinion of relevant experts and authorities rather than on objective evidence obtained from Impact Assessments and Modelling |
We're sorry if any stakeholder feels that their concerns have been dismissed. We have listened to the concerns raised so far. To ensure all current and future concerns or suggestions are fully considered, we've committed to maintain a public register of these comments at www.lowerotterrestorationproject.co.uk. We'll provide each comment with a response from the project team when it is available. Many comments won't receive an immediate answer because we intend to fully explore them at the appropriate stage of the project. For example, there will be 2 years of evidence gathering in phase 2 of the project, which will include modelling work. To date we have sought the view of relevant and qualified professionals. We will continue to do this using the technical expertise available within the Environment Agency and CDE, through partner organisations like Natural England and local authorities, and from external consultants. Engineering and environmental consultants CH2M Hill have been appointed to carry out an appraisal of different options, outline design of a preferred option and an update to the Business Case for the project. The Environment Agency submitted the next stage of the business case to a national review panel in late 2018. It has been assessed and the panel agrees with the preferred option and that the risks can be managed. |
04 May 2016 18 January 2017 31 July |
Open |
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8 |
Impact of Accelerated Erosion of the Western Escarpment |
Erosion of the Western Escarpment exacerbated by increased river flow and tidal inundation (which would impact adversely on the amenity and value of properties adjoining the estuary) has not been independently assessed or modelled |
We are considering erosion of the Western Escarpment as part of the Lower Otter Restoration Project. CDE has commissioned a geological survey of the cliffs to improve our understanding of their existing condition and vulnerability to erosion. We hope the report will be available before our 10 May meeting and we will publish it on www.lowerotterrestorationproject.co.uk. The risk of erosion will then be fully considered as part of phase 2 of the project. The report is being finalised and will be published on the website shortly. The final report has been published on the website. The report concludes that the principal cause of erosion at the present time is the activity of plant roots and that the impact of any project will depend on the extent to which an improved public footpath at the base of the cliffs is overtopped. |
04 May 2016 28 September 2016 18 January 2017 |
Open |
|
9 |
Silt Accretion |
Accretion of silt converting estuary landscape (from that which has evolved over 200 years into scenically attractive part of designated AONB) to unattractive mudflats and swamp |
We acknowledge that the existing grazing marsh would largely change to mudflat and saltmarsh, particularly south of the road. The project would reinstate more natural conditions and allow more natural evolution over time. The attractiveness or otherwise of different habitats is largely a subjective matter. Unfortunately whilst the current situation may be attractive to some, it is an artificial one created by the construction of embankments. If we do nothing, failing embankments and climate change will eventually turn other areas of the estuary into mudflat and saltmarsh, which would be the natural, unmodified habitats at this site and which are of high wildlife value. The Lower Otter Restoration Project would like to explore in phase 2 how we can work with nature to control exactly where this happens so that we can avoid homes, businesses and infrastructure being damaged. The East Devon AONB are aware of the project. To date their officers have not expressed any concerns about the impact on the landscape and we will continue to inform them about the progress of the project. |
04 May 2016 |
Open |
|
10 |
Denial of Access to South Farm Road |
Unacceptably high detrimental impacts on value of the public highway and footpath to residents, SME businesses and tourists |
Improving, not diminishing, access for CDE tenants and the public is one of the aims of the Lower Otter Restoration Project. We are particularly committed to maintaining access to South Farm and along South Farm Road if we progress with a managed realignment solution in the Lower Otter Estuary. If we do nothing, climate change is likely to reduce access to highways and footpaths across the area. Solutions to retaining access to South Farm will be explored as part of the options appraisal. Our preferred route for raising South Farm Road, along the disused tip to the south of South Farm Road, is being discussed with Devon County Council Highways. |
04 May 2016 18 January 2017 4 October 2018 |
Open |
|
11 |
Cycle Path |
Nuisance to residents and disruption to wildlife caused by possible construction of a substantial new cycle path on the western bank of the estuary along the route of Footpath 12 |
The creation of a cycle path is not one of the aims of the Lower Otter Restoration Project. This idea was initially put forward by a member of the public at a previous public consultation event and has been subsequently repeated. However we recognise that others have significant concerns about this idea and therefore we don't intend to pursue this as part of the project. |
04 May 2016 |
Open |
|
12 |
Falling Oak Trees. |
Erosion of the Western Escarpment causing oak trees to fall threatening the safety of users of Footpath 12. |
Trees on the face of the cliff have been successfully managed by CDE for many years to minimise the risk of harm to footpath users. We are considering erosion of the Western Escarpment as part of the Lower Otter Restoration Project. CDE has commissioned a geological survey of the cliffs to improve our understanding of their existing condition and vulnerability to erosion. We hope the report will be available before our 10 May meeting and we will make it available on www.lowerotterrestorationproject.co.uk. The risk of erosion will then be fully considered as part of phase 2 of the project. The report is being finalised and will be published on the website shortly. The final report has been published on the website. The report concludes that the principal cause of erosion at the present time is the activity of plant roots and that the impact of any project will depend on the extent to which an improved public footpath at the base of the cliffs is overtopped. |
04 May 2016 28 September 2016 18 January 2017 |
Open |
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13 |
Mosquitoes |
Creation of inter- |
We recognise mosquitos are a concern for local residents. That's why we have consulted national experts at Public Health England and will continue to work with them. They have visited the site and plan to do so again. They have indicated that risks can be minimised by careful design and management of the inter- The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) is starting a project to investigate wetlands and mosquitoes. They have proposed using the Otter marshes as a case study, an offer that we intend to accept. The project funded by NERC has started, with the site survey starting at the end of April 2017. Surveys for 2018 have commenced The mosquito surveys as part of the NERC project have now finished. The potential for inter- |
04 May 2016 28 September 2016 9 May 2017 23 April 2018 31 July 2019 2 September 2020 |
Open |
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14 |
Landfill Sites |
Pollution and erosion caused by disturbance of both the two former Landfill Sites |
We also recognise the risks posed by the tip. We have talked to a number of different local sources about the history of the tip and their memories of it. We will complete necessary studies and site investigations into the tip as part of phase 2 of the project. The lack of evidence of any past pollution and advice from contaminated land experts at the Environment Agency suggests that the overall risk to the environment is quite low, provided that erosion is controlled. If we do nothing in the Lower Otter Estuary further erosion is likely. If we explore a managed realignment option we'd aim to control any erosion. The engineering and environmental consultant's commission includes carrying out investigations into the tip and developing options around how to deal with whatever is found. CH2M are about to request prices for ground investigation (digging pits, drilling boreholes and sampling the materials found) from independent contractors, to ensure we get the best price/ value for money. A contract for ground investigation work has been awarded by CH2M to specialist sub- Ground investigation has been completed and the analysis is in progress, with the reports expected in late 2017. The factual report on the ground investigation is nowavailable. The findings show very little evidence of residual contamination from the disused refuse tip. Any further erosion is unlikely to result in chemicals leaching out of the site, although unsightly but inert debris could still be present. The outline design includes protecting the sides of the tip using erosion protection matting. The sides of the disused tip will be protected by a combination of rock revetment, erosion protection matting and extended side slopes depending on the speed of flow in each area. |
04 May 2016 18 January 2017 9 May 2017 20 July 2017 17 October 2017 24 January 2018 4 November 2018 2 September 2020 |
Open |
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15 |
Boating |
Disruption to wildlife and nuisance to walkers caused by accessibility of flooded Otter Valley for recreational boating . |
There is a right to navigation on all tidal waters. Some canoeing and other recreational boating already takes place on the Otter. However we are not aware of such use during the longer duration flood events that already take place in the Lower Otter. If we progressed a managed realignment solutions, most of the tidally flooded area would be shallow and all would drain at low tide. As a result we would not expect significant levels of usage. The major use by birds will be as a feeding area at low tide, when access by canoes and boats would not be possible. Clinton Devon Estates are exploring with East Devon District Council options for limiting use of the new habitat area by watercraft. Voluntary wildlife refuges have been implemented successfully on other local estuaries and may be an option here. |
04 May 2016 31 July 2019 |
Open |
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16 |
Felling of trees on tip |
Have permissions been obtained? Don't these trees reduce flood flows? |
The felling of trees at this site is not directly connected to the Lower Otter Restoration Project. A separate 11kV power resilience project led by Western Power is being completed.The power line that supplies the South Farm community is currently at risk from windblown trees. Trees will need to be felled from the power line a width at least equal to 1.5 times the tree height. This exposes the remaining trees to wind blow, hence the Estate's decision to fell all plantation trees. A felling license was approved by the Forestry Commission. The old tip is only shallowly capped and large trees are not really appropriate on the site. Mature broadleaf trees (eg. oak) along the southern edge will be left where possible. Once the trees have been felled, the site will be left to ‘rewild’ naturally with native shrub and tree species, such as blackthorn. These are less likely to suffer in the longer term from wind blow, and are less likely to threaten the power line.
At present we are in the bird breeding season, and no works will be undertaken. It is hoped to carry out the work after the end of the nesting season, but before winter weather makes flooding more likely. Once the dates when the work will occur are known the Estate will put up appropriate signage and publicise this further. Tree felling is planned for the second week in February 2017, unless bad weather or flooding prevent it being carried out. Tree felling was completed in February 2017. |
11 May 2016 18 January 2017 9 May 2017 |
Closed |
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17 |
Flooding at Otterton and upstream |
How will the project affect flooding further upstream? |
The project is not primarily intended to reduce flood risk, although one of the outcomes would be to reduce the duration of fluvial flooding of the marshes. However, the project will require a flood risk assessment and the project will only be able to proceed if it can be shown not to increase flood risk. The computer hydrodynamic model has been built by Jacobs and checked by experts at the Environment Agency. The modellers have ‘run’ a number of different scenarios through the model. These include simulating two real events that have occurred in the Otter valley, the 2008 river flooding and the tidal storm event of 2014. For each scenario the results from the ‘baseline’ (existing) situation have been compared with those from the proposed layout. The water levels with the proposed layout are broadly similar to those from the baseline situation. Water levels, and therefore flood risk, in key areas are not increased. The flood defences at Granary Lane are higher than all the modelled water levels. |
11 May 2016 24 April 2018 |
Open |
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18 |
Car parking and visitor management |
Visitor management as a whole is important, not just the South West Coast Path. Parking on South Farm Road is already sometimes a problem. If the project hopes to increase visitor numbers to the area then the impact of that, and the facilities available, need to be carefully considered. |
The project is currently at the right stage to consider what 'components' might need to be included in different options. A 'long list' of options was circulated to the members of the Stakeholder Group on 1 February 2017, for discussion with those they represent. The members of the Group have been asked to return comments and additional items for consideration by 28 February 2017. The members of the Stakeholder Group have also been invited to a workshop in mid- Car parking and visitor management remain on the short list of components that we will consider as part of the assessment of the short listed options. A visitor management report has been produced and is available on the project website. We will take account of the recommendations in the detailed design phase of the project. We are also aware of concerns about increased demand for parking at Otterton and will be exploring what options are available to minimise the impact. |
2 February 2017 9 May 2017 31 July 2019 |
Open |
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19 |
Public water supply |
There are several public water supply abstraction boreholes in the Otter Valley. The potential impact of the project on water salinity in these areas needs to be understood. |
We are currently agreeing the scope of a groundwater risk assessment with the Environment Agency (which licences the abstraction) and South West Water. CH2M are now working on the groundwater risk assessment. Jacobs (previosly CH2M) are now undertaking a more detailed assessment of the potential groundwater impact. The results of the groundwater risk assessment work have been discussed with South West Water and the Environment Agency. The report is currently being finalised. The project team believes that the low risk to the public water supply has now been demonstrated. Further modelling has been carried out and documented in a Groundwater Risk Assessment report, which will be appended to the Environmental Statement accompanying the planning application. A monitoring plan will also be developed. |
9 May 2017 20 July 2017 23 April 2018 31 July 2019 2 September 2020 |
Open |
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20 |
Loss of SW Footpath |
Concerns over losing sections of the SW coast path, or a new route affecting either the available view from the path itself, or foot traffic causing disturbance to residences if routed closer to Granary Lane. The Napoleonic Footpath would be destroyed in places under all 4 options offered here. This footpath is a historic monument and should be maintained and respected in memory of the prisoners of war who built it |
The project team includes landscape architects, who will assess the impact of any proposed works on views and the overall visual integrity of the area. A Landscape Plan will be prepared as part of the environmental assessment, and we will apply for Planning Permission from East Devon District Council. The project team has carried out a desk based assessment of the Historic Environment of the area and will continue to assess the impact of any proposed works on this environment. We will consult with East Devon District Council's Conservation Officer, Historic England, the Devon County Archaeologist and Devon County Council's Public Rights of Way Officer as appropriate, depending on the likely impact of the proposed works. We also hope that the project can include interpretation boards that reflect the history of the area. |
17 October 2017 |
Open |
|
21 |
Annual funding for maintenance |
Who will be responsible for maintaining the estuary and where is the funding coming from? Has this been budgeted for over the next 50 years or would it have to be applied for on an annual basis? The sea will bring in a fair amount of debris. Who will be responsible for clearing this? |
As the landowner, Clinton Devon Estates will have the primary responsibility for maintenance of the area, as it does today. The ongoing maintenance costs of the structures and habitats will be considered as part of the Business Case, along with the funding streams that will be required to pay for that maintenance. East Devon Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust (part of the Estate) is investigating different management regimes, including partnership models. Devon County Council currently fund much of the maintenance of footpaths; the project should reduce the maintenance requirement. The amount of debris entering the estuary is unlikely to be significantly different to now, although it may be distributed over a wider area. |
17 October 2017 |
Open |
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22 |
Compensatory habitat for the Exe Estuary |
River Otter should not have works done to compensate for works on the Exe. Concerned that this project would not even have been considered were it not for the loss of habitat on the River Exe. The project is not considering what is best for the Lower Otter Valley, but what it can receive funding for and what will obtain Clinton's approval. Therefore the project is already compromised. |
As a responsible landowner, the Estate had recognised the problems faced by the Lower Otter Valley since before 2009, and had already begun to look into possible solutions before it became apparent that the Environment Agency needed to create compensatory habitat. The Estate wants to help find a solution to secure the future of the Lower Otter Valley for its tenants and neighbours, as well as the thousands of visitors who enjoy it every year. It also seeks to enhance the natural environment through its activities. However, it has limited funding. There is significant infrastructure in the Lower Otter Valley that would be at risk of tidal flooding if the embankments breach in an unplanned way. Finding funding for long- The type of habitat that is being restored is that which would be present naturally, and would be more biodiverse. The project team is endeavouring to find the best long- |
17 October 2017 |
Open |
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23 |
Loss of existing wildlife |
What will be done to support the otters & new family of beavers whilst work is going on? The trees and hedgerows support varied mammals, insects and birds that cannot survive in the artificial environment planned. |
We recognise that there is existing wildlife in the area and have carried out surveys to understand what is present. As the design develops we will take account of protected species and valuable habitats, and include mitigation for these as appropriate. For example, new trees would be planted to replace those that would be lost, and in greater numbers than before. The environment proposed is what would occur naturally in this area if the embankments had not been built. We believe that the project will create habitat that will support a much greater diversity of habitats and species than is currently present. There will be a natural progression from saline to fresh habitats, rarely found in modified landscapes. We do not believe that otters and beavers would be adversely impacted; the reverse is likely to be true. Detailed surveys of protected species will be carried out between spring and autumn 2018. Further surveys have been carried out in 2019 and will be included in the Environmental Statement that will accompany the planning application for LORP. |
17 October 2017 23 April 2018 31 July 2019 |
Open |
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24 |
Exposure of sewerage pipe behind the shingle ridge |
South West Water's Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) pipe runs along the back of the shingle ridge at Budleigh Salterton, across the estuary mouth and out through the Otterton Point headland. Modelling shows that flow speeds are likely to increase at the estuary mouth, which could expose the CSO pipe. |
The shingle ridge is extremely mobile with the current situation. Photographs show that the shingle quantity and layout at the estuary mouth has varied significantly over time. Whilst the CSO pipe is currently completely buried, it has been exposed in the past. This includes 'several feet' of a manhole chamber being exposed. The proposed project would allow more tidal water both into and out of the estuary during the course of a tidal cycle. Initially this will lead to increased flow speeds, which are likely to lead to a widening and/or deepening of the Otter channel at the estuary mouth. We are investigating what this could mean in terms of impact on the shingle ridge, CSO pipe and footpath 'behind' (inland of) the shingle ridge. This includes finding out more from SWW about the depth and condition of the CSO pipe. Options for the CSO pipe that runs along the back of the shingle ridge are being discussed with South West Water, the Environment Agency permitting team, Natural England (which manages the estuary Site of Special Scientific Interest) and the Jurassic Coast Trust (which manages the World Heritage Site) It has been agreed that LORP will fund a diversion of the CSO pipe, beneath the estuary, using directional drilling. This will allow the shingle ridge to evolve naturally in response to changing flow speeds and volumes. The existing CSO pipe will become redundant, but will remain in place unless it becomes damaged and a hazard to the public. SWW will lead the CSO diversion works.
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10 May 2018 31 July 2019 2 September 2020 |
Open |
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25 |
Unplanned breach of estuary embankment |
If the estuary embankment breaches in an unplanned way we will lose the opportunity to deal with the infrastructure in the floodplain behind. The Environment Agency will not be able to provide funding to the project, as return to tidal habitats will have started to occur naturally. |
A partial collapse of the estuary embankment occurred in the location of the Environment Agency's outfall structure on 14 September 2018. Prompt action by Clinton Devon Estates, Devon County Council and the Environment Agency prevented further collapse. A temporary repair is being progressed. The partial collapse of the embankment north of Lime Kiln car park in September 2018 has been repaired and the protective piling removed. |
4 October 2018 31 July 2019 |
Open |
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26 |
Invasive species |
Presence of Himalayan Balsam and Japanese Knotweed in the project area |
There are some relatively limited areas of Japanese Knotweed on the disused tip. These are being treated regularly by Clinton Devon Estates. The most recent treatment was in early September 2019. The project team is seeking specialist advice about how best to deal with it on an ongoing basis. Current advice is to move it as little as possible, bury it in- Himalayan Balsam is widespread in the River Otter catchment. Clinton Devon Estates are part of an ongoing catchment approach to controlling balsam, starting with controls in the upstream catchment. The introduction of saline water as part of LORP should help to limit its development in the lower part of the catchment. Another invasive species, water fern, was identified in a small area of the project site in early summer 2019 but appeared to be absent after inspection early autumn 2019. Monitoring is taking place for biosecurity reasons but as salt water will kill it we would expect this species, if present, to disappear. The Japanese Knotweed on the disused tip was treated again on 25 June 2020. |
3 October 2019 2 September 2020 |
Open |
