This section considers potentially
contaminated surface water draining directly into
the cSAC, or from more diffuse inputs influencing
water quality in the cSAC from the River Teifi catchment
or elsewhere.
a. Extent
of the activity
Agriculture is the major industry
in the region, occurring directly adjacent to the
cSAC. Given the highly polluting nature of farm wastes,
the collection, management and safe disposal of effluents,
e.g. slurry, silage and sheep dip, are areas of concern
as they can lead to the localised contamination of
watercourses and potentially the cSAC. (See section 5.1.1.3 ‘Pollution’).
Animal pathogens could also enter the cSAC via this
route.Changes in agricultural practices
in recent years, often in response to European policy,
have accelerated changes in land use.
The upper Teifi
in particular has seen a marked increase in sheep
numbers, which has consequently placed a greater
emphasis on the proper disposal of sheep dip. With
the middle and lower Teifi having predominantly dairy
and livestock farms, it is slurry and silage effluents
that are of greater concern there.The upper Teifi also suffers from
the legacy of metal mining where run off from the
abandoned spoil tips results in contaminated water
running off into local watercourses.
Activities on industrial estates
or other sites can also lead to accidental spills
which can contaminate surface waters, although the
area concerned has relatively few sites with the
potential to discharge directly into the cSAC.
b. Mechanism
for effect on the feature
Contamination from land run-off
can lead to localised environmental problems, such
as impacts on river water quality and biology from
farm effluents e.g. sheep dips. These diffuse inputs
can enter the coastal streams or the Teifi and Aeron
catchments with the potential of subsequently impacting
on the cSAC. EAW routinely monitors both these rivers
and the water quality of each is considered to be
of the highest standard. Some limited bacterial monitoring
is also carried out at the EC Identified bathing
beaches in the area in line with the requirements
of the Bathing Waters Directive
.c. Management
Response
i. Rationale
Land-use is obviously an important
consideration as such a large area of land drains
to the cSAC. Environmental impacts identified from
current practices are largely well known and already
subject to controls where they exist. For example,
maintenance of bathing water is a key concern locally,
and one where a number of organisations work together
to minimise impacts from land run-off, amongst others.
It is more likely that this factor will be considered
and tackled for these other reasons than for dolphins,
but this will ultimately mean risks to dolphins are
reduced.
ii. Type of Response
F4 :
There is a known mechanism for the activity to have
an effect, but insufficient evidence at present to
determine whether or not it is having a significant
adverse effect.
i. Actions,
including links to other policies/plans/measures
- Continue to monitor river
and coastal water quality data in the area and
consider any influence land run-off might have
on dolphin health and distribution.
- Maintain an ongoing programme
of inspections of agricultural and industrial
premises to ensure that risks are minimised and
that owners/occupiers are aware of risks and
implement best practice. [125] , [126]
[125]
E.g. through use of The Water Code: Code of
Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of
Water. 1998. MAFF, Welsh Office Agricultural Department. Available
free from MAFF publications 0645-556000
[126]
A range of Pollution Prevention Guidelines (PPGs)
for industry, and site specific guidance is available
from Environment Agency Wales.
