PM 42 - Create pollution tolerant buffers to reduce impact of pollution of sensitive habitats
- Code
- PM 42
- Measure
- Create pollution tolerant buffers to reduce impact of pollution of sensitive habitats
- Description
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Pollution can cause biodiversity loss and the degradation of sensitive habitats, especially freshwater habitats, grasslands, woodlands and peatlands. Pollution sources can be located through surveys and by collecting air, water and land quality data and field surveys, allowing for targeted interventions to be implemented to reduce pollution. Habitats can also be protected through creation of pollution-tolerant buffers.
- Wider environmental benefits
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Increasing woodland cover Improving air quality Improving water quality Supporting health and cultural services Improving soil health Promoting nature friendly farming
- Links to additional information and guidance
- Priority
- The impact of pollution on habitats and species is reduced
- Priority description
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Phosphate, ammonia and nitrogen pollution of soils and watercourses, is a major threat for Herefordshire’s natural environment. Sources include sewage discharge, septic tanks and industrial and agricultural runoff. Excessive phosphate leads to the poor ecological condition of Herefordshire’s rivers and failing water quality in many areas of the catchment. Excess nitrogen from the ammonia deposition results in more fast-growing species at the expense of less nutrient-tolerant flora. This can lead to ecosystem imbalances and habitat degradation.