SA 12 - Encourge more field surveys etc to identify pollution hot spots

Code

SA 12

Supporting action

Encourge more field surveys etc to identify pollution hot spots

Wider environmental benefits

Improving air quality Improving water quality Supporting health and cultural services Improving soil health Promoting nature friendly farming

Priority

The impact of pollution on habitats and species is reduced

Priority description

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.