Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Decision Report

1. Executive Summary

1.1. The purpose of this paper is to provide a summary of key aspects relating to the environment management of the Harbour since February 2009.

2. Key issues

2.1. Port Waste Management Plan

All boat yards, marinas and relevant sailing clubs have now supplied the required waste data for the AHM(E) to produce the delayed River Hamble Port Waste Management Plan (PWMP) 2004-2006. This has been submitted to, and approved by, The Maritime & Coastguard Agency under the Merchant Shipping (Port Waste Reception Facilities) Regulation 2003. The AMH(E) has put an annual reporting system in place to ensure future plans are not held up by delayed data submission.

2.2. Maintenance Dredging

Maintenance dredging consent was granted to Marina Developments Limited who undertook dredging of sections within Hamble Point Marina, Port Hamble Marina and Mercury Yacht Harbour between January and March 2009

2.3. ABP Proposal for Capital Dredge of Southampton Approach Channel

ABP gave a presentation to the Harbour Board (to which the Management Committee was invited) in September 2008. The Harbour Authority has been involved in on-going discussions with ABP. RHHA was consulted formally by the Marine & Fisheries Agency (MFA) in February 2009 regarding the impacts of the proposal on the River Hamble with respect to the following; "marine environment, interference with legitimate users of the water, lighting and markings, noise and nuisance". ABP submitted an Environmental Statement (ES) to the MFA as part of the license application and it provides full details of the proposed dredge and ABP's assessment of the impacts. It can be downloaded from the following website: www.mfa.gov.uk/environment/works/projects-statements.htm

The RHHA has made a detailed response to the MFA. The RHHA has briefed members of the River Hamble Boat Yard & Marina Operators Association (RHBYMOA) and other relevant stakeholders about the possible impacts of the project. RHHA is also in discussion with ABP about an appropriate monitoring and mitigation package.

2.4. Streamlined Consents Meeting

This group, chaired by the AHM(E), is held up as an example of national best practice by the Department for Environment and Rural Affairs. It offers applicants who are in the early stages of considering proposals within the marine environment an opportunity to meet informally with all the authorities who consent the numerous permissions required for such work. The authorities explain the marine consents required and offer applicants advice and set out the process for how to proceed. This group is purely advisory, no decisions are made or approvals given. The latest meeting was held on 12 May 2009 and five proposals were tabled. Meetings are usually bi-annual, in response to demand.

2.5. Water Framework Directive (WFD) Update

The Environment Agency has now published the draft River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) for the South East River Basin District. This area includes Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Sussex, South & East Kent. It is split into 9 catchments, the Hamble is included in the East Hampshire Catchment. The AHM(E) & Marine Director were invited to the Environment Agency's catchment workshop in April 2009. This was an opportunity to be updated on the WFD and to also feed into the process by ensuring that interests of the harbour are represented in the plan. The public consultation process is still on-going and the deadline for response to the draft RBMP is 22 June 2009. Details can be found at http://wfdconsultation.environment-agency.gov.uk/wfdcms/en/southeast/Intro.aspx

A briefing paper from the Environment Agency to the South East Ports, Navigation & Boaters is attached in Annex A.

2.6. Solent Harbours Environment Officers Meeting

This bi-annual meeting was hosted at the Hamble by the AHM(E) on 15 May. This is a valuable opportunity for post-holders to benefit through sharing common experiences and best practise.

2.7. Solent Forum

The AHM(E) attended the Solent Forum Meeting on 11 March 2009. The Solent Forum is a regional coastal partnership group made up of councils, harbour authorities and many other organisations such as the Royal Yachting Association. It operates at a strategic coastal management level, providing a network for closer working relationships, information dissemination and discussion of topical coastal issues. It helps develop a greater understanding among the authorities and agencies involved in planning and/or management in the Solent area and assists and influences them in carrying out their functions.

The AHM(E) also attended the Nature Conservation Subgroup meeting on 10th June 2009. This group has a specific role in supporting and complementing the work of organisations including harbour authorities, that have a remit relating to nature conservation management and processes.

More information about the Solent Forum: http://www.solentforum.org/

2.8. Botley Bark Store Slipway Wall

Damage to the slipway wall occurred as a result of vandalism and tidal erosion. Repairs to the slipway wall have now been completed

2.9. Upper Hamble Access

The overhanging willow tree that was impeding access upstream of Botley Bark Store has now been removed by the landowner.

2.10. Solent Seal Tagging Project

The UK has approximately 40% of the worlds population of harbour seals however recent studies have suggested numbers are in steep decline but causes are unknown. Increased monitoring is being undertaken through a tagging project led by Hampshire Wildlife Trust. Seals are a Priority Biodiversity Action Plan Species and listed under Appendix III of the Bern Convention and Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive, which requires `appropriate measures' be carried out to ensure their protection. The only known rookery in the Eastern English Channel is a small population of 15 - 20 harbour seals that live in the Solent area, so they are considered regionally unique and therefore very important.  There are also very low numbers of grey seals that seem to pass through the area. Very little is known about the Solent seals such as their resting, feeding and breeding sites. Without a knowledge of these important sites, little can be done to ensure they are protected for the benefit of the seals. Seals can be seen in the Hamble Estuary so Harbour Authority staff, along with members of the public are being asked to report all sightings of seals. More information and a code of conduct can be found at http://www.hwt.org.uk/pages/seal-project.html



Harbour Seal photographed in the harbour last month

2.11. Crabbing Competition

The Harbour Office held a charity crabbing competition on 13 June. This was a popular event with a large number of children taking part. As part of the event children, were given information about how to undertake such activities in a safe and environmentally sensitive manner.

3. Recommendation

3.1 That the contents of the report be noted.

Integral Appendix A

CORPORATE OR LEGAL INFORMATION:

Links to the Corporate Strategy