TAKE NOTICE that due to the threat of a serious deficiency of supplies of water for compensation flows from Upper Black Moss and Lower Black Moss Reservoirs (National Grid Reference: SD 82 41) to Black Moss water the Environment Agency (“the Agency”) is applying to the Secretary of State for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for a drought order under Section 73 of the Water Resources Act 1991. This deficiency is caused by an exceptional shortage of rain.

The proposed drought order, which is intended to apply for up to 6 months, will allow the Agency to instruct United Utilities Water Limited to reduce the compensation flows from Upper Black Moss and Lower Black Moss Reservoirs under Licence Serial No. 26 71 322 033 (dated 19 March 2014) from 2.682 Ml/day to 1.341 Ml/day during the period of operation of the order. The reservoirs are ‘compensation only’ with no water used for direct water supply.

The order, if granted, would allow United Utilities Water Limited to continue to provide a compensation flow to meet the needs of the respective downstream environments whilst preserving stocks in the reservoirs to support their environmental needs.

Anyone may inspect the proposals, which include a map of the area affected by the order, until 16 September 2022. Inspection is free of charge and available during normal working hours at:-

• Barrowford Library. Ann Street, Barrowford, Nelson, BB9 8QH. (Opening hours; Mon 09:00-13:00 and 14:00-17:00, Weds 09:00-13:00, Thurs 09:00-13:00 and 14:00-19:00, Fri 09:00-13:00 and 14:00-17:00, Sat 09:00-13:00.)

• Environment Agency, Lutra House, Dodd Way, Off Seedlee Road, Walton Summit, Bamber Bridge, Preston, PR5 8BX (Office hours Mon to Fri 9:00-17:00).

• You can view the application and supporting documents online at: https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/psc/environment-agency-application-for-drought-order

Objections must be sent to water.resources@defra.gov.uk or:

Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, c/o Water Resources Policy, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Seacole 3rd Floor, 2 Marsham Street, London, SW1P 4DF.

Objections should be made immediately and in any event no later than 5pm on 16 September 2022.

Dated 09 September 2022

Amy Heys, Environment, Planning and Engagement Manager, Lutra House Dodd Way, Off Seedlee Road, Preston, PR5 8BX.