Environment Agency, Wales

WATER RESOURCES ACT 1991, SECTION 79A

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR DROUGHT PERMIT

PUBLIC NOTICE OF DROUGHT PERMIT APPLICATION FOR ELAN VALLEY RESERVOIRS

There has been an exceptional shortage of rainfall in the water catchment serving the Elan Valley Reservoir area in the period since July 2003. Whilst there are no concerns that this will cause a shortage in supply during the winter months, Dwr Cymru Cyfyngedig wishes to ensure that the reservoir refills so as to maintain normal supplies during the summer months of 2004. To achieve this Dwr Cymru Cyfyngedig of Pentwyn Road, Nelson, Mid Glamorgan CF46 6LY, is applying to the Environment Agency for a drought permit.
The proposed drought permit, which is intended to apply until 31 March 2004, will involve a reduction in the compensation flow from the Elan Valley Reservoir from 68 to 45 Megalitres per day.
The anticipated effect of the drought permit, if granted, will be to sustain water levels in the Elan Valley Reservoir so as to improve reservoir refill and help safeguard water supplies next summer. In consultation with the Environment Agency and Countryside Council for Wales the effective start date for this permission will be subject to the Salmon/Trout distribution within the affected catchment. No significant environmental effects are anticipated from this proposal.
The original notice advised that anyone may inspect the proposals, free of charge, during normal office hours until 12 December 2003, at the following locations:

Rhayader Leisure Centre, North Street, Rhayader LD6 5BU.
Dwr Cymru Cyfyngedig Headquarters, Pentwyn Road, Nelson, Treharris CF46 6LY.
Area Office, Environment Agency Wales, Rivers House, St Mellons Business Park, Fortran Road, St Mellons, Cardiff CF3 0EY.
Area Office, Environment Agency Wales, Hadnock Road, Monmouth NP25 3NQ.

Office hours for Dwr Cymru Cyfyngedig are 8.30 am to 5.00 pm. Office hours for Environment Agency Wales are 9.30 am to 3.30 pm, Monday to Friday.
The inspection period has now been extended until 17 December 2003, and the locations remain the same.
All objections must be made by 17 December 2003. Objections should be made to Environment Agency Wales at:

Environment Agency Wales, Rivers House, St Mellons Business Park, Fortran Road, St Mellons, Cardiff CF3 0EY.

Please mark for the attention of Graham Hillier, South East Area Manager.

Objections should be made in writing immediately and in any event within 7 days from the date of publication of this notice.
S Gallimore, Dwr Cymru Cyfyngedig
11 December 2003.