The Nutrient Neutrality scheme was introduced as part of the new Environment Act. This seeks to stop additional pollution entering waterways as a result of development. Every new house built results in more sewage being produced, whilst sewage works are already failing, with repeated discharges of raw sewage. Even when treated, the effluent from sewage works is adding nutrients resulting in algal blooms, which can choke the river, affecting the whole ecosystem, killing fish and insects.
Most rivers and lakes in the UK currently fail the targets of the Water Framework Directive for water quality. Meeting the Water Framework Directive standards makes water safe for wildlife and people. The Nutrient Neutrality legislation is only trying to stop water quality in rivers, estuaries and coastal waters deteriorating further, not even improve it. Any dilution of this legislation will lead to more pollution in rivers and more water bodies failing to meet safe standards for wildlife and people.
The Government claims that one of the reasons why its house building targets are not being met is because of the Nutrient Neutrality legislation. Concerns about adding to the damage caused to our rivers by excessive nutrients have led to 74 councils halting developments while a solution is found. Developments can be approved if appropriate measures are taken to offset the added nutrients that would result. The Wildlife trusts have already demonstrated a range of nature-based solutions that can take the nutrient out of the system. Landholders and environmental organisations such as Wiltshire Wildlife Trust are in a position to rapidly invest in large, landscape-scale nature recovery schemes with funding from developers to protect and improve water quality.
Nutrient Neutrality legislation and its implementation by Planning Authorities is vital in achieving sustainable development while protecting rivers and lakes.
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is asking people to contact their local MP to call for the Nutrient Neutrality scheme to be maintained and accelerated.