Environmental Commitments
IDB Statutory Obligations to the Environment
The Land Drainage Act 1991, as amended by the Land Drainage Act 1994, places a duty on Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) with respect to the environment and recreation. In simple terms, the amended act requires IDBs, in so far as may be consistent with their functions, to further the conservation of flora, fauna and geological or physiographical features of special interest, and to have regard for protecting sites of archaeological or historical interest.
IDBs should also take into account the effect that any proposals they wish to promote could have on the beauty or amenity of any rural or urban area, or on any such flora, fauna, features, buildings, sites or objects in that area.
The Environment Impact Assessment (Land Drainage Improvement Works Regulations 1999 (SI 1999 No 1783) and 2005 (2 & 3) requires IDBs to undertake an assessment of the impact on the environment of projects likely to have significant effects and under the Countryside & Rights of Way Act 2000, IDBs must consult English Nature on proposed works or operations if these impact on the interest features of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI's).
Under the habitat Regulations 1994, IDBs are required to consider the likely significant effect of their plans or projects on European designated sites, which in the case of the Black Sluice IDB would be the Wash area Special Area of Conservation (SAC). It is however unlikely that the nature, scale and timing of operations undertaken by the Board would impact on this site.
IDBs are Section 28G Authorities under the Countryside Rights of Way (CROW) Act and will comply with the requirements of this Act.
Protected Sites within IDB Districts in Somerset
The following sites are designated for their environmental and conservation interest.
Special Protection Areas:
- The Seven Estuary: all Somerset IDBs
- The Somerset Levels and Moors: Parrett and Axe Brue IDBs
Sites of Special Scientific Interest:
Parrett
- Bridgwater Bay
- Curry & Hay Moors
- Kings Sedgemoor
- Langmead & Weston Level
- Moorlinch
- North Moor
- Southlake Moor
- West Moor
- West Sedgemoor
- Wet Moor
Axe Brue
- Cheddar Reservoir
- Catcott, Edington & Chilton Moors
- Shapwick Heath
- Sharpham Moor Plot
- Street Heath
- Tealham & Tadham Moors
- Westhay Heath
- Westhay Moor
North Somerset
- Nailsea, Tickenham and Kenn Moor.
- Puxton Moor
- Biddle Street
- Yanal Bog
- Gordano Valley
IDB Environment Committee
The Board have an Environmental Committee which meets on a regular basis with the following terms of reference:-
1. To monitor the Boards’ performance in relation to their environmental duties and responsibilities, their Biodiversity Action Plan objectives and Government's environmental policies.
2. To promote best practice through employee training and awareness.
3. To inform the public of the Board's commitment to environmental issues.
4. To promote initiatives, within watercourses maintained by the Board under statutory powers, that result in a meaningful environmental gain.
The Boards are achieving the aims in the following ways:
- A programme of surveying watercourses is being undertaken.
- The workforce record Biodiversity Action Plan species seen during their work.
- An agreed method of maintenance of drainage channels is followed by the workforce.
- Regular training courses are arranged.
- Publications including an annual newsletter to ratepayers.
- Social media.
- Website.
- Improvement to watercourses.
- Resisting unnecessary culverting of drainage channels.