Title: Sources of farm pollution and impact on river quality : interim report 1991
Author: C.P. Maidstone
Author: G. Rutt
Author: T. Pickering
Document Type: Monograph
Abstract:
The impact of livestock farming on river quality is an increasing cause of concern in the UK and elsewhere. There is an urgent need for simple field appraisal techniques that allow the rapid application of control measures. On strategic and political levels, the distribution of farm pollution problems
needs to be defined in order that attention can be focused on the worst affected areas. This report details work undertaken in the period April 1990 to March 1991. The work is of direct benefit to the NRA for the strategic planning of farm pollution control at both the national and local level. A simple farm pollution indicator key, based on the presence or absence of invertebrates and sewage fungus, has been produced which is being tested on a large scale monitoring programme in west Wales. The feasibility of its use by
non specialists is being investigated, and it is envisaged that pollution control staff could apply it to the rapid identification of problem areas or farms. A protocol for developing indicator keys for areas other than Wales is being produced. The national assessment exercise has used a Geographical Information System to identify hotspots of livestock farming activity. The distribution maps produced provide a means of focussing attention on the farm pollution problem and also of identifying areas where the application of the indicator key approach might be most appropriate. The literature review has highlighted the lack of centralised governmental involvement in farm pollution issues compared to other European countries and elsewhere.
Publisher: National Rivers Authority
Publication Date: 1991
Publication Place: Bristol
Subject Keywords: Farms; Agriculture; Pollution; Water quality; Invertebrates; Livestock; Indicators
Geographic Keywords: Wales
Extent: 291
Permalink: http://www.environmentdata.org/archive/ealit:4004
Total file downloads: 19
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