Guidance

Guide to the draft river basin management plans

Published 22 October 2021

Applies to England

1. Introduction

This document explains and provides links to the documents and data systems that make up the draft river basin management plans. These are referred to as ‘the draft plans’ in this document.

2. Responding to the consultation

The Environment Agency is running the consultation on the draft plans. It runs from 22 October 2021 to 22 April 2022. Our preferred method for receiving your responses to the consultation is by the online consultation tool. This allows us to analyse and manage responses efficiently. If necessary, you can send your responses by email or by post. Please contact RBMPconsultation@environment-agency.gov.uk for details. There is a downloadable consultation question form on the overview page of the consultation site. Providing responses early allows us more time to consider and potentially clarify issues before using them to inform the updated river basin management plans.

The consultation questions are on the pages of the online consultation tool. You can input your response directly on to the system and submit it to us by completing the ‘about you’ page at the end. There is also an option to come back to your responses another time if you click the ‘save and come back later’ button.

We recommend reading through the consultation pages first, and then reading the ‘Summary of the draft river basin management plans’ document before submitting your response. Links to further information and evidence to inform your response are available on each of the consultation pages.

3. Structure of the draft plans

The draft plans consist of documents and online systems presenting the data and maps. You can view, print or download draft plan data using these systems. There are also links to downloadable data in the documents.

The documents set out the context and purpose of the plans. They set out the legal framework and the principles for implementing the plans. They also provide more detail on the planning process and link to more detailed information on specific topics.

The data systems allow you to access the data and maps for your river basin district. You can also view this data at a more detailed level, zooming in to the scale that is most meaningful for you. In addition, you can view all data for England.

4. The draft plan documents and data systems

The draft plan documents are written to be accessible to everyone. They do, however, describe complex processes and methodologies that require more technical language. We have adopted a layered approach to the structure of the draft plans. This is designed to allow all readers to understand the general approach and data. Those with more technical interests can follow links to more detailed technical information and data. We provide an online glossary to help you with any terms you may not be familiar with.

The online consultation tool is the first point for accessing the draft plans. The tool directs you to the ‘draft plans’ page on GOV.UK. The documents and links to data are arranged by river basin district. Selecting the appropriate river basin district on this page will take you to a list of documents and data system links for that district. The online consultation tool directs you to the parts of documents and data systems which provide you with information to help you respond to the questions.

The documents and data explorers that form the draft plans are detailed in the following sections. You can access these from the draft river basin management plans 2021 document collection.

4.1 Summary of the draft river basin management plans

The summary document gives an overview of the plans and signposts the user to more detailed information and data for their river basin district (or national and catchment data if preferred). This document gives an overview of the outcomes of the planning process and contains an overview of the summary programme of measures.

4.2 River basin planning data viewer (catchment data explorer)

The catchment data explorer presents the data for the draft plans. This provides access to the summary data tables at river basin district level, with the option to download the source data. You can also select smaller catchments to view or download this data, as well as viewing the data for specific water bodies. Catchment partnership pages are accessible from the draft plan management catchment pages on catchment data explorer. See section 5.1 for more details on how to use this explorer and section 5.2 for details on catchment partnership pages.

4.3 River basin planning map explorer

We are using ArcGIS Online to present the draft plan maps. This provides users with an interactive mapping system to view the draft plan data. You can turn different map layers on and off for comparison purposes. As with the catchment data explorer, it allows you to view the maps at the geographic scale of interest to you and print out maps. See section 5.3 for more details on how to use this map explorer.

4.4 River basin planning programme of measures: mechanisms summary

This document details the mechanisms available to deliver the measures that underpin the achievement of the environmental objectives in river basin management plans in England.

4.5 Summary programmes of measures downloads

The Summary of the draft river basin management plans document introduces and highlights the summary programmes of measures. In addition to this, you can download more detailed information in the programmes of measures spreadsheets. We recommend you read the content in sections 5.7 to 5.9 of the Summary of the draft plan document first, which explains the contents and context of the spreadsheets.

4.6 River basin planning progress report

This document provides an update on the progress in the river basin districts since the 2015 plans were published. It includes progress towards achieving the objectives and the implementation of planned measures, as well as changes in designations and standards.

4.7 River basin planning process overview

This document provides background and technical information about the planning process. It is an update to the ‘River basin management plans: Part 2’ document from the 2015 river basin management plans. This document is in 2 parts, with a guide to alternative objectives expanding on a summary section in the main overview document.

4.8 Severn River Basin District draft river basin management plan and cross border catchments (England and Wales)

Provides a summary of the whole Severn River Basin District and highlights how the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales work together with partners. This document contains summary data for the river basin district and links to the relevant data and documents hosted by the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales. This document is also available in Welsh.

5. The data systems

5.1 The catchment data explorer

The catchment data explorer has allowed people to view and download river basin planning data for over 5 years. For the draft plans, and for the updated plans, it will also be where you can access the data that forms the plans. The WFD Regulations 2017 require this data to be presented at river basin district level. The catchment data explorer provides data at this level as well as allowing users to view it at national, catchment and water body scale.

There are 2 options for viewing data on the catchment data explorer. You can choose to view the data for the draft plans or the latest data available (updated approximately every quarter). There is a link under the heading on each page allowing you to switch between the 2. It is always worth double checking which data is being displayed prior to using.

The draft plan view of the catchment data explorer presents the data used for the draft plans and is a formal part of the consultation. This will remain unchanged for the duration of the consultation. When the updated plans are published, this data will remain unchanged until the plans are updated again in 2027.

The latest data view allows you to view the latest river basin planning data. It is updated quarterly and will reflect any changes in river basin planning data on our data systems. The latest data view is not a formal part of the plans, but it is useful for organisations and the public who need access to the latest available information. The latest data side displays the current river basin management plan objectives (published 2015). The draft plan side displays the proposed objectives we are consulting on for the updated plans.

The search function on the catchment data explorer is a useful way of locating content on the area of your interest. The search will only return results for the latest data on the explorer. You can still use this search to view draft plan data, but you will need to click on the link to switch to draft plan data once you have arrived at the target of your search.

You can find a glossary of common words and terms used in river basin planning on the catchment data explorer. There is also a guide on how to use the system available on the help page.

5.2 Catchment partnership pages

Catchment partnership pages can be found on the catchment data explorer. They are only accessible when viewing the draft plan data (as explained in section 5.1). To view the pages, you navigate to the management catchment you are interested in (one level below river basin district) by clicking on the map or using the links to the left. On the management catchment page, you scroll down the page past the data section to access the partnership page. You can also use the search function to find the relevant management catchment, but remember to switch to ‘draft plan data’ to be able to access the partnership page.

These pages have content provided by catchment partnerships, alongside data from the Environment Agency. There is a specific question on working at the catchment level in the draft plan consultation. As part of this question, you can select the specific partnership your response is about. Answering this will help us ensure your response is directed to the most appropriate contact to address the feedback.

5.3 Draft plan online maps

You can find all the maps for the draft plans on the draft river basin management plans online maps viewer. Instructions for navigating and viewing the maps are on the screen when you visit the viewer.

Maps are grouped under headings relating to classification, objectives, protected areas, location, and progress since 2015. Under each heading you can select to view specific maps relating to water body types, protected area types and classification types. These maps are divided into subcategories, so they are easier to view and quicker to load. If required, you can select to view other layers on top of these maps.

There are several ways you can find the area you are interested in. You can select the river basin district by name or use the map to move and zoom to the area. There is also the main search function where you can look up places, postcodes, or grid references. The secondary search function allows you to look up management catchments or local authorities. If your browser allows, you can also click on the target button on the left to zoom to your location.

Once you have identified the map you wish to view and located the area of interest, you can print out your map. Depending on your system, you will be able to print copies of the maps or PDF versions of the view.

6. Other supporting information

In addition to the content of the draft plans, other information is available to help you respond to the consultation.

6.1 River basin planning: programmes of measures case studies

This document provides case study examples of measures from the current river basin management plans which have been completed or in progress. It also contains details of planned measures for the period 2021 to 2027.

6.2 Challenges for the water environment series

A series of detailed documents, each focussing on a particular issue or pressure relating to the water environment, were published alongside the Challenges and choices consultation in 2019. These provided history and background, as well as analysis and data relating to the challenges. These documents have been reviewed and, in some cases, updated to support the draft and updated plans. You can access this series from the ‘Challenges for the water environment’ document collection.

7. Required contents of a river basin management plan

Regulation 27 of the Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) (England and Wales) Regulations 2017, or WFD Regulations 2017, sets out what information the river basin management plans must contain. The regulation refers to the Water Framework Directive Annex VII which sets out the elements the plans must contain. The following list is taken from the directive and describes where you can see the relevant information.

A

River basin management plans shall cover the following elements.

A1

A general description of the characteristics of the river basin district required under Article 5 and Annex II.

You can find the relevant information from the catchment data explorer summary description of river basin districts.

A1.1

For surface waters: mapping of the location and boundaries of water bodies; mapping of the ecoregions and surface water body types within the river basin.

See the ‘Draft plan online maps: classification and location maps’.

A1.1

For surface waters: identification of reference conditions for the surface water body types.

See the ‘River basin planning process overview’.

A1.2

For groundwaters: mapping of the location and boundaries of water bodies.

See the ‘Draft plan online maps: location maps’.

A2

A summary of significant pressures and impact of human activity on the status of surface water and groundwater, including: estimation of point source pollution; estimation of diffuse source pollution, including summary of land use; estimation of pressures on the quantitative status of water including abstractions; analysis of other impacts of human activity on the status of water.

See the:

• ‘Summary of the draft river basin management plans’
• ‘River basin planning process overview’

A3

Identification and mapping of protected areas as required by Article 6 and Annex IV.

See the:

• ‘Draft plan online maps: protected areas’
• catchment data explorer (protected areas register download)

A4

A map of the monitoring networks established for the purposes of Article 8 and Annex V and a presentation in map form of the results of the monitoring programmes carried out under those provisions for the status of the following.

A4.1

Surface water (ecological and chemical).

See the ‘Draft plan online maps: classification maps’.

A4.2

Groundwater (chemical and quantitative).

See the ‘Draft plan online maps: classification maps’.

A4.3

Protected areas.

See the ‘Draft plan online maps: protected areas’.

A5

A list of the environmental objectives as established under Article 4 for surface waters, groundwaters and protected areas, including in particular identification of instances where use has been made of Article 4.4, 4.5, 4.6 and 4.7 and the associated information required under that Article.

See the:

• catchment data explorer
• ‘Summary of the draft river basin management plans’
• ‘River basin planning process overview’

A6

A summary of the economic analysis of water use as required by Article 5 and Annex III.

See the ‘River basin planning process overview’.

A7

A summary of the programme or programmes of measures adopted under Article 11, including the ways in which the objectives established under Article 4 are thereby achieved.

Find the information through this document and in the:

• ‘Summary of the draft river basin management plans’
• ‘Summary programmes of measures spreadsheets’ which you can download

Further details are available in the:

• ‘River basin planning process overview’
• ‘River basin planning programmes of measures: mechanisms summary’

A7.1

A summary of the measures required to implement Community legislation for the protection of water.

See A7.

A7.2

A report on the practical steps and measures taken to apply the principle of recovery of the costs of water use in accordance with Article 9.

Find the information in the ‘River basin planning process overview’.

A7.3

A summary of the measures taken to meet the requirements of Article 7.

See A7.

A7.4

A summary of the controls on abstraction and impoundment of water, including reference to the registers and identification of the cases where exemptions have been made under Article 11.3(e).

See A7.

A7.5

A summary of the controls adopted for point source discharges and other activities with an impact on the status of water in accordance with the provision of Article 11.3(g) and 11.3(i).

See A7.

A7.6

An identification of the cases where direct discharges to groundwater have been authorised in accordance with the provision of Article 11.3(j)

See A7.

A7.7

A summary of the measures taken in accordance with Article 16 on priority substances.

See A7.

A7.8

A summary of the measures taken to prevent or reduce the impact of accidental pollution incidents.

See A7.

A7.9

A summary of the measures taken under Article 11(5) for bodies of water which are unlikely to achieve the objectives set out under Article 4.

See A7.

A7.10

Details of the supplementary measures identified as necessary in order to meet the environmental objectives established.

See A7.

A7.11

Details of the measures taken to avoid increase in pollution of marine waters in accordance with Article 11.6.

See A7.

A8

A register of any more detailed programmes and management plans for the river basin district dealing with particular sub-basins, sectors, issues or water types, together with a summary of their contents.

No supplementary plans have been produced.

A9

A summary of the public information and consultation measures taken, their results and the changes to the plan made as a consequence.

This will be published alongside the updated river basin management plans.

A10

A list of competent authorities in accordance with Annex I.

See the ‘River basin planning process overview’.

A11

The contact points and procedures for obtaining the background documentation and information referred to in Article 14.1 and in particular details of the control measures adopted in accordance with Article 11.3(g) and 11.3(i) and of the actual monitoring data gathered in accordance with Article 8 and Annex V.

See the contact details on consultation site for draft plan.

B

The first update of the river basin management plan and all subsequent updates shall also include the following.

B1

A summary of any changes or updates since the publication of the previous version of the river basin management plan, including a summary of reviews to be carried out under Article 4(4), (5), (6) and (7).

See the:

• catchment data explorer
• ‘River basin planning process overview’
• ‘River basin planning progress report’

B2

An assessment of the progress made towards the achievement of the environmental objectives, including presentation of the monitoring results for the period of the previous plan in map form, and an explanation for any environmental objectives which have not been reached.

See the:

• ‘Draft plan online maps: progress maps’
• ‘River basin planning progress report’

B3

A summary of, and an explanation for, any measures foreseen in the earlier version of the river basin management plan which have not been undertaken.

See the ‘River basin planning progress report’.

B4

A summary of any additional interim measures adopted under Article 11(5) since the publication of the previous version of the river basin management plan.

See the ‘River basin planning progress report’.

8. Feedback on this document

Please let us know if this information was useful and if there is anything else you would like to see explained in this guide. We will update this document for the updated plans. Send your feedback to RBMPconsultation@environment-agency.gov.uk with the subject line ‘Guide to the draft plans: feedback’.