River Tay catchment
Catchment overview
The River Tay catchment is over 5000km2, with the River Tay itself flowing 193km from its source at Ben Lui into the Firth of Tay just beyond Perth.
Only the lower reaches of the River Tay however have been designated a priority catchment for targeted action to address diffuse pollution sources. The priority catchment area includes the River Tay from Ballinluig to Perth, the River Almond, the River Isla and many of its tributaries, as well as the Lunan Lochs chain and the Loch of Lintrathen. In many of these areas, diffuse pollution impacts are being found in both the surface and groundwaters.
Catchment walk surveys
As part of efforts to improve water quality in the River Tay priority catchment, our staff walked approximately 1000 km of the river and its tributaries during 2010 and 2011. The focus of this work was to collect information on diffuse pollution sources, notably, breaches of the Diffuse Pollution General Binding Rules (DP GBR’s).
The results from these surveys are still being compiled, however the main diffuse pollution issues found related to livestock poaching or erosion within five metres of a river or burn and land being cultivated within two metres of a river or burn (DP GBR’s 19 and 20 respectively).
As well as collecting information on diffuse sources of pollution, the surveys also recorded issues relating to:
- septic tanks and other point source pressures;
- the presence of invasive non-native species such as Giant hogweed and Himalayan balsam;
- flytipping;
- the presence of structures such as dams and weirs, bank protection and alterations to the natural shape of the river e.g. channel straightening or dredging.
1:1 farm visits
SEPA is planning to start 1:1 farm visits in the catchment in October 2012. Further awareness raising events for both land managers and advisors will be organised in advance of this date.
Tay priority catchment steering group
An informal stakeholder group has been set up to help steer the work that is being carried out by SEPA in the catchment. This group includes representatives from the following organisations:
SEPA is also in the process of setting up a number of farmer-led sub-groups, the first of which will focus on the arable/potato growing sector.
News
Events
‘Get your views heard’ – a meeting for arable/potato growers is being held on Wednesday 14 March 2012 between 12:00 and 14:00 at SAC Farm Business Services, Sandpiper House, Ruthvenfield Road, Inveralmond Industrial Estate, Perth, PH1 3EE. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. For interest in this event or for further information, please email susan.arnott@sepa.org.uk.
Leaflets and Guidance
Further guidance