The aim of each Area Advisory Group (AAG) is to contribute to and assist the river basin planning process within their area.
There are two Area Advisory Groups proposed for the Solway-Tweed RBD; the Tweed Area Advisory Group and the Solway Area Advisory Group. Each Area Advisory Group will produce the detailed geographic information used to inform the River Basin Management Plan for the Solway Tweed River Basin District.
The River Basin Management Plan will record the River Basin Districts characteristics (pressures & impacts, protected areas and economic information); environmental objectives with timescales for their achievement; a programme of measures to achieve objectives (including who will do what and when); monitoring networks and programmes; and consultation/participation opportunities for interested parties.
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Solway Tweed River Basin District Area Advisory Groups – Roles and Remit
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We see the Area Advisory Group as being a key part of the river basin planning process and will be the focus of our active engagement activities. The Area Advisory Group members will:
- be the primary source of help, support and advice to us in delivering the river basin planning process and Water Framework Directive outputs for the entire River Basin District;
- bring their knowledge and understanding of their part of the Solway Tweed River Basin District and their sector to the process;
- help us to identify and gather the data needed for effective river basin planning, pooling data where appropriate;
- provide advice on objectives, including the use of alternative objectives;
- ensure significant issues and priorities are identified and that an agreed Programme of Measures is devised to address them, thus achieving the aims of the Water Framework Directive;
- feedback to their sector the decisions and work of the group;
- identify improvements in the coordination and integration of different plans and policies that will help to better protect the water environment and promote its sustainable use;
- consider the need for, and use of, further detailed plans and programmes; and
- assist the resolution of any conflict generated in the river basin planning process.
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Area Advisory Groups – Structure
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Membership of the Area Advisory Groups comprises responsible authorities, co-deliverers and key stakeholders. The appointment of members considered:
- the need to include key deliverers in water management and planning, such as local authorities, public water supply companies, major water users and industry
- an analysis of the pressure and impact assessments already completed for the River Basin District; and
- any additional important members identified at the first formative meetings of the Area Advisory Group.
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Area Advisory Group Chair and Secretariat
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The Chair for the preparation of the first River Basin Management Plan will reside with SEPA and the Environment Agency. and will be supported by River Basin Planning Co-ordinator staff provided by the Agencies. The Area Advisory Group can select a Vice-Chair to support the Chair and to convene meetings in the absence of the Chair.
- The Chairs for the Solway Area Advisory Groups is Kim Nicholson Environment Agency Area Manager (North Area, Northwest Region)
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Area Advisory Group Meetings
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It is anticipated that there will be up to four Area Advisory Group meetings per year with the programme, papers and proceedings published on the internet once agreed. They will provide a mechanism to support the production of a River Basin Management Plan and its co-ordination with other plans and programmes. The meetings will provide a means to consult with responsible authorities and interested parties to reach consensus and prioritised views on river basin planning and WFD related matters.
Agendas and minutes of these meetings are available on individual AAG websites. Click on the map above or names below.
