Minutes:
John How, from the Water Strategy Group, gave a verbal update on the work undertaken to address the issue of water supplies in the Basingstoke Canal.
Key points raised during the discussion:
1. John How expressed thanks to James Taylor and Philip Allen for their support of the Water Strategy Group.
2. It was explained that the Water Strategy Group’s work was an iterative process; the expectation was that it would take 9-12 months before they would be in a position to report on likely solutions.
3. The Water Strategy Group had made contact with Dr Derek Clarke, a research fellow at Southampton University. Work was being undertaken by four undergraduate students at the University in collaboration with the Water Strategy Group. This work was intended to effectively audit and review the Water Strategy Group and the solutions it was proposing. A report was being prepared by the graduates with the expectation that it would be shared in May 2013. An interim report would be published in November 2012.
4. An application to the Environmental Agency had been made by Surrey County Council to increase the amount of water being drawn from the Woodham pump. The extraction licence was for 1.7 megalitres a day, and it was hoped that this would be increased to 3.4 megalitres a day. The Environmental Agency are due to give their response by December 2012
5. Natural England had contributed money for boat counters to be installed at Lock 6, with a second set due to be installed at Dogmersfield by November 2012.
6. There was a discussion as to the benefits of developing the telemetry systems in order to improve the automation of processes on the Canal. Work was being undertaken to set up a hosted website and smartphone app that would provide key information to rangers. This would be facilitated by an external company and the bidding process was underway.
7. A Water Prognosis Report by British Geological Surveys had been commissioned and was to be made available by November 2012. This Report would inform any future decisions about the placement of boreholes. Southampton University undergraduate students would be involved in identifying suitable borehole sites.
8. Concern was expressed regarding the level of water extraction carried out by South East Water at Greywell. The Committee was informed that South East Water would be reviewing this by Spring 2013.
9. There was a discussion regarding a pumping station that had been relinquished by South East Water and sold to the Mitie Group. The Mitie Group had been approached about the use of four of their boreholes, and the Committee was informed that the Mitie Group would make a decision about whether these could be used as a water source for the Canal by March 2013.
10. It was felt that the Water Progress Report would be an initial step in the process towards approving any further boreholes, and that such a process would likely take a long time.
11. Officers confirmed that a tree survey for the Canal was due to take place within the next 12 months.
12. The Chairman thanked John Howe for his presentation.
Actions/further information to be provided:
The Water Strategy Group will share with the Committee the interim and final report prepared by Southampton University upon publication.
The Water Strategy Group will share with the Committee the findings of the Water Prognosis Report upon publication.
Resolved:
a) The Committee continue to endorse the work of the Water Strategy Group and support the implementation of the work on a Water Strategy.
b) The Committee thanked the Water Strategy Group and thanked Southampton University for their contribution to the work.