Northwold Weir, River Wissey, Norfolk - Permanent Removal of Existing Eel Pass

ANNOUNCEMENT OF INTENTION NOT TO PREPARE AN ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

(Regulation 5 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Land Drainage Improvement Works (Amended) Regulations 1999 SI 1999/1783)

Northwold Weir Eel Pass Removal

The Environment Agency gives notice that it proposes to carry out improvement works to an existing Environment Agency-owned eel pass on the River Wissey at Northwold Weir, Thetford (NGR TL77109 96523).

The proposed works involve the permanent removal of the existing eel pass. Assessments have confirmed that the weir provides suitable conditions for natural eel migration without the asset, which is therefore no longer required. The works will include removal of the eel pass and associated fixings, together with reinstatement of the affected areas of the weir. The Environment Agency considers that the proposed works are not likely to have significant effects on the environment and does not intend to prepare an Environmental Statement.

The works are small-scale, confined to an existing Environment Agency asset, and are expected to take approximately one day to complete. Removal of the eel pass will not affect river flows, flood risk, water levels, channel morphology, or operation of the weir. Assessments have confirmed that natural eel passage will continue following the works. Appropriate environmental protection and biosecurity measures will be implemented during construction, and the site will be reinstated on completion.

Further information relating to the proposed works is available from the Environment Agency at the address below.

Any person wishing to make representations in relation to the likely environmental effects of the proposed works should do so in writing to the address specified below within 30 days of the date of publication of this notice.

Kerrie Gallagher, Project Manager Environment Agency Arkwright Industrial Estate Arkwright Road Bedford MK42 0LE