Somerset Levels and Moors Phosphate Mitigation Solutions (February 2022)
The former councils appointed consultants in May 2021 to provide technical support and develop mitigation solutions. This followed a letter from Natural England about phosphate pollution affecting the Somerset Levels and Moors Ramsar site.
The commission looked at several issues. This included reviewing the catchment area in Somerset and improving the phosphate calculator.
Nutrient neutrality is complex. Developers must use mitigation measures that match the waterways their development is most likely to affect.
The Somerset Levels and Moors connects to three river catchments:
- River Tone
- River Parrett
- River Brue
Developers must carry out phosphate offsetting in the same catchment as their development.
The commission also identified mitigation options in each affected catchment. Developers can use the Solutions Report to explore phosphate mitigation options for new development.
We will update this page regularly with the latest information and progress.