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Welcome

Running steeply from Dartmoor National Park to the South Devon coastline, the River Yealm is tranquil and cherished, designated by the Environment Agency as one of only 42 Principle Salmon Rivers within England. Much of the surrounding land is owned by the National Trust, whilst also including a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), bass nursery and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), harbouring many protected species.

 

However, our river is under threat. Only 12 miles long from moor to sea, it is subject to outputs from as many as 9 sewage treatment works, 2 China clay works, agriculture, landfill, aggregate recycling works and 2 business parks.

In response, the River Yealm Water Quality Group (RYWQG) was convened in 2022, comprised of representatives from each of our seven riparian Parish Councils (Brixton, Cornwood, Ermington, Newton & Noss, Sparkwell, Wembury and Yealmpton), including local people and organisations concerned about river water quality.

Our aim is to help preserve ecological health, fish stocks and amenity value, including local businesses such as a shellfish farm.

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​​See below for links to summaries, reports and websites describing:

1. Activities;

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2. Main findings;

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3. Shared initiatives;

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4. Popular articles published in local press and on Facebook;

5. Useful links such as include;​

 

6. How to Contact us, enquiries and volunteers welcome!

Challenges_edited.jpg

STW = Sewage Treatment Works

Our river

is under

threat

Impacts include from:

  • raw sewage

  • industrial chemicals​​

  • mining products

  • climate change

  • habitat loss

  • water abstraction

Current highlights​

 

Specific areas of concern

There is an urgent need to identify and act upon sources contributing to:

  • pollution that includes warm water above the limits for fish egg survival in the Piall tributary, one of our main salmon spawning sites;

  • consistent general pollution of Lee Mill Stream, ranked lowest among all 12 of our catchment's tributaries;  and 

  • exceptional pollution in Newton Stream.

 

Acting upon pollution events

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  • Reporting on how a critical release of China clay-like material in Dec 2022 smothered the beds of Rivers Piall and Yealm during winter months when fish eggs normally develop; and 

  • Engaging with local authorities concerning a major spill of tributyl tin and other metals below the former AkzoNobel paint-testing laboratory.

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Catchment wide planning

  • Guiding local Parish Councils on planning applications involving disposal of surface water, to help ensure runoff does not overload sewage treatment works.

  • Consulting on the merits of applying to DEFRA for "bathing water status"; and

 

  • Working with other organisations on our River Yealm Catchment Plan, coordinating collective improvements.          

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