Water Policy Advisory Committee (WPAC)
Bulletin
June 2016
Set out below is a summary overview of the WPAC meeting on 24 June 2016.
Progress at Tier 2
The EPA’s scientific characterisation work remains on track, with a critical mass expected to be completed by November 2016.
Progress at Tier 3
The CCMA noted progress in awareness delivery, as well as in collaboration and participation. It also noted that the 12 Community and Water Officer posts have now been filled.
Review of Progress on Development of 2nd Cycle River Basin Management Plan
A slide presentation on the process of developing the second-cycle River Basin Management Plan (RBMP), including specific challenges, was provided by D/ECLG, followed by a general discussion. It was noted that sufficient characterisation information will be needed by November 2016 to enable a Programme of Measures to be finalised in a timely manner.
Role of LAWCO in Implementation of River Basin Management Plan
The CCMA noted that the ‘joined up’ nature of progress at national level needs to be replicated at the local level to ensure successfully implementation and that this will require financial and human resources.
Public Engagement
The post-Significant Water Management Issues (SWMI) workshop on 20 May 2016 proved successful, and a clear consensus was emerging on the focus of the second-cycle RBMP. It was equally clear that a long-term strategy for public engagement and consultation is required, possibly to form part of the Programme of Measures.
Lead Strategy - Update
D/ECLG and D/Health will shortly report on the implementation of the National Lead Strategy, which may involve orthophosphate dosing of water supplies and the removal of lead piping from affected dwellings.
Programme for Government/Confidence and Supply Arrangement
The commitments contained in the Confidence and Supply Arrangement document were noted, as were their implications for the development of the second-cycle RBMP, such as the associated economic analysis of water use.
AOB
The OPW noted that its draft Flood Risk Management Plans will soon be published for public consultation.
The letter from SWAN (Sustainable Water Network) to the Chair of WPAC in relation to high status waters was noted.