Title: River Usk barrage position statement, 4th August 1993
Author: National Rivers Authority Welsh Region
Document Type: Monograph
Abstract:
Newport Borough Council and Gwent County Council propose to construct a barrage across the river Usk Estuary at Newport thereby creating a large body of impounded water with a minimum retained water level of 3.5m ODN. The existing estuary is a highly dynamic system throughout its entire length, from the tidal limit near Newbridge-on-Usk to the confluence with the Severn Estuary at Newport. Because of the high tidal range and the fast tidal currents the Usk Estuary is a well mixed, non-stratified body of water displaying a gradual change in salinity from the saline water of the Severn to the fresh water of the Usk river. Following construction of the barrage, the impounded waters would be transformed into a lake which will be affected by freshwater river flow and the controlled intrusion of saline water. Throughout the promotion of two earlier private Parliamentary Bills, both of which were withdrawn, and the subsequent application for an Order under the Transport and Works Act 1992, the NRA has examined the environmental assessment reports produced by the applicants. The NRA has also maintained a dialogue with their consultants aimed at minimising the impact of the proposed development on the aquatic environment, the protection of which is the NRAs . statutory responisibility.
Publisher: National Rivers Authority
Publication Date: 1993
Publication Place: Cardiff
Subject Keywords: Estuaries; Construction; Water reservoirs; Information dissemination
Geographic Keywords: Wales; Usk catchment
Extent: 17
Permalink: http://www.environmentdata.org/archive/ealit:3470
Total file downloads: 311
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