Nutrient Neutrality Update - New Mitigation Scheme
Natural England have announced details of its new nutrient mitigation scheme, which involves funding the creation of new wetland and woodland areas to absorb nutrient pollution.
Developers will be able to purchase ‘credits’ to offset the nutrient impact arising from development. However, there are no details yet as to when this scheme will become operational. There are already nutrient trading schemes (not operated by Natural England) established in the Bristol Avon and Solent catchments.
A legal duty has also been placed on water companies to upgrade WWTWs to remove nutrient pollution in affected areas, by 2030. In the meantime, there are local nutrient trading schemes established in some areas, and more bespoke site specific solutions are being developed.
Cole Easdon can help with nutrient neutrality assessments and development of site-specific solutions.