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Introduction
Market Sectors
Services - Buildings
Services - Environment
■	Air Quality Management
■	Archaeology
■	Asset Management
■	Aviation
■	Coastal Management
■	Contaminated Land
■	Dams & Reservoirs
■	Development Infrastructure
■	Ecology
■	Environmental Engineering
■	Environmental Impact Assessment
■	Environmental Management
■	Environmental Monitoring
■	Flood Risk Management
■	Geotechnical
■	Pipelines and Water Distribution
■	Renewable Energy
■	Sewerage
■	Small Hydro Power
■	Waste Management
■	Water & Wastewater Treatment
■	Water Management
	■	Brennand and Whitendale
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Environment Brochure

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Brennand and Whitendale Low Flow Alleviation Scheme

Ribble Valley, UK

Project outline

Environmental appraisal of several options for alleviating low flows in the rivers Brennand and Whitendale within the River Hodder catchment.

Contract value

£0.22m

Key features

United Utilities Water
Water resources
Environmental Impact Assessment
Alleviation of low flow problems

Skills utilised

Environmental Impact Assessment
Option Appraisal
Multi-criterion evaluation
Ecology
Planning
Hydrology

Project detail

The overall purpose of the project was to alleviate the low flows observed in the rivers Brennand and Whitendale, whilst maintaining water abstraction from the greater catchment. United Utilities currently operate an abstraction regime which collects water from the upper reaches of the rivers Brennand and Whitendale and their tributaries. The rivers meet the River Dunsop which joins the River Hodder in Dunsop Bridge. The River Hodder is a well known salmon and trout fishing tributary of the River Ribble. Much of the catchment for the rivers Brennand and Whitendale fall within designated areas of international and national environmental importance including a Special Protection Area (SPA), Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Several options for alleviating low flows were developed. These ranged from modifying the current regime operating in the upper catchment to providing an alternative abstraction arrangement to be located in the lower reaches of the River Hodder. Environmental enhancement measures such as modifications to structures which currently block fish movements were also included in the options. Faber Maunsell was commissioned to carry out an appraisal of the options and to assist in the development of environmental enhancement measures.

The appraisal studies provided an objective and robust assessment of the environmental impact, costs and benefits of each of the options. The assessment used a multi-criterion evaluation (MCE) approach based on practicability, costs and benefits, planning feasibility and adverse and beneficial effects on the terrestrial and aquatic environment. The findings of the studies indicated the relative benefits and impact of each option. The findings informed the consultation and decision-making process for deciding the option to be promoted and developed.

Consultation was essential throughout the appraisal studies and close liaison with the Environment Agency and many interest parties including fishing groups and landowners was maintained. The consultation process included a site visit and workshop at which interested parties were able to raise their concerns for discussion.

For more information, please contact Kathryn Thorp