CaRT under fire on hydro schemes

THE Angling Trust has expressed concern that Canal & River Trust (CaRT) has earmarked 45 sites on 14 rivers for the commercial development of hydro-power which they claim could cause great damage to fish stocks and other aquatic wildlife, writes Allan Richards.

The revelation follows The Pride of Derby Angling Association gaining an injunction to stop a hydro scheme at Sawley Weir (Anglers scupper Sawley hydro plan—28/11/12).

Fish Legal

Fish Legal, a not-for-profit membership association, which acts as the legal arm of the Angling Trust has used a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to reveal that the CaRT has earmarked 45 sites on 14 rivers for commercial development of hydro-power

The Angling Trust says that many of these rivers are recovering from centuries of industrial pollution and is concerned that developments on individual rivers could cause serious cumulative damage to fish habitat and migration. It also suggest that the schemes would destroy the cherished landscapes of our iconic waterways.

Nine sites have been identified on the Calder in Yorkshire, seven on the Trent, five on the Severn, four on the Don and four on the Weaver. There are also schemes planned for Hurleston Reservoir weir on the Llangollen Canal and elsewhere.

Conflict of interest

CaRT's charitable objects require it 'to further for the public benefit the conservation, protection and improvement of the natural environment and landscape of inland waterways'. Fish Legal has written to the CaRT's trustees raising concerns that its plans to profit from large scale hydro-power development might conflict with this objective and its status as a charity.

When making its FOI request Fish Legal sought assurance from the CaRT's Chief Executive, Robin Evans, that the charity 'shall not seek to develop hydro-power at any other fishery without first notifying and consulting fully with anglers, and then only progressing it further after receiving the written agreement from those anglers that hold potentially affected rights'.

However, Robin Evans failed to give any assurance.

Internal gain

Mark Lloyd, Chief Executive of the Angling Trust and Fish Legal stated:

"This industrial development activity by a charity leaves serious questions to be answered. Is it really being operated for the public benefit—as required by law and in accordance with its charitable objects—or is it seeking profit for internal gain?

"How does the development of commercial hydro installations over rivers and fisheries fit in with their recreational and environmental duties? What environmental assessment has the charity carried out of the cumulative impact of all these developments on rivers, fish stocks and angling? We will be pressing them for answers."