RIVER DARWEN -...

RIVER DARWENCATCHMENT REVIEW

1984-1995

ENVIRONMENT AGENCY CENTRAL AREA ECOLOGY

NORTH WEST REGION

FIONA DUKE

Contents

Introduction

Site 88. River Darwen u/s Hardman Way

Site 90. River Darwen d/s the major SSO opp Crown Paints Resrs

Site 92. River Darwen u/s Darwen STW d/s Hollins Paper Mill Discharge

Site 96. River Darwen Pleasington Fields

Site 98. River Darwen at Hoghton Bottoms

Site 99. River Darwen ptc Hole Brook

Site 101. River Darwen at Cann Bridge

Site 107. Davyfield Brook at Roman Road Bridge

Site 109. Davyfield Brook ptc R. Darwen

Site 112. River Blakewater ptc R. Darwen \ h

Site 113. Knuzden Brook d/s A679

Site 115. River Roddlesworth ptc Stock Clough /

Site 116. River Roddlesworth d/s Star Mill

Site 119. Arley Brook u/s Lumb Bank Clough

Site 121. Hole Brook d/s Blackburn STW

Site 124. Many Brooks ptc R. Darwen

Site 125. Fowler Brook ptc Drumhead Brook/

Site 128.24 Hennel Brook ptc R. Darwen

Conclusion

Introduction

The River Darwen catchment is, in general, highly modified in nature and urban in location. The river is greatly affected by industrial development, which has adversely affected the rivers' ecology* physical characteristics and physical appearance. The catchment on the whole is very diverse^but the major problem is organic pollution.

*

Site 88. River Darwen u/s Hardman WayThis site shows much fluctuation in ASPT, BMWP and TB1. In October 1989 there is indication of a toxic pollution. This had a devastating effect some 20km downstream, with some dead invertebrates being found at Cann Bridge. However, this appeared to have recovered by April 91. In Aug 91 the inferred NWC dropped from class 2 to 3 as a result of organic pollution, recovered and dropped again from a class IB to 3 in Oct 95 for the same reason. The current survey shows that this site has still not regained its former water quality and is fluctuating between a class 2 and 3..

Site 90. River Darwen d/s the major SSO opp Crown Paints Resrs.This site appears to suffer from sporadic pollution problems from the SSO. In May 89 the SSO caused a significant deterioration from a class 2 to 3 with restricted faunal abundance, suggesting a possible toxic effect from Clarence St. SSO. Stale sewage litter was widespread at the site. In April 91 the class again deteriorated due to the SSO after a short period of recovery. The same problem reoccurred in Oct 95 with thick sewage fungus growths on the river bed, fresh sewage litter and the water being discoloured to a milky-white opaque colour. The class fell from class3 to 4, with Chironomidae being the only family found (EC9562).The current survey revealed that this site had improved significantly from a class 4 to 2. This may have been due to the lack of recent rainfall.

Site 92. River Darwen u/s Darwen STW d/s Hollins Paper Mill DischargeThis site shows a steady improvement from July 84 to December 94. One gross organic pollution took place in Sept. 89 when the class dropped from 2 to 4. Sewage fungus and paper fibres were found in abundance. The Nov 92 survey resulted in another class drop, from 2 to 3, again attributable to organic load. The site rapidly recovered, then from May 95 there appears to have been further problems, with the BMWP dropping quite dramatically and the class hovering around 3. The biology is currently slowly improving within a class 3.

Site 96. River Darwen Pleasington FieldsThe ASPT and TB1 at Pleasington Fields is fairly stable, perhaps with a slight improvement between Apr 84 and Jul 92. From then on the water quality has been declining, which is markedly shown in the BMWP graph. This may be due to possible toxic effects from the River Blakewater. Current results reveal that there have been no further declines in water quality.

Site 98. River Darwen at Hoghton BottomsThe water quality shows some variation over time, with a marked decline until April 91. The BMWP has been increasing slowly from this point and has stabilised at NWC class 2. The site seems to suffer from organic problems and SSO's.

Site 99. River Darwen ptc Hole BrookASPT was very stable from Jul 84 to Apr 88. From this point it appears to have suffered from occasional pollution problems, attains recovery, then is hit by another organic problem. Much sewage litter has been observed at the site on several occasions, so the problems may be attributable to SSO's.

Site 101. River Darwen at Cann BridgeThis site appears to follow the same pattern as that found at Site 99. The ASPT and TBI are more steady over time showing that some of the effects of the upstream site may have been buffered by Blackburn STW. However, due to said STW, the site does suffer from organic pollution and sewage fungus problems.

Site 107. Davyfield Brook at Roman Road BridgeIn May 85 the watercourse suffered a class drop from 2 to 3 as a result of a toxic pollution. Recovery reached a peak in Oct 89, but in Aug 90 there was a pollution incident involving chronic heavy organic enrichment and fish mortality. 60% of the bed was covered in a thin layer of sewage fungus after this incident. Since this, the brook has made a steady recovery, apart from one organic pollution in Feb 94. In Nov 95 the brook reached a consistent class 1B water quality.

Site 109. Davyfield Brook ptc R. DarwenBiological parameters fluctuate wildly at this site. In Oct 89 a toxic pollution incident which had effects all the way down to Cann Bridge was reported. This had a severe impact on the biology. However, the BMWP made a quick recovery until Apr 91 an organic pollution occurred resulting in a class drop from 2 to 3. Full recovery of ASPT, BMWP and TBI has taken place, but the fauna is now slightly restricted,by the M65 works, resulting in a current NWC class 2.

Site 112. River Blakewater ptc R. DarwenThis watercourse suffers from gross organic pollution. The main problem appears to be the SSO's due to the abundance of sewage litter found on the site at each incident. In Nov 93 a severe toxic problem occurred with a drop in BMWP from 28 to 2 and a class drop of 2 to 4. The current survey (Nov 96) seems to indicate a recovery from this, but the sample was taken after a prolonged dry period.

Site 113. Knuzden Brook d/s A679This site has seen a small increase in ASPT, TBI and BMWP from Apr 84. The BMWP score fluctuates regularly which is due to organic problems. If the organic problems were reduced in frequency the brook should be capable of sustaining a good class 2 invertebrate population.

Site 115. River Roddlesworth ptc Stock CloughASPT is very stable for this site and shows that there are no major problems. There are no results on the archive for July 92, so I presume that it was not sampled.

Site 116. River Roddlesworth d/s Star MillThe R. Roddlesworth suffers from sporadic pollutions at this site. These are a result of both organic and toxic pollution. In the periods during which it is not polluted, the site shows that it is more than capable of holding a class IB invertebrate population. The current fauna is sparse (class 3).

Site 119. Arley Brook u/s Lumb Bank CloughThis site suffered a slow deterioration in water quality from July 84 to Nov 91, possibly due to organic pollution and exacerbated by low flows. A poor class 3 result was found in Nov 93, but it is thought that this may have been due to sampling difficulties as a result of ice. From this date, the watercourse has made a marked recovery and is now a stable class IB.

Site 121. Hole Brook d/s Blackburn STWHole Brook is suffering from continual deterioration in water quality. The trend appears to have started in Feb 85 with ASPT, BMWP and TBI all decreasing significantly. In Nov 95 the class dropped further from 3 to 4 as a result of gross organic pollution. There were massive growths of sewage fungus covering the majority of the bed and trailing vegetation: The Sept 96 survey revealed a class 4 result.

Site 124. Many Brooks ptc R. DarwenMany Brooks showed an increase in water quality from Apr 84 to Nov 87. After this point, the watercourse deteriorated slowly due to organic pollution where it reached an all-time low of class4 in Nov 93. This result may have been partly due to sampling difficulties due to the cold weather, but Fowler Brook is also implicated. Since then, the watercourse is improving and has stabilised at class 2, although some enrichment is still indicated by the fauna.

Site 125. Fowler Brook ptc Drumhead BrookThis site is in a dire state. The brook has a covering of sewage fungus and has suffered from oil pollution. As a result of this, the sediment is black and anoxic. The only invertebrates found are worms.

Site 128.24 Hennel Brook ptc R. DarwenPrior to Feb 93, the ASPT at this site showed much variation and the BMWP was extremely low. This was due to organic pollution from a very active SSO. Since then there has been a marked upward trend and the brook appears to be recovering well. The brook now has a stable class 2 result.

Conclusion

The River Darwen catchment has many problems related to organic pollution. However, where the organic discharges are reduced, e.g. Hennel Brook ptc R. Darwen, a significant (and sustained) improvement has been noted. If this problem was addressed, and the highly urbanised sections of watercourse physically improved habitat wise, the River Darwen catchment should be capable of supporting a stable NWC class 2 invertebrate population.

River Darwen u/s Hardman Way.66.00

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Date of Survey

River Darwen u/s Hardman W ay.eeoo

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Dote of Survey

River Darwen u/s Hardman Way.8600

Data of Survey

River Darwen u/s Hardman Way.86 00

t o n o n - » o o * J m i 0 o » «» -« i o*c-«i * * « i « * « w » « o k -*> o s a

Data of Survey

River Darwen d/s the major SSO opp Crown90.00

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River Darwen d/s the major S S O opp Crown90 00

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Date of Survey

River Darwen d/s the major S S O opp Crow n90.00

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Date of Survey

River Darwen d/s the major S S O opp Crown90.00

M U H^ag w »a ttn\ t Okji B»rC how ito>o m**3 ■»<> Oam ecusData of Survey

River Darwen u/s Darwen S T W d/s Hollins02 00

40

30

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River Darwen u/s Darwen S T W d/s Hollins9 20 0

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Data of Survwy

• A S P T

♦ B M W P 1 0

* TBI

River Darwen Pleasington Fields96 00

.□ate of Survey

R i v e r D a r w e n P l e a s i n g t o n F i e l d s

96 00

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Date of Survey


96.00

i t * r * «Date of Survey


960 0

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Date of Survey

River Darwen at Hoghton Bottoms08 00

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Oat© of Survey

River Darwen at Hoghton Bottoms9 8 X

Date of Survey

River Darwen at Hoghton Bottoms66 00

Data of Survey

• ASPT♦ BMWP* 10

TBI

River Darwen ptc Hole Brook99.00

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Date of Survey

River Darwen ptc Hole Brook99.00

Date of Survey

River Darwen ptc Hole Brook99 00

Date erf Survey

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Date of S u m y

* A S P T

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- * T B I

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River Darwen at Cann Bridge10100

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Date of Survey

River Darwen at Cann Bridge101.00

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Date of Survey


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2

Date of Survey


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Date of Survey

* A S P T

« BMWP* 10

-a - t b i

Davyfield Brook at Roman Road Bridge107.00

a

a

2

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100

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Date cf Survey

Davyfield Brook at Roman Road Bridge107 00

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Date of Sur\ey


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• A S P T

+ BMWP* 10

* TBJ

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Date of Survey

Davyfield Brook ptc R. Darwen109.00

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Date of Survey

Davyfield Brook ptc R. Darwen109 00

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Date of Survey

Davyfield Brook ptc R. Darwen109 00

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Davyfield Brook ptc R. Darwen109.00

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Date of Survey

• A S P T

B M W P 1 0

TBI

River Blakewater ptc R.Darwen112.00

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D a n of Survey



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Date of Sut\*y


Date ol S u w y

« A S P T

•+ BM W P" 10

* T B !

Knuzden Brook d/s A679113.00

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Date or Survey

Knuzden Brook d/s A679113.00

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Date of Survey

Knuzden Brook d/s A679113 00

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Dale oT Survey

Knuzden Brook d/s A679113 00

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* A S P T

♦ BMWP* 10 * - TBJ

0 ---------------------------------

River Roddlesworth ptc Stock Clou1 1 5 00

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Data of Su

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M p C *>-C3 * * 4r v r y

1*■»-* IM S

D I M 1 D v 4 > I M )

River Roddlesworth ptc Stock Clough115 00

Date of Survey

River Roddlesworth ptc Stock Clough115.00

12

10 e

js e4

2

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O m -* % « % < i * » - » c o m <cM i •>««< i b t c i w « i ■

Data of Survey

River Roddlesworth ptc Stock Clough115 00

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Date of Survey

• A S P T

+ BMWP* 10

* TGI

River Roddlesworth d/s Star. Mill 118 00

DM< f*4i Q » « <W-(1 0«J1 Jb O *««> M )Date of Survey

River Roddlesworth d/s Star Mill116 00

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Dateof Survey

River Roddlesworth d/s Star Mill116,00

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Goto oC Survey

River Roddlesworth d/s Star Mill118.00

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Date of Sunwy

8 -------------------- :-------------

Arley Brook u/s Lumb Bank Clough1 1 9 0 0

1 1 1O ac-* Mmr-t

i

lOrV? 1i

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Date of Survey

Arley Brook u/s Lumb Bank Clough119.00

Arley Brook u/s Lumb Bank Clough11 BOO

Date of Survsy

Arley Brook u/s Lumb Bank Clough119.00

• A S P T

-♦ BMWP*10

* TBJ

Hole Brook d/s Blackburn S T Wm oo

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Date o* Survey

Hole Brook d/s Blackburn S T W121.00

8

0

e «

2

0Ip # JMVW Ittrn Hs-a »-S T IttrB MvK ND»-U > rO

jjv«a m i F » « aw«a an-a ctus * « .« HM») m>-*i uDate of S u tv«y

illP **-«3 fib*

43 1 -13 rn+m Dm

IfMS ^ l»«

Hole Brook d/s Blackburn S T W121.00

Many Brooks ptc R.Darwen124.00

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Dale at Survey

Many Brooks ptc R.Darwen124,00

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Dale oJ Survey

Many Brooks ptc R.Darwen124.00

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Oats of Survey

Many Brooks ptc R.Darwen12400

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Dots of Surwy

Fow ler Brook ptc Drum head Brook12500

Fow ler Brook ptc Drum head Brook125.00

Date of Survey

* * * » f m m

Date of Survey

Fow ler Brook ptc Drum head Brook125.00

♦ A S P T

♦ BMWP* 10

TB l

D ate o fS uray

Hennel Brook ptc R.Darwen12B.24

o«c-a> J f M i A*-’ * *™t*m o*m d kji *+41Date of Surwy

Hennel Brook ptc R.Darwen12824

Hennel Brook ptc R. Darwen• 128.24

Date of Survey

Hennel Brook ptc R.Darwen128.24

♦ A S P T

- » BMWP* 10

TB I

■ M i w »«D * » 4 1 n » t 1 u C fm * > <-m Dam C M i ^ o oat>

Date of Survey

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