BBC Inside out

Great reports on Hydro, abstraction etc

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01bbb31/Inside_Out_South_West_23_01_2012/

Start at 11 mins .10

Then abstraction and otters including Martin Bowler

Abstraction from the start, Otter at 20 mins 40 secs

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01b937y/Inside_Out_South_23_01_2012/

Just watched the SW programme about the Walkham, staggering. So the EA are sanctioning a 20% reduction in Salmon numbers for a low head Hydro scheme. The comment about the fisheries officers concerns being allayed is laughable, read that they have been firmly gagged.

The blocking of screens and fish going over the top is very relevant, especially at Teddington being tidal.

Just watched the two programmes what a nonesense the world of watery things is. The EA really should get their act together surely these "toy" hydro power systems go against all that it is in their remit. The Betchworth power generator caused the already low river to stop flowing the EA know this but do not want be seen to have backed such a silly scheme. Observation has shown me that to run effectively the mole needs to be carrying several inches of flood water (3 to 6 inches) this will provide a reasonable flow for the generation of power.As to where has all our water gone the answer is exactly where years of water management schemes have forced it to go IE out to sea. Flooding was the problem so rivers were canalised as much as possible flood plains where drained and dried out so floodwater simply rushed over the top instead of soaking in. Over the years i have watched the "full" level in Weirwood res. drop lower and lower it seemed that the owners were expecting a huge influx of rainwater so kept the res at a much lower level than was originally planned. Clearly the Otter situation will achieve balance some years ahead sadly it will be because they have eaten everything. We (anglers) got stuffed on the lead shot issue and then the comorants so we should be getting used to it.For me the one bright star is T.A.C. we seem to be forging powerfull links with all the right agencies and deal with them in a way that is very correct so all power to our top men.

Interesting to get in the mind set of the people who ask for these renewable energy sources,as far as I can make out we are not building any nuke power Stations along with Germany since the japanese earthquake disaster showed the outcome.Then there is the wind generators springing up along our coastline and blighting our once admired countryside,is it true when there is no wind they are operated by the grid to turn over to stop them seizing up?
Now we have some bright spark(no pun intended) telling us that Hydro power is a acceptable alternative when we all know there is little or no flow 8 months of the year, will they have to be worked by the grid as well.

John LeSurf

Angling Trust Member 48450l.