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<p>There are a range of potential measures that can be deployed to reduce phosphorous
discharge in the Somerset Levels and Moors catchment. Natural England and the Environment
Agency are working with all the relevant parties, including local planning authorities
(LPAs) and Wessex Water as well as landowners and developers to evaluate and implement
the various options.</p><p> </p><p>To prevent additional phosphorous loading from
new development, mitigation measures such as wetland and woodland creation will need
to demonstrate that they will be effective in the long term. It is clear from other
catchments facing nutrient loading that they have a key role to play in removing nutrients,
enabling nutrient-neutral development. Several mitigation schemes for specific developments
have been assessed and approved and the LPAs in Somerset are developing a strategy
to support wider rollout of these mitigation schemes. There will be significant further
investment of up to £57 million over the next three years by Wessex Water to reduce
phosphorous discharge from water treatment works.</p><p> </p><p>In the farming sector
there are many joint projects underway and more is likely to be needed. The current
approach is to encourage the uptake of voluntary measures to reduce the amount of
phosphorous entering the system, including Catchment Sensitive Farming. These include
a focus on river and habitat improvements, better farming infrastructure, and enforcement
by the Environment Agency where necessary.</p>
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