Processes for releasing water from the Lake Vyrnwy reservoir have not been updated for 25 years, leading to concern about its impact on flooding in the area, along with discharges from Llyn Clywedog near Llanidloes.
Montgomeryshire AM, Russell George, brought together representatives of landowners, farmers and others from the Severn and Vyrnwy valleys to discuss flooding in the area over recent years and the impact the release of water from both reservoirs has had.
The meeting, with representatives of Natural Resources Wales, the Environment Agency, Severn Trent, farming unions and councillors from throughout Montgomeryshire and neighbouring areas, was held due to concerns about flooding in both valleys and the affect on people living and working in the areas.
“Landowners downstream of both reservoirs have raised concerns with me in recent years about the impact of flooding. There has been concern that a lack of proper management of water discharges from the reservoirs’ has resulted in more severe flooding in the Severn and Vyrnwy valleys at times of heavy rain and storms,” said Mr George.
“This has had a detrimental affect on agricultural land, crops and livestock and is costing the farming industry and landowners huge amounts in lost revenue, damage to equipment and land.”
Mr George said the meeting was very positive but identified that procedures for the release of water from Lake Vynrwy had not been updated in nearly 25 years despite changes in weather patterns.
“I have formally written to Natural Resources Wales and have asked for a review of processes and procedures for water releases and a public consultation,” added Mr George.
Mr George has also asked the relevant authorities to establish local liaison groups and to public live and historic data on reservoir levels and discharge information.
“The meeting was very positive and I believe we will see some movement to address the issues and concerns raised by farmers and landowners. I’ll be following this up shortly with the water companies, Natural Resources Wales and the Environment Agency to ensure action is taken.”
