The meeting focused on nutrient neutrality and water quality issues affecting the Somerset Levels and Moors. The council discussed various research findings, legal advice, and the role of different organizations in tackling nutrient pollution. There was significant debate about the accuracy and implications of the data and advice provided by Natural England and other bodies.

Nutrient Neutrality and Phosphate Calculator

The council debated the recommendation to remove the 20% buffer included in the Somerset phosphate calculator. Officers explained that the buffer is based on Natural England's advice and is used to ensure that mitigation measures satisfy the precautionary approach legally required by the habitat regulations. The council must give considerable weight to Natural England's advice and needs cogent reasons to depart from it.

Research by Dr. Andrew Clegg

Dr. Andrew Clegg's research on parts of the River Parrett was discussed. Natural England reviewed this research and raised several issues, including the hydrological connectivity, sampling size, and the impact of climate change. Dr. Clegg himself acknowledged the limitations of his research. The council emphasized that it does not have the internal expertise or resources to undertake further research of this scale and complexity.

Legal Advice and Headroom in Wastewater Treatment

The council discussed the legal advice received, which does not support the recommendation to review the entire nutrient neutrality policy. The advice is based on the assumption that there is no headroom in the wastewater treatment works, which Wessex Water disputes. The council must follow the legal advice to avoid significant financial, legal, and reputational risks.

Task and Finish Group

The council agreed to set up a task and finish group to focus on the restoration of the Somerset Levels and Moors. The group will also look at how to influence outside bodies like Natural England. The terms of reference for this group will be drafted and presented at the next meeting.

Phosphate Mitigation Strategy

The council is progressing with its interim phosphate mitigation strategy, which includes supporting the third-party credit market, launching a call for nature-based solutions, and upgrading the council's septic tanks. The strategy aims to unlock housing development while ensuring compliance with nutrient neutrality requirements.

Comments and Concerns

Several councillors expressed concerns about the accuracy of the data and the advice provided by Natural England. There were also concerns about the impact of nutrient neutrality on housing development and the need for more research focused on the Somerset Levels and Moors.

Conclusion

The council will continue to work on its phosphate mitigation strategy and will set up a task and finish group to further explore the issues and influence outside bodies. The next steps include drafting the terms of reference for the task and finish group and presenting them at the next meeting.