MRA: October Overview

MRA: October Overview

 

So many meetings in the month, so many initiatives in train, so much work in the field, so many new supporters, and so many emails/WhatsApps –  it is tempting to go for “October Optimism” as a title except we’ve used it in the past – 3 times in the last 10 years!   Are we getting somewhere this time, or is it October Overload?
Strategically, the ColneCAN annual conference again celebrated the achievements of the River Chess pilot programme https://chesssmarterwatercatchment.org/  Our  Chiltern Chalkstreams Project workshops have been completing contributions to the bid for a similar programme during 2025-30 under the banner “Mending the Misbourne”.   Other highlights of the conference included more detailed understanding of flow-paths within the Chilterns chalk and some findings of research into dispersion of household chemicals and medicines into rivers and the aquifer.  Various excellent “Citizen Science” programmes were described and members report that the subsequent Citizen Science stakeholder day was really good.  We will be discussing this in more detail at our next “not-a-meeeting” and into the future.  There was also an interesting River Fly monitoring open day.
Meanwhile, and of more immediate interest to the lower middle reaches, there has been a lot going on with particular regard to the groundwater and sewage flooding around the Chalfonts.  A recent meeting led by the Parish Councils to review matters reinforced collaborative working relationships and communication with the RMA’s (risk management authorities). Very positive contributions were received from Thameswater, Bucks Flood Team and Bucks Highways.  It has been followed by a flurry of actions that will, we hope, minimise pollution affecting St Giles and provide a solution to keep the centre of St Peter sewage free and open to traffic in times of high groundwater.
Thameswater have continued to investigate the sewer network and are making progress with pressure grouting manholes and surveying for pipeline leaks as far afield as Great Missenden; also working on short-term improvements to Amersham Balancing Tanks and measures to enable tankers operations without closure of Chalfont St Peter High Street. – see Bucks Free Press and releases from Chalfont St Peter Parish Council and Thameswater at  CSP FLOODING UPDATE 2024. See also here and here from TW.  All residents have received an informative circular letter and it is understood that installation of a Finnish filtration unit for Amersham balancing tanks discharge is scheduled for early in the new year.  Further on-going projects at Chesham STW, Maple Lodge and Gerrards Cross STW’s to reduce volumes discharged into the rivers and reduce its polluting effect through for instance improved surplus activated sludge removal are all part of the puzzle.
Of course, a number of properties – even well away from the floodplains – were affected by the biblical deluge on 23rd September.  A Community Flood Group is emerging, separate from the RMA actions, looking at what households can and should be doing practically to help themselves and others.  It its planned to issue a leaflet shortly and follow up widely – e.g. in schools.
One work party in the month cleared an amazing array of debris near Shardeloes and others have prepared the watercourse through the villages for winter flows as best we can.  We will be continuing this Saturday and, possibly again before Christmas – Saturdays 26th October and 9th November plus Tuesday 5th November per our routine schedule agreed at last “n-a-m”, but depending on weather and temperature.  Please let me know if you can join us for any or all.   “Orders of the day” and risk assessments are normally sent one or two days before the event to those who have signed up.
Much has been written about last winter’s extreme weather conditions.  In my view some of TW’s claims about how extreme are somewhat debatable for the Misbourne Valley but it was certainly in the wettest 2 or 3 of the last 33 years by any criteria , and easily the worst for sewage pollution.  It is therefore sobering to note that groundwater levels at end of last month along most of the valley were the highest for September in our 33 years records, typically 1.3m above this time last year.  This follows the largest cumulative Chalfonts rainfall for the 12 months to end September of 938mm – (compare our record for any 12 months: 944,  just 6mm more, to end February this year) – and very nearly 50% above an average year.
No doubt all of the above and more will feature during our next “not-a-meeting”  – informal chat over a drink – on Wednesday 30th October from 7.15pm in The Greyhound.  All very welcome!
On the other hand, topics are likely to be more wide ranging and lighter for our Annual Dinner on 11th December.  The Greyhound are not providing a Christmas party offering this year so we need to go elsewhere.  We have a couple of venues in mind but now need to firm up the details.  It will be in the Chalfonts area and cost will be a little less than £40 per head (excluding drinks) for 3 courses and coffee/tea or around £35 for 2 courses.  Please let me know, by return if possible, if you (and partner) can join us.
With so much going on, the WhatsApp group has been very busy but is a good way of keeping up to speed with news (and some banter).  If you would like to be part of it, just let me know.
Meanwhile, looking forward to seeing you soon, by or in the river
Best wishes
Bob

Tel:      01753 88513
Mob:    0781 651 4868
e-mail: bob.older@me.com
Facebook.com/MisbourneRiverAction

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Typical recent “Before” and “After” photos.  
Excess nutrient, particularly this year, creates an explosion of vegetation holding back drainage of the floodplain and causing thick silt deposits on the gravel bed affecting invertebrates at the bottom of the food chain.
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Exceptional Groundwater levels and annual rainfall totals continue
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