PIP LIFE & GB Project - Gelligoch Bridge & Highway Widening

Descriptions

Diffuse pollution is known to be one of the main pressures having a direct and significant adverse effect on the freshwater pearl mussel (fwpm) in the Afon Eden Special Area of Conservation. The incidence of the diffuse pollution is causing many of the tributary streams to fail to meet good ecological status under the Water Framework Directive. Much of this diffuse pollution results from the surrounding land management activities. Good water quality is of paramount importance to both the pearl mussel and the salmanoids. Juvenile pearl mussels are especially vulnerable to may increase in phosphate levels in the river, as this can cause algal growth on the gravels where they are buried. Algal growth blocks the mussels’ filter-feeding mechanism. Fwpm are protected under UK and international legislation such as the habitats directive (annex 11) and wildlife and countryside act 1981.The project is funded through the UK wide Pearls in Peril LIFE Project.One of the main risks to the Eden is a potential traffic accident aroud Gelli Goch ford due to agricultural and forestry activities that occur in the immediate vicinity. Currently cars can cross on the narrow bridge where other larger vehicles (timber lorries, tractors, livestock trailers, slurry tankers, oil tankers) cross over the existing ford. The project aims to improve the crossing area and reduce potential pollution risk by widening the existing structure so that all vehicles that need to cross can cross on the bridge – meaning less contact with the river itself. By doing this the form will then be closed and may no longer be used by larger vehicles that carry harmful substances.Specific RequirementsWork is split into sections, please be aware that all 4 may not be awarded because some are subject to other consents.1.Creation of Compound Area which must comply with NP5/60/142A Snowdonia National Park Authority Planning Permission.2.Widening of the road up to the bridge3.Widening the bridge4.Diffuse pollution mitigation on the far side.