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Even though the sustained rainfall during 2007 has brought about substantial improvement of water
levels in the local aquifer, the DEF Water Group, and everybody else, must remain diligent regarding
its concerns upon sustainability of local water requirements.
Most of these concerns are listed below and are already equally of concern to all of us.
Community groups such as ourselves can, and should, add weight collectively to maximise concerns
when responding to Central Government. Some of our concerns need to be taken forward with
Hertfordshire County Council as well as Dacorum Borough Council to whom we have formally responded
regarding recent development issues.
In particular, should the excessive development as contained in the Growth at Hemel Hempstead
Strategy be inflicted upon us, would it best be on the basis of the neighbourhood philosophy as
promoted by Jellicoe at the outset of the New Town? Should we also demand that all property,
and the supporting infrastructure, includes the maximum benefit in terms of water conservation,
recyclable materials and energy conservation. The neighbourhood concept is surely the only way
that truly substantial and efficient objectives might be achieved. (To be linked with LDF Water Policy).
We hear much about private residences having integral water butts to catch rainwater.
We appreciate that it is not logical to suggest very big water butts be fitted to all the large
buildings in the future Civic Zone, but surely these could be designed to consign rainwater into
the Jellicoe Water Gardens before it becomes contaminated? Green roofs are a particularly important
concept which deserves serious consideration.
Organising a water conservation seminar may be a way forward. Whether such water is used for
the benefit of the Water Gardens or for some other purpose is a matter for decision. It is important
that such water is not wasted by being consigned to the drains.
We have attended meetings between DBC, Environment Agency, Chiltern Chalk Stream Project to assess
the future of Jellicoe’s Water Gardens and the report is expected shortly. Reassessing the flow
diversion weir at the Bury will lead to improvements to the situation.
Consequences of the Buncefield Oil Terminal Disaster remain of concern, but nothing can be moved
forward in this regard until the current investigations are completed.
It is important that we keep in mind the fact that the existing level of population requires
water that already exceeds the amount that can sustainably be abstracted from the local aquifer.
Three Valleys Water already has to import water into Dacorum to meet demand. It is illogical
that neither Three Valleys Water, nor the Environment Agency, are required to be consulted regarding
the availability of water before Central Government sanctions any large scale development such
as we are currently facing. It is important that we seek to strengthen their role with Central
Government
River Gade Sustainability Study
East of England Proposals for Expansion of Hemel Hempstead
Hemel 2020
Global Warming
This is a subject that is deservedly getting a great deal of scientific and media coverage at the present time.
It remains impossible to be precise upon the extent and timescale of the impact upon our environment.
For the moment we can only remain vigilant and use water with restraint.
Potential Future Public Meetings.
Several suggestions have been made with regard to date and location. A meeting would be worthwhile in view of
the considerable public interest. Contributors, location, date and content requires careful consideration.
October might be best in order to give more time for preparation.
Roger Hands
Chairman DEF Water Group
4th January 2008
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