Policies and Plans
Marine Environment
Part 1 Nature Conservation
Harbour Authorities have a general duty under the Harbours Act 1964 as amended by the Transport and Works Act 1992 to exercise their functions with regard to nature conservation and other related environmental considerations. The Conservation (Natural Habitats etc.) Regulations 1994 for European Sites place obligations on Newport Harbour Commissioners as a competent authority.
The statutory authorities for nature conservation are the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) and the Environment Agency (EA). The Newport Harbour Commissioners discharge their statutory responsibilities towards the SPA/pSAC through their membership of ASERA (The Association of Severn Estuary Relevant Authorities). There are also many non-statutory bodies which have an interest in the Rivers.
Whilst recognising the importance of preserving and enhancing the natural habitat flora and fauna and its responsibilities as a public body in relation thereto, Newport Harbour Commissioners are a navigation authority and must manage and maintain the delicate balance between conservation and the statutory right of navigation within the Newport Harbour for vessels of all types.
The national and international importance of the Rivers Severn and Usk has been recognised by their nature conservation designations.
Parts of the Newport Harbour support large populations of migratory wildfowl and waders.
MARINE ENVIRONMENT POLICY 1
The Newport Harbour Commissioners are committed to ensuring the best practical protection of the environment under its jurisdiction and responsibility commensurate with its overall vision using the best available techniques not involving excessive costs. The Board fully endorses the principles contained in the European Sea Ports Organisations- Environmental Code of Practice and is pledged to work towards a cleaner environment through the maintenance and improvement of existing arrangements and the implementation of effective internal management strategies, cooperation with relevant authorities and consultation with users and interested groups. They further recognise the special position of the harbour as a natural asset and will continue to promote its sustainable use, balancing the demands of its natural resources and seeking to resolve conflicts of interest.
Newport Harbour Commissioners will not issue a works licence which will in Newport Harbour Commissioners’ opinion cause irreparable damage to conservation interests.
Newport Harbour Commissioners will not support any dredging which does not meet Dredging Policy 1.
Newport Harbour Commissioners will not support activities unconnected with legitimate acts of navigation which have a long-term detrimental effect on the natural ecological and environmental balance of the Newport Harbour, unless overridden by the national interest.
Part II Prevention of Pollution
HA’s and their Harbour Masters have statutory powers to deal with the prevention of pollution under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 and guidance on this subject is contained in the P.M.S.C.
HA’s also have a duty pursuant to the Regulations on Oil Pollution to prepare plans to deal with oil spills. The Newport Harbour Commissioners Oil Spill Contingency Plan (O.S.C.P.) came into force and was approved on 25 April 2000.
HA’s also have a duty to ensure that facilities are provided for the reception of waste from ships
It is an offence under the 1836 Act to discharge any matter or cause or permit any polluting matter to be discharged into the waters or onto the bed of the Newport Harbour or permit any matter to be placed so that it may fall, be blown, drift or flow into the Newport Harbour.
MARINE ENVIRONMENT POLICY 2
Newport Harbour Commissioners will support the provision of private berth facilities for the reception and disposal of solid and liquid wastes and rubbish.
MARINE ENVIRONMENT POLICY 3
Newport Harbour Commissioners will meet its obligation in relation to the O.S.C.P.
Part III Emergency Planning
The following plans are in place for dealing with emergencies:
- Port Marine Safety Management System.
- Gwent Emergency Plan.
- Oil Spill Contingency Plan (April 2000)
- National Contingency Plan for Marine Pollution – prepared by MCA
- A Counter Pollution Plan for the Bristol Channel (in course of preparation).
- A Tier 2 Oil Response Plan (contractor D.V. Howells, Milford).
- Gwent Emergency Planning – Control of Major Accidents and Hazards (COMAH).
- MCGA/Gwent Police – Usk Estuary Co-ordination Commitment.
MARINE ENVIRONMENT POLICY 4
Newport Harbour Commissioners will support the regular review and updating of the plans by the issuing authorities and any exercise organised to test their implementation.
