Evidence-based catchment management with SCIMAP

Degraded water quality and floodwaters pose a significant threat to both people and ecology. Both of these pressures result from diffuse sources across the landscape that when concentrated in rivers or lakes can become problematic. To better understand diffuse pollution in river catchments, Durham researchers developed a model called SCIMAP (Sensitive Catchment Integrated Modelling And Prediction: https://scimap.org.uk). SCIMAP provides a framework to consider where in the landscape these pressures are coming from and hence where mitigation actions would be most effective. The model utilises digital elevation models, land cover maps, hydrological theory, and GIS analysis, and innovatively involves stakeholders in both the model development and its application (see: video). The outputs are maps of the relative risk of generating a ‘problem’ such as rapid runoff or pollutants at each location in a landscape, and then the likelihood of that ‘problem’ connecting to a particular river downstream and where problems may arise. SCIMAP is now employed widely to identify ‘hotspots’ that can supply pollutants, such as nitrate or fine sediment, into the river system; this knowledge is then used to support management and remediation decisions. Users of SCIMAP include the Environment Agency, which offers the model as part of its central modelling platform; all of the 46 Rivers Trusts that bring together stakeholders in every catchment in England and Wales; partners in the Catchment-Based Approach (CaBA) that provides a framework for modelling and managing all 100+ catchments in England and eastern Wales under the Water Framework Directive; and a diverse group of NGOs and companies with an interest in assessing and managing diffuse pollution.

Staff links

Dr. Sim Reaney https://www.durham.ac.uk/staff/sim-reaney/

https://twitter.com/SCIMAP 

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