Landowners, farmers and businesses who are currently taking water from a river, stream or the ground (borehole) are being asked to check whether they require an abstraction licence.
New regulations, which came into force from 1 January 2018, mean that most previously exempt activities cannot continue without an abstraction licence in place. This only applies to those who currently abstract more than 20 cubic metres per day – an amount similar to a medium sized milk tanker or 260 baths a day.
Previously exempt activities include all forms of irrigation, abstraction in previously exempt geographical areas, abstracting water into and between internal drainage, dewatering of mines, quarries and engineering works as well as several other activities (full list below).
The Environment Agency are advising those who require a licence to submit their application before the end of September 2019 to ensure that they are allowed to continue to abstract while their applications are considered. By applying early this allows time for the Environment Agency to check that they have all of the information they need for each application – known as making the application ‘valid’. This can take up to 3 months with more complicated applications.
If the Environment Agency does not have a ‘valid’ application by 31 December 2019, people will automatically lose their right to abstract.
JP Stanney, Environment Planning Specialist at the Environment Agency, said:
“The new rules will better protect the environment by helping to balance the needs of abstractors, while also protecting water supplies and the plants and animals that rely on them. Nevertheless, we understand that abstraction licensing may be new to some people so we are here to help them through the process.”
“It is really important that people apply for their licence in good time, ideally by the end of September, as if it is received by us after this point there is a risk that they will lose out on their opportunity to secure their water needs. Applying early means we have time to work with people and businesses to ensure their applications include all necessary information, so we would encourage people to get in touch with us as soon as possible.”
To support people through the application process, the Environment Agency have a free phone information and bookable appointment service to help with drafting applications. They can be contacted on 03708 506506, where callers should ask for the ‘New Authorisations Hotline’. Alternatively people can email them at enquiries@environment‐agency.gov.uk, stating ‘New Authorisations’ in the email subject.
More information and the abstraction licence application can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/water-management-abstract-or-impound-water
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