A Simple Guide to Flood Risk Activity Permits

17 Apr A Simple Guide to Flood Risk Activity Permits

Update

Consultation on changes to the Standard Rules available for Flood Risk Activity Permits has recently been held by the Environment Agency. The outcome of the consultation results in the first changes to the Standard Rules set since their introduction in 2016.

Whilst most conditions of the Standard Rules remain unchanged, the screening restrictions for both excavations and habitat structures has been relaxed, reducing the downstream screening distance for a European designated nature conservation site, Sites of special scientific interest (SSSI) or National Nature Reserve from 500m to 100m.

The EA has also sought to limit the cost implications for some applicants by reducing bespoke permit costs for many environmental works. The Environment Agency have also committed to further engagement with NGO and environmental organisations to investigate further which activities could come under standard rules.

The revised Standard Rules are due to be published shortly; if you would like to discuss the applicability of these permits for your activity, or to understand Flood Risk Activity Permits in more depth, feel free to contact our permitting team at Enzygo.

From 6th April 2016, anyone wishing to carry out works on, or near, main rivers or sea defences that might impact on flood risk is required to seek prior consent from the Environment Agency or Natural Resources Wales.

To help you interpret the new rules, Enzygo has produced an easy-to-understand guide that explains the key changes and the subsequent new requirements that you may need to take.

We have particular expertise in providing flooding and hydrological services and so we would recommend that you consult with us first to ensure that you receive the best possible advice.

Enzygo offers a full range of Hydrological and Flood Risk Services including:

• Flood Risk Assessment;
• Flood Risk Modelling;
• Sequential and Exception Test;
• Drainage Assessment;
• Business Continuity Flood Assessment;
• Flood Warning and Evacuation Plans;
• Produce Environmental Permit Application for Flood Risk Activity and supporting documentation including reports, risk assessments and drawings; and
• Produce a risk-appropriate EMS to support your Flood Risk Activity Environmental Permit Application and operations post-permit issue.

Background

Prior to 6th April 2016 permitting was achieved though Flood Discharge Consents but, from this date onwards, these works will now fall under the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2016.

You may need to apply for an Environmental Permit for flood risk activities if you do work:

• In, under, over or near a main river (including where the river is in a culvert)
• On or near a flood defence on a main river
• In the flood plain of a main river
• On or near a sea defence

The Land Drainage Act 1991 still remains in place and you will still need to apply to the IDB or Local Authority for works on ordinary watercourses.

For more information, please contact Steph Charnaud on 01454 269237 or email via [email protected]

View ‘A Simple Guide to Flood Risk Activity Permits‘ in pdf format.