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INDEX
DRAFT SOIL STRATEGY FOR ENGLAND
Defra Consultation
(Posted 28 May 2008)
The purpose of the document is to provide a sound framework for policy making and delivery with the aim of ensuring the sustainable management of England’s soils. The draft Strategy sets out the pressures on our soils and the priority work areas that we have identified on the basis of these pressures. It explains current policy measures which are in place to achieve sustainable soil management and then sets out in broad terms the aims to achieve and some initial steps Defra intends to undertake in the next few years.
The deadline for responses is 23 June 2008.
The consultation and supporting documents are available on the Defra website:
(http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/soilstrategy/index.htm)
SEPA’S CORPORATE PLAN 2008 – 2011
(Posted 28 May 2008)
In accordance with the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005, the latest draft of SEPA’s Corporate Plan 2008-2011 is now available for public consultation. The Plan is SEPA’s contract with the Scottish Government – this draft of the Plan has not been approved, but is available for comments and suggestions. The consultation process closes on Friday 6th June 2008.
The consultation document and a draft Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) – Environmental Report are available on the SEPA website:
(http://www.sepa.org.uk/consultation/current/corp_plan/index.htm)
ENVIRONMENT AGENCY RESPONSE TO SIR MICHAEL PITT’S INTERIM REVIEW OF THE 2007 SUMMER FLOODS
(Posted 28 May 2008)
In their Response the Agency welcomed the interim Review and supported the urgent recommendations. The letter from Sir John Harman, Chairman of the Agency, lists three urgent actions required to:
- Clarify the inland flooding strategic overview role proposed by Government
- Provide the Agency with the required resources to implement your recommendations that are over and above their current legal responsibilities
- Review and update legislation urgently so that a strategic, integrated approach to flood risk management and ‘opt-out’ flood warning can be taken forward rapidly.
The Response also provides an update on the Agency’s progress on the four urgent recommendations from the interim Review that require action from the Environment Agency.
The letter to Sir Michael Pitt from Sir John Harman, dated 3 April 2008, and related annexes are available on the Environment Agency website:
(http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/subjects/flood/1867303/1883039/1867421/1916977/1932162/?lang=_e)
IMPLEMENTING THE WATER ENVIRONMENT AND WATER SERVICES (SCOTLAND) ACT 2003: DIFFUSE WATER POLLUTION FROM RURAL LAND USE
General Binding Rules and Related Provisions. Analysis and Responses of Consultation
(Posted 28 May 2008)
The Scottish Government published the above consultation which closed on 17 October 2007. A total of 19 responses were received to the consultation of which 5 requested confidentiality. A list of respondents who gave publishing permission and their respective responses is available on the website. The consultation was generally welcomed by most respondents as a major step in mitigating diffuse pollution. The concerns expressed in the responses are addressed.
For further details visit the Scottish Government website:
(http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/03/27073542/0)
BETTER PROTECTED SEAS PROMISED IN MARINE BILL
Defra Consultation
(Posted 14 April 2008)
The draft Marine Bill was published for consultation on 3 April 2008. At the heart of the proposals is a new marine planning system which will enable a strategic approach to managing activities in UK waters. The key issues covered are:
- The creation of the marine management organisation (MMO)
- Planning in the marine area
- Licensing activities in the marine area
- Marine nature conservation
- Managing marine fisheries
- Reform of inland and migratory fisheries
- Modernisation and streamlining of enforcement powers
- Administrative penalties scheme for domestic fisheries offences
- Access to coastal land
Deadline for comments is 26 June 2008.
Copies of the draft Bill, the Policy Document, the Impact Assessment and other relevant documents can be accessed from the Defra website:
(http://www.defra.gov.uk/marine/legislation/index.htm)
Full text of the News Release is available on the Defra website:
(http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2008/080403b.htm)
RIVER BASIN PLANNING – GUIDANCE DOCUMENT VOLUME 2
Defra/Welsh Assembly Government Consultation
(Posted 14 April 2008)
This consultation, published on 25 February 2008, is on draft guidance to the Environment Agency in relation to river basin planning in England and Wales, and follows on from the River Basin Planning Guidance issued in August 2006. It covers the approach which the Environment Agency should take in carrying out its river basin planning functions, and in particular to help it to develop the River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) which it will submit to Ministers for approval.
The guidance outlines the role of environmental quality standards in implementing the WFD, explains the range of new standards that have been developed by the UK environment agencies, and considers the way in which the Directive’s costs and benefits should be balanced. An updated Impact Assessment for the Directive has been published alongside the consultation.
Responses should be received by 19 May 2008.
The consultation and supporting documents are available on the Defra website:
(http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/river-basin/index.htm)
Full text of the press release can be found on the Defra website:
(http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2008/080225b.htm)
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