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INDEX
THE BATHING WATER REGULATIONS 2008
(Posted 28 May 2008)
The Bathing Water Directive (76/160/EEC), which is now 30 years old, has been updated and simplified to take into account lessons learnt from its implementation, developments in science and knowledge about the risks of bathing, and the changes in environmental protection offered by more recent European water legislation. A revised Bathing Water Directive (2006/7/EC) came into force on 24 March 2006 and had to be transposed into UK law within two years of this date, although it will take longer for the new features to come into effect. Key changes include a tightening of water quality standards and a requirement to provide information about bathing waters to the public on signage on beaches and online. The revised Directive sets 4 new standards of water quality (excellent, good, sufficient and poor) and all bathing waters will be expected to achieve at least the “sufficient” classification by 2015, with limited exceptions. A consultation was issued on 12 November 2007 inviting comments on the Government’s proposals for implementing the new Directive and closed on 4 February 2008. The main features of the revised Bathing Water Directive (rBWD), published on 23 April 2008, include a timetable that is in line with the Water Framework Directive, as bathing waters are protected areas under the WFD. The rBWD requires Member States to encourage the public to participate in the implementation of the Directive by informing them how to participate and giving them the opportunity to make suggestions, remarks or complaints.
For further information on the rBWD visit the Defra website:
(http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/water/quality/bathing/revision.htm#summary)
A copy of the Statutory Instrument SI 2008/1097 can be viewed at the Office of Public Sector Information website: (http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si200810)
THE WATER ENVIRONMENT (DIFFUSE POLLUTION)(SCOTLAND) REGULATIONS 2008
DIFFUSE WATER POLLUTION FROM RURAL LAND USE
General Binding Rules and Related Provisions. Regulatory Impact Assessment
(Posted 28 May 2008)
The Water Environment (Diffuse Pollution) (Scotland) Regulations 2008 are designed to amend the existing Controlled Activities Regulations (CAR) and to apply across Scotland. Those areas of Scotland designated as Nitrate Vulnerable Zones will continue to be subject to the rules of the Action Programme for Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (Scotland) Regulations. The General Binding Rules (GBRs), and SSAFO (Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil) (Scotland) Regulations 2003) amendment, have taken into consideration the responses to previous consultations and they will be an important step towards achieving good quality in Scotland’s water environment.
The proposed rules are in many cases good practice as set out in the PEPFAA (Prevention of Environmental Pollution from Agricultural Activity) Code, the Forests and Water Guidelines and guidance provided by amenity/leisure sector associations. Those land managers who already work to such standards will find the changes, if any, to their existing methods will be minimal. The General Binding Rules are designed to set reasonable standards, which are transparent and fair, applicable to all land managers in Scotland The introduction of GBRs to control diffuse pollution will provide for land managers a simple set of rules without any form filling or the need to seek authorisation.
The document can be viewed on the Scottish Government website:
(http://www.scotland.gov.uk/topics/environment/water/15561/diffuseria2008)
THE PESTICIDE SAFETY DIRECTORATE (PSD) TO JOIN THE HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE (HSE)
(Posted 28 May 2008)
In a written Ministerial Statement Jonathan Shaw, the Minister for Marine, Landscape and Rural Affairs and Minister for the South East, announced that, following a public consultation that ended on 14 January 2008, PSD has become part of the HSE from 1 April 2008. In joining HSE, PSD has become part of an organisation that is already responsible for the regulation of both biocides and chemicals. This will enable further exploration of the potential synergies between regulatory science and policy in order to identify options for further improvements in customer service and efficiencies. In the meantime PSD will retain its distinct identity within HSE. Strategic policy responsibility for pesticides will remain with Defra Ministers and sit alongside strategic policy responsibility which Defra has for chemicals under the EU chemicals assessment and approval regime REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals). Governance arrangements are being put in place to ensure that all departmental and cross-departmental interests are fully represented.
For further details visit the PSD website:
(http://www.pesticides.gov.uk/corporate.asp?id=2410)
SCOTLAND RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, SRDP,
2007 –2013
Rural Development Regulation (EC)
No 1698/2005
(Posted 28 May 2008)
This Programme (an extensive set of documents, 970 pages, including annexes) contains the following:
- Socio-economic and environmental background and review of the 2000-06 Scotland Rural Development Programme
- Strategic approach to the 2007-13 Scotland Rural Development Programme, showing the policy priorities and describing the delivery mechanisms including Rural Development Contracts
- Financing of the 2007-13 SRDP
- Implementation of the 2007-13 SRDP, covering complementarity with other funding programmes, competent authorities, monitoring and evaluation, communications, consultations, equality issues and technical assistance (including the National Rural Network).
The documents can be accessed at the Scottish Government website:
(http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/04/01115039/212)
CONSUMER COUNCIL FOR WATER FORWARD WORK PROGRAMME (2008-09 TO 2010-11)
(Posted 28 May 2008)
The Consumer Council for Water (CCWater) provides a voice for consumers. They have offices throughout England and Wales to keep in close contact with consumers and the water companies that provide water and sewerage services. CCWater has identified the following priorities for 2008-09 to 2010-11:
- Water on Tap – safe, good quality tap water; improved supply reliability, encouraging the wise use of water
- 2009 Price Review – pressing for consumers’ views to be at the heart of the review, so they view the outcome as acceptable and what they can afford
- Right First Time – problems sorted out quickly without hassle
- Value for Money – a fair charge for the service and help for those who cannot afford to pay
The Forward Work Programme for England and Wales can be found on the CCWater website:
(http://www.ccwater.org.uk/server.php?show=ConWebDoc.1629)
EDIE AWARDS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE
(Posted 28 May 2008)
This event recognises and rewards the expertise in the field of consultancy that guides the most significant environmental policies and actions in the UK and beyond. The awards are split into two categories - judged awards and voted awards. The judged awards invites entrants to put forward their projects to be considered by an expert panel - here it is not the size and the reputation of the company that is likely to clinch victory, but the individual merit of the project. Small consultancies with a project they are particularly proud of have just as much chance to take the prize as the major players who select their strongest projects from a bigger portfolio. The categories for judged awards are:
- Carbon Reduction
- Renewable Energy
- Sustainable Construction
- Waste & Recycling
- Green Corporate Initiatives
- Water & Wastewater
The voted awards invite clients who use the services of environmental consultancies to voice their opinions on the strongest companies and give an insight into who has the best reputation in each specific field. The 2008 awards for environmental excellence will be held at an awards dinner at London’s Natural History Museum on Thursday 13 November 2008.
More details and entry forms are available on the Edie website: (http://www.edie.net/awards)
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