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Water Resources (EIA) Regulations 2003

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) helps us assess and explain the effects on the environment of new developments before a development is permitted.

EC Directive (85/337/EEC), the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment, amended by Directive (97/11/EC) gained legal effect through the Water Resources (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2003 SI No. 164 on 1st April 2003.

EIA must be carried out for water management projects for agriculture, including irrigation projects, involving the abstraction (taking) or impoundment (storage) of water, which we judge could have significant environmental effects. The regulations also apply to abstractions and impoundments that do not currently require an Environment Agency abstraction licence (for example, for trickle irrigation), where significant environmental effects are likely. In such cases, a consent from the Environment Agency is required, stating that account has been taken of any significant environmental effects, before the project can proceed. In most cases, projects require planning permission and the need for EIA is established by the relevant planning authority.

For guidance on how to comply with the Water Resources (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2003 view our publication ‘Environmental Impact Assessment for water resources authorisations; guidance on the requirements and procedures’ below.

If you need advice on how to comply with these Regulations, please contact us by phone on 0370 8506506 (Mon-Fri 8-6) or please send us an e-mail at enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk