United Utilities Water Limited has applied for an environmental permit for the location CW12 1QR. The advertisement for permit EPR/JB3896RV is now open for public review.
The Environment Agency, a UK government body responsible for protecting and improving the environment, has outlined a clear commitment to public involvement in its decision-making process regarding environmental authorisations and permits. This dedication is outlined in the Public Participation Statement (PPS), a formal document designed to clarify when and how the public can participate in the agency's decisions [1][2].
The PPS aims to ensure transparency in permitting activities by detailing the processes for public consultation and engagement as part of environmental regulatory decisions. This commitment applies to a wide range of activities, including waste operations, mining waste operations, installations, water discharge, and groundwater activities [1][2].
One key aspect of the PPS is the provision of public notices about permit applications. These notices include details on where and how the public can access application documents, often through online publication, local newspapers, and upon request [2]. For waste operations and mining waste operations that require permits under environmental regulations, the agency applies the PPS to ensure stakeholders can participate by providing comments and relevant information before decisions are made [1][2].
The PPS also supports a common approach to public consultation for all activities requiring permits or environmental authorisations. This includes water discharge and groundwater activities, which must comply with obligations such as the Aarhus Convention on public participation in environmental matters and the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 [1][2].
Specific guidance for the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018, referenced in the PPS, establishes a standard process for engaging the public at the pre-application or pre-application consultation stage, encouraging early and meaningful involvement for prospective permit applicants [1]. Furthermore, the PPS integrates consultation practices related to the assessment of permits for installations and associated environmental impacts such as emissions control, ensuring the public can review and comment on proposals that affect local environments [1][3].
Once applications are submitted, the Environment Agency will consider all public comments received during the consultation process. The agency will base its decision on the information provided in the application and any relevant regulations. If the application is granted, the agency will determine the conditions to include in the permit [4].
The deadline for public comments on an application is specified in the PPS, and the application documents for the consultation are available on the public register. The location of these documents can be found at a specified Environment Agency office [5]. The Environment Agency will publish its decision on its website and notify the applicant and those who commented on the application [6].
In the event that the applicant is not satisfied with the decision, they have the right to appeal. The agency will also consider the potential impact of the proposed operation on the environment and human health [7]. The PPS offers information about where to find application documents and serves as a resource for understanding the details of an application [8].
In summary, the Environment Agency's Public Participation Statement provides a structured framework for involving the public, ensuring they have access to relevant information and opportunities to engage in consultations for permit applications related to waste, mining waste, installations, as well as water discharge and groundwater activities. This transparency supports informed decision-making and compliance with environmental law and international obligations [1][2][3].
- The Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018, as outlined in the Public Participation Statement (PPS), encourages stakeholders to provide comments and relevant information during the pre-application or pre-application consultation stage of installations, contributing to the decision-making process within the industry and science sectors.
- In alignment with the Aarhus Convention on public participation in environmental matters and the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009, the PPS established a common approach to public consultation for water discharge and groundwater activities, ensuring finance and energy sectors remain accountable to the environmental concerns and public involvement in decisions.
