Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
 Printable version
|
 E-mail this to a friend
|
Feedback sought on revised Groundwater rules
A consultation to obtain feedback on proposed amendments to the Groundwater Regulations 1998 was published by Defra today.
Feedback is sought from anyone who discharges substances which can cause groundwater pollution, or who currently follows the existing groundwater regulations.
Environment Minister Phil Woolas said the practical consequences of the proposed changes for those involved with groundwater will be minor.
'It's a priority for the proposed guidelines to be as simple, workable and cost-neutral as possible, all while safeguarding groundwater.
'While a slightly wider range of hazardous substances will be subject to controls, there will also be greater flexibility around these controls,' he said.
Regular meetings with stakeholders from the water, chemicals, mining, waste, and agricultural sectors, and green NGOs, have taken place to inform the proposed amendments.
The consultation paper, including information on how submissions can be received, is available at http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/wfdgroundwater-transpose-article6/. Submissions will close on 20th August, 2008.
Notes for Editors:
1. These amendments to the Groundwater Regulations 1998 will ensure that the UK meets the requirements of Article 6 of the 2006 Groundwater Directive, a 'daughter' directive under Article 17 of the EU Water Framework Directive.
Public enquiries 08459 335577;
Press notices are available on our website http://www.defra.gov.uk
Defra's aim is sustainable development
To subscribe or unsubscribe to Defra's mailing list go to: http://nds.coi.gov.uk
Once on the GNN website see Sign up
Nobel House
17 Smith Square
London SW1P 3JR
Website
http://www.defra.gov.uk
