DEPARTMENT FOR
ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS News Release (News Release ref
:157/08) issued by The Government News Network on 28 May 2008
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.
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