Water Abstraction and Impoundment (Licensing) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006, No. 482 (as amended)

The Water Abstraction and Impoundment (Licensing) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 serve as a comprehensive framework governing the extraction of water from natural sources and the creation of impoundments, such as reservoirs, in Northern Ireland. The primary purpose of these regulations is to ensure sustainable and responsible water management, safeguarding water resources and the environment.

Under these regulations, individuals or entities intending to abstract water or create impoundments for various purposes, such as agricultural, industrial, or domestic use, are required to obtain a license from the appropriate regulatory authority. The licensing process involves a thorough assessment of the proposed water abstraction or impoundment activities to ascertain their potential impacts on the aquatic ecosystem, water availability, and neighboring users.

The regulations set out specific requirements for the license application process, including providing detailed information about the nature of the abstraction or impoundment, its location, intended usage, and the measures planned to mitigate any adverse effects. The regulatory authority evaluates these applications based on ecological, hydrological, and environmental considerations, ensuring that the proposed activities align with sustainable water management principles.

The regulations also establish provisions for monitoring and reporting by license holders to track the actual water abstraction or impoundment activities and their impact over time. This monitoring helps maintain compliance with the conditions set out in the license and enables adaptive management based on changing circumstances.

The regulations apply to a wide range of entities, including individuals, businesses, and organizations involved in water abstraction and impoundment activities in Northern Ireland. By imposing a licensing system and stringent requirements, the regulations aim to strike a balance between meeting water needs for various purposes and preserving the integrity of aquatic ecosystems and water resources for present and future generations.

The Water Abstraction and Impoundment (Licensing) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 outline specific evidence requirements that individuals or entities seeking licenses for water abstraction and impoundment activities must fulfill. These evidence requirements are designed to ensure thorough assessments of proposed activities, their potential environmental impacts, and compliance with sustainable water management principles. The evidence requirements include:

1. Detailed Project Information: Applicants are required to provide comprehensive information about the proposed water abstraction or impoundment project. This includes details about the location, purpose, scale, and methods of the intended activity.
2. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): For larger-scale projects or those with potentially significant environmental impacts, an EIA may be necessary. This assessment evaluates the potential effects of the proposed activity on the surrounding environment, ecosystems, and water resources.
3. Hydrological Data: Applicants must submit hydrological data that outlines the characteristics of the water source, such as flow rates, seasonal variations, and groundwater levels. This data is crucial for understanding the availability and sustainability of water resources.
4. Ecological Information: Information about the ecological aspects of the area affected by the proposed activity is required. This may include details about the flora, fauna, and aquatic ecosystems in the vicinity.
5. Water Quality Analysis: Evidence of water quality analysis is necessary to determine the current state of the water source and potential impacts of abstraction or impoundment on water quality. This includes assessing factors like pollutants, sediment levels, and chemical composition.
6. Mitigation and Management Plans: Applicants must outline specific measures they intend to implement to mitigate any adverse effects on the environment and water resources. These plans should demonstrate a commitment to sustainable water management practices.
7. Public Consultation: In some cases, evidence of public consultation may be necessary, especially for projects that could have significant local impacts. Engaging with the local community and stakeholders helps to address concerns and gather valuable input.
8. Monitoring and Reporting: Applicants need to provide details about how they plan to monitor and report their water abstraction or impoundment activities over time. This includes specifying monitoring methods, frequency, and reporting mechanisms.
9. Financial and Technical Capacity: Evidence of the applicant's financial and technical capacity to undertake the proposed activity responsibly is required. This helps ensure that the activity can be carried out without compromising environmental integrity.
10. Compliance with Existing Regulations: The evidence must demonstrate that the proposed activity aligns with other relevant environmental and water-related regulations in force.

These evidence requirements aim to establish a robust foundation for evaluating water abstraction and impoundment applications. By providing comprehensive and accurate information, applicants enable regulatory authorities to make informed decisions that balance the needs of water users with the preservation of Northern Ireland's water resources and ecosystems.