Before work can start on site, there are various approvals which need to be put in place. These can cause problems for projects and lead to enforcement action if not sorted correctly.
Environment Agency Permit
The majority of groundwater remediation activities require a permit from the Environment Agency. It is essential that the relevant permit requirements for the relevant groundwater activities are checked early in the process as the application process can take several weeks to come to a decision and the permission must be in place prior to work commencing.
Waste Exemptions
If you are treating contaminated material on site instead of removing it from site, you may need to apply for a waste exemption instead of a permit. A waste exemption is free to register and sets out the specific methods of treatment that are covered by the exemption. However, it only covers the specific methods listed above.
Discharge Consents
Discharge Consents: If your treated water is to be disposed of to a surface drain or to a watercourse then a Discharge Consent will be required. Application to the Environment Agency is required for these and allow extra time if the site boundary is near to a sensitive watercourse.
Connecting to Soil Remediation Rules
Work involved in soil remediation can also give rise to obligations in relation to the groundwater, even where the main focus of the work is to deal with land contaminated by substances.
For Soil Remediation, visit soilfix.co.uk/services/soil-remediation/.
Sorting permits early avoids costly delays once groundwater treatment is underway.
