Water and Abstraction Regulations issued for Northern Ireland
The Water Abstraction & Impoundment (Licensing) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 were made on 27th November 2006 and came into operation on 1st February 2007. The introduction of this legislation will fulfil Northern Ireland’s obligation to the European Commission under the Habitats and Water Framework Directives and will establish a water resource management, assessment and licensing regime.
These Regulations aim to provide a single and consistent environmental risk based approach that covers all abstractions and impoundment operations. These powers will help protect our water environment including protected species and dependent ecosystems and will help deliver efficient and sustainable water usage in Northern Ireland.
The full text of the Statutory Rule is available from the OPSI website at:
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/sr/sr2006/20060482.htm
Source: www.ehsni.gov.uk (accessed 05/02/07)