Water licence trading helps to share vital resource
With restrictions on new water abstraction licences in many parts of the United Kingdom, licence trading provides a way to share limited water resources. Although the Water Act 2003 includes measures for simplifying the trading process, there are already a number of successful examples around the country and more businesses are considering it as an option.
Licence trading is possible in areas where the Environment Agency (EA) considers the water resource condition to be “sustainable”, but with “no additional water available”. Trading allows volumes tied up in existing under-used licences to be redistributed for others. As the EA will not directly assist in a trade, it is up to the applicant to identify a nearby under-used licence, which is within the same water resource unit and which the owner is willing to trade – normally through a financial agreement. With an agreement in place, the EA will then consider a transfer of volume to the new applicant. Normal impact assessments may still apply, including whether there will be any additional implications at the new licence location.
“Licence trading is a means to share vital resources, to which all have a reasonable right, in a way that is environmentally sustainable,” commented Peter Easton, Water & Environment Director for specialist consultants Zenith International. “Some incorrectly believe we are awaiting new legislation. At Zenith, we have already assisted in successful trading.”
Zenith International offers a comprehensive groundwater consultancy service, advising on the safe development and protection of groundwater resources throughout the United Kingdom, the rest of Europe and beyond.
Anyone wishing to discuss Environmental Impact Assessment, Abstraction Licensing or other water resource issues should contact Peter Easton at Zenith International on tel +44 (0)1225 327900, fax +44 (0)1225 327901 or e-mail gw@zenithinternational.com
Note for Editors
For further information, please contact:
Peter Easton, Zenith International Ltd
7 Kingsmead Square, Bath BA1 2AB, United Kingdom
t +44 (0)1225 327900 f +44 (0)1225 327901
zenithinternational.com
Licence trading is possible in areas where the Environment Agency (EA) considers the water resource condition to be “sustainable”, but with “no additional water available”. Trading allows volumes tied up in existing under-used licences to be redistributed for others. As the EA will not directly assist in a trade, it is up to the applicant to identify a nearby under-used licence, which is within the same water resource unit and which the owner is willing to trade – normally through a financial agreement. With an agreement in place, the EA will then consider a transfer of volume to the new applicant. Normal impact assessments may still apply, including whether there will be any additional implications at the new licence location.
“Licence trading is a means to share vital resources, to which all have a reasonable right, in a way that is environmentally sustainable,” commented Peter Easton, Water & Environment Director for specialist consultants Zenith International. “Some incorrectly believe we are awaiting new legislation. At Zenith, we have already assisted in successful trading.”
Zenith International offers a comprehensive groundwater consultancy service, advising on the safe development and protection of groundwater resources throughout the United Kingdom, the rest of Europe and beyond.
Anyone wishing to discuss Environmental Impact Assessment, Abstraction Licensing or other water resource issues should contact Peter Easton at Zenith International on tel +44 (0)1225 327900, fax +44 (0)1225 327901 or e-mail gw@zenithinternational.com
Note for Editors
For further information, please contact:
Peter Easton, Zenith International Ltd
7 Kingsmead Square, Bath BA1 2AB, United Kingdom
t +44 (0)1225 327900 f +44 (0)1225 327901
zenithinternational.com