The Environment Agency consult the public on certain applications for the abstraction and impoundment of water.
These notices explain:
Updated: Summary of consultation responses published.
The date for responses has been extended to 16 March to ensure we capture as many views on the draft guidance notes as possible in determining the final version of the document.
We’re seeking views on a series of proposed updates to our guidance for industry on decommissioning of offshore renewable energy installations under the Energy Act 2004.
This consultation applies to England and Wales, but we welcome responses from organisations based elsewhere who have views on how the proposed changes may impact the offshore renewable energy industry.
The last version of this guidance was published in 2011, and sections now need to be updated. This update focuses in particular on issues relating to the provision of decommissioning cost estimates and associated financial security, to assist and inform developers.
We want views on this first draft from industry, regulators, and other interested parties, on the potential impacts – for example on the offshore renewables sector, the environment, or on other users of the sea. We are also testing early ideas on future updates to our guidance that require further development before being incorporated.
Finally, we are interested in hearing from those organisations impacted by decommissioning about their experiences of the regime to date.
The Marine Management Organisation has provided an update on the investigation it began in early 2017 under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. This related to alleged unlicensed depositing of oyster trestles on a privately owned area of Whitstable Beach by the Whitstable Oyster Fishery Company or its manager Mr Green.
After investigation and careful consideration the MMO has concluded there was insufficient evidence to prove a criminal offence in relation to its remit under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.
The MMO licensing team has also considered the facts and circumstances of the deposit of trestles on Whitstable Beach and has concluded based on an independent navigational risk assessment commissioned by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency that the array of trestles do not currently constitute an obstruction or danger to navigation. This activity benefits from an exemption relating to shellfish propagation and cultivation under the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) Order 2011 as amended (Article 13).
The MMO is dealing with the issue in line with its compliance and enforcement strategy and does not intend to take further, retrospective legal action.
The MMO has a difficult task in managing competing uses of the marine area and appreciates there has been much public debate about the issue. It previously met with a number of local representatives, including the former MP for the area, on the matter. As it is important that the MMO carries out its duties and obligations impartially and fairly it did not feel it appropriate to open this process to a wider audience during an ongoing investigation.
Whilst this investigation has concluded the MMO will continue to monitor the situation and consider issues raised on a case by case basis.
If this is your vehicle, read the vehicle seizure notice to find out how to claim it.
If this is your vehicle, read the vehicle seizure notice to find out how to claim it.