Life after the Water Act 2003 Transition Period

August 24, 2020

Did you miss the EIG webinar? Not to worry, we have summarised they key points for you! 

Did you miss the EIG webinar?

Our Water Management expert, James Dodds, joined the Extractive Industry Geology (EIG) Conference for one of their free monthly webinars last Tuesday. Just in case you missed it we have summarised all you need to know about ‘Life after the Water Act 2003 transition period’ and embedded a link to the EIG youtube channel!


What is important about life after the water act 2003 transition period?

That we need to stop discussing the past and move forward with the changes made in 2018! The most noted change is that the Hydrogeological Impact Assessment (HIA) process is different and so is the audience. Prior to 2018 dewatering was covered in a planning application and directed to the Mineral Planning Authority (MPA), whereas now abstraction licence applications are determined by the Environment Agency or NRW.


So, what do I need to consider when compiling an HIA for a dewatering application?


You need to understand the site, any good HIA is backed up by an appropriate conceptual model.


  • Don’t overdo it, reflect on what your application really needs to contain and what ‘steps’ you should consider when creating your conceptual model.
  • Be guided by the Environment Agency research, it might be considered outdated, but it depicts a good sound structure for an HIA; which you must understand.
  • Data and evidence are key, the Environment Agency and NRW are scientists and therefore expect a robust evidence base.
  • Its an iterative process. Keep re-testing your conceptual model as new data becomes available. Don’t ignore the bits that don’t work!
  • Framing of the final documentation is vital. Do not over complicate your HIA, the regulator has to understand it. Confusion will not speed up the process!
  • Regulators must follow the rules, and that means you should know them too.


Finally, EVERYTHING hangs off an evidence based conceptual model and how appropriate it is to the site and sensitivity of the project.


Still don’t get it?

That’s okay, we have the webinar recorded and ready to watch. Our water management specialist James Dodds explains it much better than we could ever type it! Click here to watch and if you have any questions, get in touch with James@envireauwater.co.uk.


When’s the next webinar?

Keep an eye out on our website for more webinars. James and Deborah are discussing dewatering for estate and planning specialists on Wednesday 26 August – register your place here!

Share

By Rachael Plant September 25, 2025
Envireau Water are thrilled to have contributed to the recent successful planning application for the construction of a community bike park in Richmond, North Yorkshire. Louise Raine, a local to the area, first set up the campaign after realising there were no 'safe and purpose-built spaces' for her children and other families. In collaboration with the local community and town council, Envireau Water volunteered to provide high-level technical support on flood risk and drainage solutions, following concerns raised by a lead regulatory authority. Hydrologists, Mairi , Lee , and Michael conducted a review of flood risk, drainage pathways and soil infiltration potential. Upon developing the drainage strategy and producing pre- and post-development 2D runoff modelling, it was discovered that the proposed location had no significant risk. By investigating the soil types and overland flow pathways, it was also noted that the suggested drainage strategy would have both a flood risk benefit and an environmental benefit of enhancing the ecology and biodiversity of the land.
By Rachael Plant July 22, 2025
We are excited to welcome Dr Anna Hitchmough to our growing team, who recently joined Envireau Water as a Principal Technical Specialist. With over 25 years of consultancy experience in hydrogeology, Anna brings a wealth of expertise to our team. Anna joins us from Carbon Zero Consulting/RSK Geosciences, where her career has centred around ground-source heat pump systems. In her most recent role, Anna chaired RSK's Heat Decarbonisation Working Group and Hydrogeology Working Group. Anna brings extensive experience in quantitative risk assessments and NAPL characterisation and has completed significant work on several contaminated land projects, having previously served as Chair of the Geological Society's Contaminated Land Group. Anna's academic background stems from the University of Newcastle where she completed an MSc in Hydrology, followed by a PhD in Hydrogeology at the University of Birmingham. She is also a chartered geologist.
By Rachael Plant July 10, 2025
We're always excited to see our team grow, and we are thrilled to welcome Hannah to the team. Hannah joined our Scotland office at the end of June to gain some hydrogeological experience alongside completing her university studies, and we look forward to welcoming her officially in September where she will begin her career as a Hydrogeologist. Prior to joining, Hannah completed a BSc in Environmental Sciences at University of Glasgow and is currently working towards completing an MSc in Hydrogeology at the University of Strathclyde. During her masters and undergraduate degree, Hannah has participated in various fieldwork activities where she developed an in-depth understanding of applied hydrology, soil analysis and mapping techniques.
Show More
By Rachael Plant September 25, 2025
Envireau Water are thrilled to have contributed to the recent successful planning application for the construction of a community bike park in Richmond, North Yorkshire. Louise Raine, a local to the area, first set up the campaign after realising there were no 'safe and purpose-built spaces' for her children and other families. In collaboration with the local community and town council, Envireau Water volunteered to provide high-level technical support on flood risk and drainage solutions, following concerns raised by a lead regulatory authority. Hydrologists, Mairi , Lee , and Michael conducted a review of flood risk, drainage pathways and soil infiltration potential. Upon developing the drainage strategy and producing pre- and post-development 2D runoff modelling, it was discovered that the proposed location had no significant risk. By investigating the soil types and overland flow pathways, it was also noted that the suggested drainage strategy would have both a flood risk benefit and an environmental benefit of enhancing the ecology and biodiversity of the land.
By Rachael Plant July 22, 2025
We are excited to welcome Dr Anna Hitchmough to our growing team, who recently joined Envireau Water as a Principal Technical Specialist. With over 25 years of consultancy experience in hydrogeology, Anna brings a wealth of expertise to our team. Anna joins us from Carbon Zero Consulting/RSK Geosciences, where her career has centred around ground-source heat pump systems. In her most recent role, Anna chaired RSK's Heat Decarbonisation Working Group and Hydrogeology Working Group. Anna brings extensive experience in quantitative risk assessments and NAPL characterisation and has completed significant work on several contaminated land projects, having previously served as Chair of the Geological Society's Contaminated Land Group. Anna's academic background stems from the University of Newcastle where she completed an MSc in Hydrology, followed by a PhD in Hydrogeology at the University of Birmingham. She is also a chartered geologist.
By Rachael Plant July 10, 2025
We're always excited to see our team grow, and we are thrilled to welcome Hannah to the team. Hannah joined our Scotland office at the end of June to gain some hydrogeological experience alongside completing her university studies, and we look forward to welcoming her officially in September where she will begin her career as a Hydrogeologist. Prior to joining, Hannah completed a BSc in Environmental Sciences at University of Glasgow and is currently working towards completing an MSc in Hydrogeology at the University of Strathclyde. During her masters and undergraduate degree, Hannah has participated in various fieldwork activities where she developed an in-depth understanding of applied hydrology, soil analysis and mapping techniques.
By Rachael Plant July 8, 2025
Our team just keeps on growing and we are delighted to welcome Rob Pickersgill as our newest member! Rob joined us at the end of June, bringing extensive experience across both hydrology and civil engineering, with a particular focus on hydraulic modelling, Flood Risk Assessments (FRAs), and Discharge Impact Assessments. Rob's academic background stems from the University of Nottingham, where he completed a MEng in Engineering, followed by an MSC in Global Urban Development and Planning at the University of Manchester. Rob joins our specialist surface water team and will be based at the RSK Group office in Bristol, providing hydrological services to a range of projects for our diverse client base, primarily within the development sector.
Show More