Setting up for Regulatory Success

Being granted the correct water permits and licences are essential for regulating abstraction, discharge, and waste disposal effectively to ensure legal compliance, environmental sustainability and the protection of the water supply balance.

Envireau Water have over 25 years experience solving complex regulatory challenges across some of the most environmentally sensitive catchments within the UK; aided by our strong relationship with the regulatory authorities.

Our expertise and dedication to delivering value have earned us the trust of our clients, who turn to us for our proven track record and quality service. This trust has enabled us to build many long-standing working relationships over the years.'

How do we do it?

'Envireau Water has developed a deep understanding of the system, shaped by our founder and water management specialist, James Dodds. This expertise has earned us a reputation for confidently challenging regulators when needed and successfully taking on projects that others have either failed to deliver or lacked the confidence to tackle.

However, none of this would be possible without our ongoing commitment to developing innovative solutions that ensure a deep technical understanding and analysis - especially a strong grasp of the regulations and laws that underpin them. This has enabled us to build a higher level of independence and create a platform from which we can effectively manage the status quo.'

Harriet, does Envireau Water have any notable success stories?

'Yes, we have had many over the years. Particular highlights include obtaining the first new abstraction licence from the Chalk in North Lincolnshire for decades and developing a regulatory approach with the Environment Agency for permitting the injection of Produced Water into a different water bearing formation from which it came.'

Tamsin, what happens if my licence goes to appeal?

'Our specialist team have had plenty of experience in the case this does happen and adopt a thorough approach; consistently producing high quality work which lays a solid foundation for the appeal process. This can be reflected in two recent successful appeals.

We recently assisted a nationally recognised water manufacturer with a previously exempt groundwater abstraction which was licensed under the Transitional Regulations, which however had an unusually short expiry date. We offered expert hydrogeological and witness support throughout the appeal process which resulted in a successful outcome and a longer time limit being applied to re-issued licences. Our work demonstrated beyond reasonable scientific doubt that the impact of the abstractions did not increase over the additional period.'

From abstraction licensing and discharge permits to landfill and waste permitting, Envireau Water's robust approach to regulatory challenges and in-depth experience negotiating with the regulator allows for novel licences to be designed and different approaches to licences and permits to be implemented, even for the most unusual licences and permits.

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About Envireau Water

Envireau Water is a team of expert water scientists and engineers who provide guidance on the management and regulation of natural water systems across the UK. By working collaboratively with out clients and the regulators, we deliver robust, sustainable solutions that meet the requirements of all stakeholders. With a loyal client base and our ability to work seamlessly throughout the four nations of the UK, many of our clients know us individually and trust us to find resolutions to their water problems for years to come. 

Meet the Team

Harriet Robson

Principal Water Resources Specialist