News & Articles
14-Oct-2009
A global contaminated land network (CLN) is being started by CIWEM (Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management) allowing professionals to provide expert views on current and up-coming issues. The aim of the network being to support links between academic research and practice.
CIWEM is seeking members for the CLN from a broad spectrum of the contaminated land community, including, government and non-government bodies, industry and academia. If you would like more information about joining the CLN please contact CIWEM directly at Joshua@ciwem.org
13-Oct-2009
September brought with it high pressures and generally dry warm weather as most of the country enjoyed an Indian summer, the exception being Scotland which received substantial rainfall at the beginning of the month leading to flood conditions.
In contrast to normal autumn conditions, soil moisture deficits (SMDs) increased during September, particularly in the south and groundwater recharge was minimal. Groundwater levels in the southern Chalk aquifer are notably low in parts, though the Permo-Triassic sandstones remain within a normal seasonal range. Winter recharge is expected to be delayed as a result of the high SMDs.
To read the full hydrological summary for September please visit the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH) website
www.ceh.ac.uk/data/nrfa/water_watch.html
24-Sep-2009
The official response of the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee to the draft Floods and Water Management Bill describes the legislation as ‘a confusing mix of measures, many of them poorly drafted’. The MPs would rather a more coherent and comprehensive strategy in keeping with the vision of Future Water. Whilst there is no specific mention of groundwater the MPs response acknowledges work by the Environment Agency to further develop their flood and surface water capabilities. Recognising the additional powers that the Environment Agency and local authorities will have there is a call for proper safeguards such as an appropriate appeals process.
To read the MPs response to the Floods and Water Management Bill please visit
www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmselect/cmenvfru/555/555i.pdf
22-Sep-2009
Management plans for river basins in England and Wales have been submitted to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and to Welsh ministers to be approved. The River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) are required as part of the Water Framework Directive and will outline measures to improve the water environment including groundwater bodies. The final RBMPs are due to be published on the 22 Dec 2009.
To view the draft RBMPs for England and Wales please visit the Environment Agency website at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/planning/33106.aspx
21-Sep-2009
Following the introduction of the Mining Waste Directive in July 2009 the Environment Agency has drafted additional guidance for mining waste operations to ensure they comply with the new Environmental Permitting process. The guidance explains measures required to ensure that groundwater is not polluted by the mining waste activities and also outlines which water management facilities will be regulated under the environmental permit.
The draft guidance is open for consultation until the 1 October 2009. To read the draft guidance please visit the Environment Agency website at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/library/consultations/108895.aspx
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