Abstraction & Impoundment Licensing
View the Proposal to Introduce a Fees and Charges Scheme Consultation Paper(.PDF 292Kb)
Important: The 1 year transitional period that was introduced alongside the introduction of the Regulations ended on the 31 January 2008. This means that all abstraction/impoundment activities that apply after 31 January 2008 will be treated as new activities.
Our surface water, coastalwater and groundwater systems are valuable commodities. The introduction of Abstraction and Impoundment Regulations and the creation of a Licensing Team will support the management of our water ecosystems. It is in everyone's interest to conserve, protect and where possible improve the quality of water within Northern Ireland.
You can view the European Commission Water Framework Directive.(2000/60EC)(.PDF 867Kb) and also the
Habitats Directive (Links to EUR-Lex website) which are key drivers behind the decision to establish an Abstraction and Impoundment Licensing (AIL) Team to support the protection of our water environment; a resource increasingly placed under pressure by usage and consumption in Northern Ireland. Water in rivers, lakes and wetlands are key features of our landscape which also support diverse and internationally important habitats of plant and animal life. In order to protect plants, animals and to manage the sustainable use of this resource, the licensing of abstractions and impoundments is necessary; this work is managed by the AIL team.
In implementing the legislation the AIL Team must consider the needs of industry and agriculture and strive for sustainability.
The effects of abstracting will vary considerably depending on:
- volume being abstracted
- sensitivity of the ecosystem
- seasonality
- volumes returned in situ
- distances between abstraction and discharge points.
From an environmental perspective over-abstraction of a water body may lead to:
- reduced water flow
- reduction of water resources
- stress or mortality of fish and/or invertebrates
- increased risk of pollution through reduced dilution
- damage to our landscapes.
The effect of an impoundment on a water body will vary considerably depending on:
- size
- design
- operation and control
- the sensitivity of the location.
A poorly designed or managed impoundment can:
- impede the movement of migratory fish
- be unsafe if accessible by the public
- cause build up of sediment leading to changes to the river bed habitat
- lead to changes in the natural morphology of the river.
Currently the Water Framework Directive requires control over water abstractions and impoundments to ensure achievement of the Directive’s objectives for water bodies. The European Court of Justice has also ruled that in order to properly implement the Habitats Directive, UK water abstraction projects should be assessed where abstractions or impoundments affect protected sites.
The Department of Environment (DOE) made a commitment to have an abstraction and impoundment control system in place by the end of 2006. This involved the introduction of Regulations that control the abstraction and impoundment of water and protect the water environment from damage. Using these new Regulations the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) Abstraction and Impoundment Licensing Team, will monitor and control water body resources in Northern Ireland.
You can view the Abstraction impoundment NI Regs No 482(.PDF 86Kb) on the DOE Northern Ireland website. Alternatively there will be extracts taken from it on our website.
Water Resources (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005
Agricultural water management projects, such as spray irrigation,which involve the impoundment, abstraction and/or diversion of water from surface or underground sources of volumes greater than 200m3/day, may be required to submit an environmental statement to the DOE under the Water Resources (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005. Following a determinaton made under this legislation, an abstraction/impoundment licence may be required.
For more information you can view the EIA regulations 2005 and you can view the updates made in the
EIA amendments regulations 2006 (both links open the Office of Public Sector Information Website).
Alternatively you can contact the Abstraction and Impoundment Licensing Team on AIL@doeni.gov.uk.
Sectors that are likely to be Affected by the New Regulations
Consumptive Sectors
Public Water Supply
Northern Ireland Water (NIW) is responsible for supplying the public with clean drinkable water. To achieve this NIW uses 90% of all abstractions of water in Northern Ireland. Due to the vast abstraction volumes, it will be subject to licences which, by their control measures will play an important factor in achieving, 'Good' environmental status for all water bodies in Northern Ireland.
Commercial/Industrial
Industry can be heavily reliant on water for their processes. This is very important within the textiles industry, (e.g. scouring, dyeing and wet finishing processes) which uses significant volumes of water often abstracted from lake or rivers. Over half of the these industrial/commercial firms may require a licence, under the new regulations.
Agriculture
There are over 27,000 farms in Northern Ireland. Dairy farms, of which there are over 4,000 can be users of abstracted water. And, as agriculture is highly dependent on the seasons, spray irrigation occurs in the summer months, to ensure optimum crop growth.
Plant Nurseries
There are approximately 50 nurseries in Northern Ireland and many abstract water, with the amount being determined by the size and operation of the nursery.
Food and Drink
Manufacturing of food and drink products use a considerable amount of water, often abstracted groundwater, for both cleaning and as a component of the final product. Licences will help control and protect the groundwater sources.
Local Councils/ Health Trusts/ Hospitals/ Schools
Public bodies will also be affected by the new regulations. Hospitals, health trusts, schools and local council premises may require licences or may need to notify NIEA if they abstract smaller quantities of water.
Amenity, Leisure and Recreation (including Golf Courses)
There are 30 recreational facilities and an estimated 150 golf clubs within Northern Ireland, many of which abstract water. They, too, may require an abstraction licence.
Non Consumptive Sectors
Fish Farms, Hatcheries and Put and Take Fisheries
The majority of Fish farms and Hatcheries, in Northern Ireland, require over 100m3/d of (mainly) abstracted river water. These businesses too, may require an abstraction licence.
Hydro Power
Renewable energy is becoming more popular as the Government strives to reduce carbon emissions and become less reliant on fossil fuels. There are currently 70 small hydroelectric sites in Northern Ireland with the majority using over 100m3/d of water. These schemes could also be subject to licences.
Electricity Companies
Northern Ireland Electricity's power plants are heavily reliant on the abstraction of water for cooling in the production process. Within Northern Ireland there are 3 power stations which are located in Ballylumford, Kilroot and Coolkeeragh, each using large volumes of water which will require licensing.
Consumptive or Non Consumptive Sectors
Quarrying / Mining / Mineral washing
Many quarrying and mining activities in Northern Ireland use significant amounts of abstracted water and may require a licence in most cases.
Other Industry
Other Northern Ireland industries that abstract over 10m3/d of surface, coastal or groundwater will be required to notify NIEA. Abstractions of over 20m3/d will require licences.
Contact UsYou can write to: Abstractions & Impoundments Licensing Team Tel: 028 9263 3482 Email: AIL@doeni.gov.uk |
