This page provides links to key pieces of relevant environmental legislation. Most of the links will direct you to the Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI) or Statute Law Database (SLD) websites.
It is important to remember that different parts of the UK have variations in environmental laws.
The future legislation section provides details of environmental legislation that is due to come into force as well as information on proposed developments in environmental law:
Future legislation
If you are implementing an environmental management system (EMS) for your business, you can use this list of key legislation to start compiling your legislation directory. Remember to check other environmental topics for legislation that may relate to your business activities.
Environmental management systems and environmental reports
All environmental topics
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Sets out the contents of anti-pollution works notices, how to appeal against such notices, and how to claim compensation for access rights in connection with anti-pollution works.
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Sets out procedures for applying for or varying consents for discharge into controlled waters and appeals to the Secretary of State. Details the information the Environment Agency has to keep in water pollution control registers.
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Brings into force rules to force polluters to prevent and repair damage to water systems, land quality, species and their habitats and protected sites. The polluter does not need to be prosecuted first, so remedying the damage will be faster.
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Brings into force rules to force polluters to prevent and repair damage to water systems, land quality, species and their habitats and protected sites. The polluter does not need to be prosecuted first, so remedying the damage will be faster.
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Empowers the Environment Agency in England and Wales and SEPA in Scotland to prevent direct or indirect discharge of certain dangerous substances to groundwater and control pollution resulting from the discharge of those and other substances.
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Brings Article 6 of EU Groundwater Directive 2006 into force. Makes it an offence to discharge hazardous substances and non-hazardous pollutants to groundwater without a permit, replacing 'List I and II dangerous substances'. Amends authorisation process.
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Consolidates previous legislation on water supply and sewerage services (including trade effluent consents) and opens up the market to allow private sector companies to compete to be appointed as water and sewerage undertakers.
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Sets up the regime, now controlled by the Environment Agency, to conserve, manage and control pollution of water resources, abstraction and impoundment, and offences for contravening and organising flood defences.
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Sets out the contents of anti-pollution works notices served under the Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999, how to appeal, and how to claim compensation for access rights in connection with anti-pollution works.
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Sets procedures for applying or varying consents under Part 2 of the Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999, including advertising applications and details required on the water pollution control register.
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Brings into force rules to force polluters to prevent and repair damage to water systems, land quality, species and their habitats and protected sites. The polluter does not have to be prosecuted first, so remedying the damage should be faster.
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Amends 2009/252 to update how warrants can be issued and enforced, give magistrates more flexibility in the fines they can apply for conviction and to clarify that references to European legislation include any future amendments.
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Makes it an offence to discharge, directly or indirectly, any listed substances without an authorisation, which could cause or worsen water pollution.
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Introduces classification systems in line with EU developments, makes it an offence to discharge listed substances without an authorisation, controls issuing and reviews of authorisations and consents. Covers enforcement, codes of practice and penalties.
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NIEA: Guidance on the 2009 Groundwater Regulation
(Adobe PDF 0.06MB)
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Amends 2009/254 to give magistrates more flexibility in the fines they can apply on conviction.
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Revokes and replaces the Water Act (Northern Ireland) 1972 and makes provision for discharge consents. Enables the DoE to set water quality objectives and prevent pollution from anti-pollution works.
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Sets out requirements for managing, protecting and improving the quality of water resources, particularly river basins.
Further information
The current environmental legislation lists provide links to key environmental statutes and regulations.
Current environmental legislation
For further information on relevant legislation contact your environmental regulator or local council.
Contact your environmental regulator
Contact your local council
