The Water Framework Directive

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Autumn 2007 Water Framework Directive newsletter
Summer 2007 newsletter
1st Water Framework Directive launched

The Environment Agency has been appointed as the ‘competent authority’ for the European Union Water Framework Directive in England and Wales. The overall aim of the Directive is to improve the water environment to achieve ‘good ecological status’. All the organisations with a stake in the water environment will need to work together to deliver this.
River basin planning is the core process by which we will identify what we need to do to achieve the aims of the Directive.

There are nine River Basin Districts (RBDs) in England & Wales. In each ‘River Basin District’, we have set up a formal co-delivery Liaison Panel. There will be engagement with others regularly and at the more local level, in a similar way to the catchment level participation that takes place in many areas now.

Understanding the Water Framework Directive

Download the third Water Framework Directive Newsletter for Autumn 2007. This edition will update you on current Water Framework Directive hot topics. Find out how to get involved with our Strategic Environmental Assessment consultation and new forum.

Past newsletters can also be downloaded here:

All newsletters are produced in pdf format. You can download Acrobat Reader here if you do not already have this free software

Have your say on the Water Framework Directive

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) requires us to restore the ecology of all our waters by 2015. We are working towards publishing our first South West River Basin Management Plan, which will outline how we will achieve this, by the end of 2009.

We have now launched our second River Basin Planning consultation and welcome your comments. This consultation proposes what we believe are the most ‘Significant Water Management Issues’ that face the South West River Basin District.

These issues are raised early in the process to give you time to consider how best to address them. The information and proposals may affect you, your environmental interests or your business and we want to know what you think.
This is the first time the Environment Agency has launched a public consultation via its website and it means people can view other submissions as well as contributing comments of their own.

The SWMI consultation document is a result of the Environment Agency joining up with representatives from major groups in the South West to propose ways everyone can contribute to protecting our water environment.

You can contribute to our online consultation via the Environment Agency's Water Framework Directive consultation page

You can find out more about the Water Framework Directive at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/wfd

Managing flooding is important in many River Basin Districts, and this is dealt with in more detail as part of the Catchment Flood Management planning process. If you would like to speak to us about flooding please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk or call 08708 506506.

Contact

For more information about the Water Framework Direct in the South West, please contact:

Ben Bunting
South West River Basin Programme Manager
Ben.Bunting@Environment-Agency.gov.uk
Tel: (01392) 352 264
Fax: (01392) 442038