Environment Agency update to Guidelines

The EA has published supplementary notes replacing sections of the GPG1 guidelines in advance of the publication of GPG2 now promised "in the third quarter of 2013": email from the EA follows:

Dear Colleagues,

When I wrote to you at the end of September, I explained that we were preparing some supplementary advice notes, covering a limited range of topics.

I am pleased to be able to tell you that these are now available on our website and can be downloaded from http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/topics/water/126575.aspx.

The topics covered are:
LIT 7511 Screening requirements
LIT 7513 Fish passage
LIT 7515 Weirs
LIT 7517 Competing schemes

At the same time, we have edited the current edition of the Good Practice Guidelines to include references to these advice notes where appropriate and to delete sections that are now superseded, to prevent confusion. This is also available via the link above.

The advice, which largely reflects current practice, is effective immediately and should be incorporated into applications for new schemes as applications are submitted. For schemes where we have accepted applications and these are in the process of determination, our staff will consider whether the new advice justifies seeking amendments and will contact applicants, if necessary, to discuss the issues.

Meanwhile, we are making good progress with the preparation of the supplementary consultation on flow and abstraction options, which we will be publishing in the New Year. I will write to you again to lety you know our plans for the consultation.
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(from Tony Grayling, Head of Climate Change and Communities,
Environment Agency)