The Government has launched a new consultation on new guidelines for considering large-scale wastewater infrastructure projects. The draft Waste Water National Policy Statement (NPS), announced by Defra, will be used by the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) when deciding whether such applications should get the go-ahead.

The policy will be applied to large-scale developments, referred to as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) in the Planning Act 2008. The NPS refers to two projects that may be dealt with by the IPC – the proposed treatment works at Deephams in North East London, and the Thames Tunnel which will carry waste water from sewage overflows which currently run into the Thames.

Under the new guidelines, applicants of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects will need to consider aspects such as the standard of design, whether any alternatives exist to the project, pollution control and wildlife conservation.

SUDS already plays key role

Defra said the Government was already taking measures to lessen demands on waste water infrastructure in England through sustainable drainage systems. However, more infrastructure was required to prevent environmental damage and poor water quality.

The draft NPS sets out a number of key drivers for new and improved waste water infrastructure:-

*
Statutory requirements to protect the environment and water quality – the need to improve water quality in particular locations to meet statutory requirements and European Directives
*
Adaptation to climate change –wetter winters and more intense rainfall events, which will increase the risk of flooding and the pressures on combined sewer systems
*
Population growth and urbanisation - an increasing population and future demand for new housing, particularly in urban areas in the south east means there will be a need for new waste water infrastructure
*
Replacement of ageing infrastructure – as existing infrastructure comes to the end of its life or is not able to meet tighter environmental standards.

The IPC is due to be replaced by the Major Infrastructure Planning Unit, to be set up as part of the Planning Inspectorate. However, the new guidelines  – subject to consultation – are likely to be transferred to the new body. The consultation on the Waste Water National Policy Statement continues until 22 February 2011.


Once the consultation has closed, the statement will then be subject to Parliamentary scrutiny by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee. If the Select Committee recommends that a debate should be held on the NPS, the Government has said it will make time for this in the House of Commons, ideally within six weeks of the Select Committee’s report. In addition, time will be offered in the House of Lords (in Grand Committee) to debate the policy statements within the scrutiny period.