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Keeping compliant across the UK: Some differences in environmental legislation

In comparison with many other parts of the world, the UK has a commendable record of protecting the environment from damage and for working constructively with engineers and contractors to mitigate the effects of necessary operations, writes Simon Knott (pictured), managing director of environmental consultancy Naturally Compliant.

The relevant legislation is by its nature complex, and busy construction professionals engaged in engineering activities need to be up to speed with what they can and cannot do while remaining compliant with the regulations.

Environmental professionals warn over future outlook

Experts from the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) have expressed concern about the future implementation of European environmental standards following the UK’s secession from the EU, particularly given the uncertainty thrown up by the election result.

IEMA’s chief policy advisor, Martin Baxter (pictured), said: “The outcome of the general election raises significant challenges, from forming a government to developing and implementing a legislative programme: all against a backdrop of the UK’s Article 50 notification to leave the EU.”

“IEMA members expressed significant concern in the run up to the election on a wide range of sustainability issues including air quality, climate change and circular economy. It is vital that the short-term uncertainties are quickly resolved so that long-term challenges can be properly addressed.”

Campaigners to challenge environmental costs cap removal

Two environmental charities – Friends of the Earth and the RSPB – and the environmental law firm ClientEarth have started legal proceedings against the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice to challenge what they believe to be unlawful new costs rules for environmental cases.

The new rules, brought in on 28 February, weaken financial protection for people bringing a case, meaning they face unspecified legal costs in return for going to court to protect the environment.

A costs cap of £5,000 for claims brought by individuals and £10,000 for those brought by organisations and public bodies, introduced in 2013, has been lifted for environmental judicial reviews brought under the Aarhus Convention in England and Wales.

Get process plant design right from the start, urges Axion Consulting

Failure by process plant designers and investors to take into account fast-moving changes in the composition of waste infeed materials could cost them dearly in the long run should future disputes arise over performance and quality issues, warns Axion Consulting.

The Manchester-based resource recovery specialist says demand is rising for its engineering expert advice on recycling and waste processes in cases of industrial and commercial disputes.

Axion offers a range of Expert Witness, Due Diligence and Arbitration advice services in cases of industrial and commercial disputes. Issues covered for clients by Axion’s qualified and experienced engineers include litigation, arbitration and technical support for insurers and loss adjusters.

Impact Assessments provide a clearer picture

More and more members of the public are becoming aware of the use of Environmental Impact Assessments as part of the planning process - and even before the process begins, as campaigning tools by lobbies in favour or opposed to a development.

Nationally, the HS2 proposals have led to a raft of bodies - from wildlife groups and conservation charities to local authorities and business groups - submitting their own ideas on what the EIA should contain and what it should say.

Locally, proposals for the licensing of shale gas extraction have led to prolonged planning hearings and a great deal of emphasis on the environmental issues - put forward by those both for and against the process.