Representation by Environment Agency (Environment Agency)
- Date submitted
- 14 November 2022
- Submitted by
- Other statutory consultees
Our ref: AE/2022/127591 Your ref: EN010109 Date: 11 November 2022 Submitted via portal APPLICATION BY EQUINOR FOR AN ORDER GRANTING DEVELOPMENT CONSENT FOR THE SHERINGHAM AND DUDGEON EXTENSION PROJECT Please find enclosed our relevant representation for the Sheringham and Dudgeon Extension project. Due to the word limit for this portal we will submit our full Representation by email. The Role of the Environment Agency The Environment Agency is a statutory consultee on all applications for development consent orders. We have a responsibility for protecting and improving the environment, as well as contributing to sustainable development. We have three main roles: (i) We are an environmental regulator – we take a risk-based approach and target our effort to maintain and improve environmental standards and to minimise unnecessary burdens on business. We issue a range of permits and consents. (ii) We are an environmental operator – we are a national organisation that operates locally. We work with people and communities across England to protect and improve the environment in and integrated way. We provide a vital incident response capability. (iii) We are an environmental advisor – we compile and assess the best available evidence and use this to report on the state of the environment. We use our own monitoring information and that of others to inform this activity. We provide technical information and advice to national and local governments to support their roles in policy and decision-making. One of our specific functions is as a Flood Risk Management Authority. We have a general supervisory duty relating to specific flood risk management matters in respect of flood risk arising from Main Rivers or the sea, and other watercourses. Overview and issues of concern Our relevant representation outlines where we consider further work, clarification or mitigation is required to ensure that the proposal has no detrimental impact on the environment including flood risk. Our main concern is in respect of flood risk which we believe must be addressed prior to a Development Consent Order being granted. Specifically, this concerns the proposed crossing of an ordinary watercourse near Little Barningham. In other instances it may be acceptable for additional information to be provided later, either during the examination period or by Requirement. - Groundwater and contaminated land - Biodiversity and ecology - Legal Matters Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information. We look forward to continuing to work with the Applicant to resolve the matters outlined within our relevant representation to ensure the best environmental outcome for the project Yours faithfully Barbara Moss-Taylor Planning Specialist Environment Agency