Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 60
60
Paragraph: 290
We are disappointed by the apparent lack of regulatory oversight of the risks of water...
Conclusion
We are disappointed by the apparent lack of regulatory oversight of the risks of water pollution from road run-off. We therefore recommend that the Environment Agency require discharge permits for all outfalls on roads with annual average daily traffic above 15,000 vehicles, establishing strict conditions for their management, so as to minimise pollution from run-off.
Paragraph Reference:
290
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The Government does not agree that permitting is normally an appropriate risk management response for highway drains. The systems that are put in place to mitigate highway drains are passive treatment systems, with the precise form and the maintenance required determined in relation to risk and in dialogue with the Environment Agency. Permitting, which is appropriate for active treatment systems would, in this instance, add a regulatory and resource burden which is not justified. We will continue to keep the need for different approaches under review in the light of further evidence or changing context.