The move to streamline…

The move to streamline permissions for temporary water taking activities at construction sites is a significant step towards efficiency. It's reassuring to note that while the volume limit would be removed, and that environmental impact remains a top priority. The commitment to keeping the effects on the environment unchanged is a responsible approach to resource management.

We are already familiar with self-registration on the Environmental Activity and Sector Registry (EASR) for dewatering permits. It simplifies the process for those who are responsible and follow the rules while maintaining accountability. By now including all temporary dewatering activities for construction sites (PPTW) it will reduce bureaucracy and save time, ultimately benefiting both the industry and the environment.

The proposal indicates that more complex water taking activities will continue to be subject to ministry review and require ministry approval to ensure that human health and the environment are protected. It doesn’t provide any insight into how the complexity of water taking activities is determined? What specific factors or parameters would be used to categorize activities as more complex?

Overall, these proposed changes appear to be a practical approach to managing water resources, supporting industry, and protecting the environment.