Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
for tackling DWPA. A small number that could be extended or modified to address
DWPA have now been identified, including provisions under the Water Resources Act
1991 and the use of Waste Regulations to control phosphorus. The Water Resources Act
1991 is a domestic policy which currently provides a framework for controlling the
abstraction and impounding of water resources in England and Wales. It ensures that any
existing rights to abstract water are protected, sufficient water flow remains in rivers and
the water environment itself is properly protected. The Waste Framework Directive
Regulations ensure that waste is recovered or disposed of without endangering human
health and without using processes or methods that could harm the environment.
In addition, several possible new powers, including provisions for General Binding
Rules that restrict or prohibit polluting farming activities, have also been identified and
are now under consideration.
General Binding Rules (GBRs)
are sets of mandatory rules
that can be applied to a particular activity. Authorisations under GBRs will set out the
scope of the activity under the GBR and the conditions that apply to carrying out that
activity.
Our overall approach is based on determining the cost-effectiveness of the various
options for controlling farm practices that lead to DWPA, whether regulatory, supportive
or otherwise. These will then be taken forward for consideration as components in the
various packages of DWPA policy measures.
The cost-effectiveness analysis is being taken forward in two steps: first, analysis of
cost-effectiveness of single policy options followed by analysis of the cost-effectiveness
of a combination of policy packages (it is unlikely that one instrument alone will be
sufficient, or the most cost-effective approach to tackling the issue). The analysis will
consider costs both to the farmer and industry, as well as costs to the taxpayer for
enforcement and other economic costs.
To determine how far various packages will take us towards meeting WFD, the most
cost-effective packages will be assessed for their impact on reducing the risk across the
UK (England and Wales) of failing to meet WFD objectives, by analysing the impacts of
the policies on the characterisation analysis carried out by EA for WFD (see Figure 2).
This work will enable us to make judgements on the impact of various policy packages on
water quality objectives under WFD, i.e., it will allow us to see how effective various
packages are in filling the gap between where we are now (in relation to risk to
waterbodies) and where we would be if a policy package was implemented. We will also
take forward cost-benefit analysis of the various packages.
This programme of work will enable us to consult with a wide range of stakeholders
on a range of potential packages of policy instruments, provide the costs and benefits of
each, and information on how effective the package is at helping to reduce the number of
water bodies at risk of failing to meet WFD objectives. We plan to formally consult on
how we will tackle DWPA in 2006. This will ensure that effective measures for tackling
DWPA (including necessary powers if required) will be available for inclusion into draft
River Basin Management Plans by 2008/9.
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