UK | COVID-19 | Regulating During Covid-19 Outbreak: the UK Environmental Agencies Responses

In these difficult times, the different regulatory agencies for environmental matters have published statements and guidance on how they will be regulating during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Environment Agency:

• The Environment Agency published multiple guides on topics linked to Waste Management, Monitoring and Reporting, Regulated Industry Installations, the Water Industry and Agriculture. These Regulatory position statements (RPS) should help in specific cases covered by one such RPS. To use any Covid-19 RPS you will have to comply with any requirements and specific conditions outlined. Follow this link to see all the current RPSs

Natural Resources Wales:

• As of now the Natural Ressources Wales has not developed many RPSs. They advise, if facing problems with full compliance, to prioritise compliance with conditions which directly impact the environment and minimise public health risks. Further information on the NRW work during Covid available here, with full statement on the regulatory work in the section “2. Our work as regulator”

The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency:

• SEPA issued an Overarching Guidance on Regulation During Covid-19. Additonally several RPSs are available, notably on Waste Management and Producer Responsability (packaging). You can find all resources on this page which includes a video and the official position of SEPA on this page.

Northern Ireland: DAERA and NIEA Responses:

• The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (Executive Agency in the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs) published Temporary RPSs in response to the Covid 19 challenges. They only apply to the specific cases outlined and during this period of Covid 19 emergency. Currently two applicable topics are highlighted: Emmission Monitoring for PPC permit and Radioactive Substances Certificate holders and Waste Regulations. For the full statements see this link: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/landing-pages/daeras-and-nieas-regulatory-response-covid-19

Overall, most regulatory functions continue as normal, prioritising telecommunication whenever possible to reduce exposure risks. Communication with Agencies and record keeping is expected when making decisions which may affect compliance with regulations. Proportionate action will be considered by all agencies, especially when precautions to avoid damage to the environment were taken. Further, the Health and Safety Executive had published simular information. The link to our alert on the topic is below.