Marine Licensing: Navigational dredging and other exemptions

Part 4 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 introduced a new licensing system for managing activities in the marine environment.   This consultation seeks views on proposals to modify the current Exemptions Order, introducing new exemptions or modifying existing exemptions where the risks to the environment, human health and other uses of the sea are minimal.  The consultation presents several options for reducing the regulatory burden on navigational dredging including potential new exemptions or efficiency improvements. This consultation will affect those who carry out the following activities:

• Deposits of substances or objects;
• Removing objects and substances from the seabed;
• Dredging;
• Constructing, altering and improving works.

We expect this consultation to be of interest to business, operators and individuals that carry out these activities and conservation bodies and environmental groups that are concerned about their effect on the marine environment, navigational matters and human health.  Many other people and groups are also concerned about what takes place on our coasts and in the seas around us and may therefore have an interest in these proposals.

28 September 2012: The cost benefit analysis of possible exemptions from marine licensing report detailed in the Annex B of the consultation document (footnote 19 on page 22) is now available.

Please send written responses no later than 22 October 2012 to:

Marinelicensing.Consultation@defra.gsi.gov.uk

Or to the following address:

Ms Neeta Parmar
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)
Sustainable Marine Development and Climate Impacts Team
Area 2D Nobel House
17 Smith Square
London, SW1P  3JR

• Marine licensing