Environmental Management 

Environmental issues are increasingly coming under the spotlight within all organisations, whether commercial, charitable or social and there is a growing raft of environmental legislation which now affects most organisations. For the following reasons it makes sense to pay attention to the environmental impacts your club may have, and how best to manage them:

1. Compliance with environmental legislation which will affect every club in a number of ways.

2. Cost savings – especially through more prudent use of energy and water and through managing waste effectively.

3. Conservation of the boating environment – we are highly dependent on clean, high quality water and surroundings for the enjoyment of our sport. We therefore have a collective responsibility to help promote and maintain a healthy natural environment.

The original RYA Planning and Environmental Handbook deals with the environmental issues which affect clubs. Each section focuses on the legal duties of each club for that particular topic and then provides information on how to manage the issue. It also contains relevant case studies and sources of further information.

Keeping up to date

The RYA has endeavoured to ensure the information included in the Handbook is accurate and cannot accept any responsibility for errors or omissions contained in it or any loss caused or sustained by any person relying on it. Before taking specific actions based on the advice in this Handbook, members are advised to check the up to date positions and take appropriate professional advice.

Changes are likely as new rules, regulations and policies are continually being brought into force by most of the bodies responsible for consents; these are:

National Government (Flooding, Access, Water Management)

Regional Assemblies (Planning)

District and County Councils (Planning, Waste)

Conservation and Environmental Agencies (Discharges, Environmental assessments)

Consequently this guide will need updating from time to time. There are currently two major pieces of legislation that could impact developments on the waters edge.

The EU Water Framework Directive is currently being implemented across the UK and will result in River Basin Management Plans. Draft Plans were produced in December 2008 and final plans are expected in December 2009. These plans could affect developments and operation of facilities on the water. The main objective of the Directive is to achieve Good Ecological Status on all water bodies by 2015.

The Marine Bill is major new legislation which will affect the consents process. Current proposals are that it will simplify the consents required at marine sites by combining the Food and Environment Protection Act (FEPA) and Coast Protection Act (CPA) and possibly also the Land Drainage Consent into a single Marine Consent. It will also introduce an entirely new class of policy the Marine Policy Statement which will provide guidance to the production of statutory Marine Spatial Plans, the extent and form of these plans has not been identified at the time of writing.

If you have any further questions you can contact the environment team at environment@rya.org.uk .