Strategic Environmental Assessment and Habitats Regulations Assessment - Guidance for Water Resources Management Plans and Drought Plans

This report provides up to date guidance for water companies undertaking Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) of their water resources management plans and drought plans. The guidance sets out methods designed to facilitate a consistent approach across the industry, while helping to ensure regulatory compliance. The guidance reviews SEAs and HRAs of plans produced during PR09 and clarifies emerging issues, including potential double counting of impacts, the role of SEA and how its outcomes should be integrated into plans; and the application of HRA at the plan as opposed to project level. The guidance was developed through close cooperation between the regulators and water companies on the project Steering Group. These extensive discussion helped to define a workable approach which satisfies regulatory requirements, and which is aligned with the Environment Agency's Drought Planning Guideline and Water Resources Planning Guideline.