House of Lords written question HL296.

Question

There are a number of protections in place to safeguard wetlands from the effects of dredging, these vary dependent on the type of wetland, its environmental classification and under whose jurisdiction it falls.

Main rivers are regulated by the Environment Agency under the Environmental Permitting Regulations, allowing the Agency to fulfil its environmental duties under the Environment Act 1995 and the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006.

Ordinary Watercourses are managed by local Risk Management Authorities such as Internal Drainage Boards and District Councils¹, who can protect wetlands using byelaws, under the Land Drainage Act 1991. Controlled waters, are also protected from harm to their physical structure under the Water Resources Act 1991.

^{1 County Councils which are RMAs cannot write byelaws for the purpose of regulating effects on the environment. see Land Drainage Act 1991 section 66 (1A).}