A flood risk assessment for a school and a block of residential flats on the…
Enlist the experts at RAB to advise, assist and manage the drainage adoption process
Ensure all the legalities surrounding your project’s sustainable drainage system are covered
Discharge consents and adoption agreements are interrelated aspects of development, with the former focusing on environmental compliance and the latter on professional sewerage system maintenance. Together, they contribute to the sustainable and efficient management of water in a development project.
As part of a detailed drainage design, the ultimate discharge point may require consent or a permit. Our experienced team excels in securing necessary discharge consents/permits from authorities like Lead Local Flood Authorities, Internal Drainage Boards, or the Environment Agency, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements while optimising drainage design.
We also facilitate the efficient transfer of private sewers to relevant water companies post-development, relieving private sewer owners of maintenance responsibilities and ensuring these assets are cared for by capable, authorized entities. Recent Sewerage Sector Guidance, approved by Ofwat, expands the range of sewer types that water and sewerage companies in England can adopt, including sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS).
RAB have extensive experience handling the entire sustainable drainage process. By managing Discharge Consents/Permits and Adoption Agreements, RAB simplifies drainage complexities for you, ensuring regulatory compliance, efficiency, and long-term sustainability for your projects.
Request a call back to discuss discharge consents and adoption agreements or any other enquiry with the team at RAB.
HOW IT WORKS
Discharge Consent & Adoption Agreement Process
Regulatory Assessment and Initial Documentation
We begin by conducting a comprehensive regulatory assessment to identify the specific discharge consents/permits and adoption agreements required for your sustainable drainage system. Our team reviews the initial design documentation to ensure it aligns with regulatory requirements.
Application Preparation and Submission
Once we’ve determined the necessary permits and agreements, we prepare all the required application materials, including technical reports, plans, and supporting documents. Our experts guide you through the application process, ensuring that all documentation is accurate and complete. We then submit the applications to the relevant authorities on your behalf.
Collaboration with Regulatory Bodies
Throughout the permit and agreement application process, we maintain open communication with regulatory bodies, such as Lead Local Flood Authorities and water companies. We address any inquiries, provide additional information as needed, and actively engage in discussions to facilitate approval.
Compliance Confirmation and Implementation
Upon receiving approvals for discharge consents/permits and adoption agreements, we confirm that your sustainable drainage system aligns with the granted permits and agreements. We ensure that the system is implemented in compliance with the approved plans and regulatory conditions.
CONTACT US
Ready to discuss your project with the experts?
Our friendly and professional team are available to answer any queries you may have about Discharge Consents & Adoption Agreements and arrange a quote for you – free of charge.
WHY CHOOSE US
Working with RAB
A passionate and dedicated team
All of the specialist knowledge required to deliver the best solutions for your project, in house.
National project coverage
Thanks to multiple office locations, we’re able to serve clients nationwide. We even deliver projects internationally.
A highly bespoke service offering
Your circumstances and requirements are unique, so we tailor our services to achieve better project outcomes.
Leading the industry
We’re a team of innovators, always keen to challenge existing methods to achieve the best possible results.
15 years of quality
RAB have built an established reputation for high quality work and outstanding customer service.
LEARN MORE
Discharge Consent & Adoption Agreement FAQs
Discharge consents are permissions or permits granted by regulatory authorities that allow your sustainable drainage system to discharge surface water into the environment. They are essential to ensure that the drainage system complies with environmental regulations and doesn’t cause adverse impacts, such as flooding or pollution. Without discharge consents, your system may not be legally allowed to operate.
Applying for discharge consents can be a complex process. It typically involves preparing detailed documentation, technical reports, and plans that demonstrate how your drainage system will manage surface water in an environmentally responsible manner. RAB can assist you in preparing and submitting the necessary applications, liaising with regulatory authorities, and ensuring that your sustainable drainage system aligns with the requirements for approval.
After obtaining discharge consents for your sustainable drainage system, you have a responsibility to ensure ongoing compliance, which includes regular maintenance and monitoring to meet regulatory requirements. To streamline long-term management, you can explore the option of arranging an adoption agreement with a relevant water management body. This agreement allows you to transfer the responsibility for maintenance and compliance to a capable entity. RAB can guide you through this transition process, ensuring a smooth handover of responsibilities while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards.
To initiate the adoption agreement process, you’ll typically follow these key steps:
- Contact the relevant water management body or authority to express your intent.
- Prepare necessary documentation, including technical reports and compliance records.
- Schedule inspections and assessments to ensure compliance with their requirements.
- Once approved, the water management body assumes responsibility for sewerage system maintenance.
Ongoing monitoring and reporting may still be required, as outlined in the agreement.
Sections 102 and 104 of the Water Industry Act 1991 (WIA) are pivotal for sewer adoption. Section 102 provides sewerage-related definitions, while Section 104 establishes the legal framework for transferring private sewers and drains. These sections are essential for sewer adoption agreements, defining responsibilities and processes. Developers and property owners must be aware of them to understand their rights and obligations and ensure proper sewerage system management, ensuring compliance and efficiency in development projects.
Flood Risk Assessment and Detailed Drainage Design for a small residential development in Nuneaton
RAB were asked to provide a Flood Risk Assessment and detailed surface water and foul…
Flood risk and surface water drainage assessments for 8 sites in Shropshire to obtain Code for Sustainable Homes credits (SUR1 & SUR2)
The Code for Sustainable Homes (The Code) is an environmental assessment method for rating and…
Complex 2D hydraulic modelling using ISIS/TUFLOW to assess flood risk and a flood defence scheme for a major factory in Birmingham
After a major flood incident in 2007, resulting in a multi-million pound insurance claim, in order to…
Independent Property Level Flood Protection surveys for individual householders and communities
We are authors of the “Homeowners Guide to Flood Resilience” and members of the Flood…
A conceptual surface water SUDS drainage design for a proposed school in Bedfordshire
RAB Consultants undertook a Flood Risk Assessment for the proposed construction of a Bedford Academy…
A detailed sustainable drainage design for a proposed commercial facility in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire
RAB Consultants undertook a Flood Risk Assessment for the construction of a new 1ha storage…
DISCOVER MORE
Related Services
Discharge Consents and Adoption Agreements often form only part of the journey our clients take with us.
Learn more about the many services RAB offer to help increase resilience and reduce flood risk.
If you can’t find the service that you’re looking for, we might still be able to help. Get in touch to discuss your requirements today.
Outstanding service
“Yes we have got it through, thanks very much for getting that turned around in time!! Great job. Many thanks for all your help, I may be back in touch if we need a hand with conditions.”