Discharge Consents & Adoption Agreements

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.

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Discharge Consent & Adoption Agreement Process

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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.

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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.

Discharge Consent and Adoption Agreement Case Studies

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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.