Environmental Damage Regulations
Page updated on: 30/10/2024
- Adverse effects on the integrity of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) or on the conservation status of species and habitats protected by EU legislation outside SSSIs
- Adverse effects on surface water or groundwater consistent with a deterioration in the water’s status (Water Framework Directive term)
- Contamination of land that results in a significant risk of adverse effects on human health
Insurance is not compulsory, but you should check your existing policies. Where necessary, consider extending them or taking out other financial guarantees to cover any potential liabilities for damage to the environment.
The operator is the person, or company, who controls or is responsible for an activity. Some activities may have more than one operator.
This term covers a variety of activities, including businesses, public sector activities and many charitable activities. Purely domestic or recreational activities do not apply.
- Natural Resources Wales in relation to damage to water and/or habitats and species;
- Local Authorities in relation to land contamination where a risk to human health exists.
Once the authority is aware of a potential case, it must establish if it is ‘environmental damage’, identify a responsible operator and oversee the effective operation of the Regulations.
If you are an operator, you must take immediate steps to prevent damage or further damage – do not wait until you have spoken to Natural Resources Wales or Carmarthenshire County Council.
If you wish to report potential Environmental Damage to the Council, or if you are concerned about environmental damage being caused by someone else, please contact us as soon as possible by emailing CEContactCentre@carmarthenshire.gov.uk / PublicProtection@carmarthenshire.gov.uk or calling 01267 234567.
Likewise, if you would like to report an incident to Natural Resources Wales, please call 0300 065 3000 or refer to the following webpage Natural Resources Wales / Report an incident.