7.—(1) This paragraph applies to an application for the grant of an environmental permit relating to—
(a)a discharge mentioned in paragraph 3(1)(a), (b) or (c), or
(b)an activity that might lead to such a discharge.
(2) When the regulator receives an application, it must ensure that all necessary investigations have been carried out to ensure that it grants any permit in accordance with paragraph 6.
(3) If it grants the permit, it must include conditions requiring all necessary technical precautions to be observed to ensure the objectives of paragraph 6 are achieved.
(4) A permit may not be granted [F1in relation to Wales]—
(a)without examination of—
(i)the hydrogeological conditions of the area concerned,
(ii)the possible purifying powers of the soil and subsoil, and
(iii)the risk of pollution and alteration of the quality of the groundwater from the discharge, and
(b)without establishing whether the input of pollutants to groundwater is a satisfactory solution from the point of view of the environment.
[F2(4A) A permit may not be granted in relation to England—
(a)without an assessment of—
(i)the relevant hydrogeological conditions,
(ii)the possible purifying powers of soil and subsoil, and
(iii)the risk of pollution and alteration of the quality of the groundwater from the discharge, and
(b)without establishing whether the input of pollutants to groundwater is a satisfactory solution from the point of view of the environment.]
(5) A permit may only be granted if the regulator has checked that the groundwater (and, in particular, its quality) will undergo the requisite surveillance.
Textual Amendments
F1Words in Sch. 22 para. 7(4) inserted (2.10.2023) by The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/651), regs. 1(2), 7(a)(i)