Rationalising the Main River Network (RMRN project) – the Environment Agency wants to hear your views

Environment Agency Invitation Oct 2017
Environment Agency Invitation Oct 2017

Over the last year, the Environment Agency has been working closely with key partners such as Internal Drainage Boards and Lead Local Flood Authorities to develop proposals to re-designate sections of selected watercourses across five pilot sites in England.

 This re-designation of selected ‘Main Rivers’ as ‘Ordinary Watercourses’ (a process called de-maining), will allow the transfer of the management and/or regulation of these watercourses to other willing Risk Management Authorities (RMAs) such as Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs), Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs) and Local Authorities (LAs).
Our teams are currently approaching relevant partners to make them aware of the proposals so that we can take their views into account. This will help ensure that the right people are managing the right watercourses and assets in the right places.
While the responsibilities for some of your local watercourses may be changing, our commitment to the local community and environment hasn’t. Our local teams are working with partners, interested stakeholders and communities to ensure proposals for de-maining take every consideration into account.
Public drop-ins and formal consultation on proposals
The Environment Agency, along with the proposed new Risk Management Authorities, are now seeking the views of local communities and stakeholders on their proposals for de-maining by running a series of local public drop-in sessions. These sessions will allow interested parties to find out about the proposals, how de-maining may affect them and provides the opportunity to give feedback on the proposals. We will have technical experts from the Environment Agency and, where possible, our partners on hand throughout each session to answer questions and assist with advice and support.
The drop-ins will be held during October across four of the five pilot sites – local drop-in details can be found in the attached postcard. There is no need to book a place if you would like to attend; just come along at any time during the session.
We will use the feedback received to shape and refine our final proposals for formal consultation, starting in December 2017.
Next steps
We look forward to meeting you and hearing your views on our proposals.
In the meantime, should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Marie Coleman,  RMRN Pilot Lead
Tel: 0203 025 8444
Email: [email protected]

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