Project
A client engaged QuarryDesign to renew a full water abstraction licence that was instrumental to site operations.
Abstraction licences are issued for defined periods, and holders must submit renewal applications before expiry. The process can involve detailed scrutiny of historic abstraction data and evidence that the licensed volumes remain appropriate.
Data Acquired
QuarryDesign reviewed the site’s water management and metering arrangements, alongside abstraction returns for each of the four authorised uses.
The historic dataset reflected changes in site operations and demand over several years. Abstraction levels varied between uses with some consistently below the licensed quantity, others approaching or exceeding it. QuarryDesign reviewed this information and assessed historic operational requirements to build an evidence base for the renewal application.
Analysis
- Analysed and presented seven years of abstraction data alongside each year's operational activities
- Considered variation in annual water demand against changing site operations and fluctuations in the local minerals market
- Built an evidence-based justification for retaining the full licensed volumes across all four authorised uses
- Addressed regulatory considerations for the renewal, supplying evidence to show why existing licence volumes remained appropriate despite historic variation
Conclusion
The licence was renewed in the same terms, retaining the existing authorised abstraction volumes. QuarryDesign also met with the client to explain the renewed licence requirements and recommend practical improvements to metered data collection, management and storage, supporting future regulatory returns, renewals and ongoing compliance.
