Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018: ​Proposed Standard Conditions for Registration level activities
2.2.6. Boreholes: Activity D1
Activity description
The construction, extension or operation, including the decommissioning, of any borehole with a depth of less than or equal to 200m, where the activity is not authorised by Water General Binding Rule 3 (GBR3).
Standard conditions
- Drilling fluids used during the construction of the borehole must not result in the introduction of substances or heat to the water environment that may cause harm to the water environment.
- Measures must be taken to prevent:
(a) the introduction of pollutants to groundwater;
(b) the mixing of groundwater of different chemical compositions in the water environment;
(c) the flow of groundwater between separate aquifers; and
(d) the loss of groundwater.
- When no longer in use the borehole must be back filled or sealed to the extent necessary to avoid:
(a) loss of groundwater from any aquifer; and
(b) the entry of pollutants or water of a different chemical composition into any body of groundwater.
- The borehole must be located 50 metres or more from any spring, well or borehole that supplies water for human consumption that was in existence on the date of application for this authorisation.
Interpretation of terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Groundwater | Water which is below the surface of the ground in the saturation zone and in direct contact with the ground or subsoil. |
| Water for human consumption. | Water that may be ingested by humans, used in the preparation of food or drink, or used in the cleaning of materials involved in the storage or consumption of food or drink. |
| Well | Includes a permeable underground collection tank. |
Rationale
The standard conditions are similar to those found in existing registration level water authorisations granted under CAR.
GBR 3 covers:
The construction, extension or operation of any well, borehole or other works by which water may be abstracted, if such works are—
(a) Not intended for the purpose of abstraction.
(b) Intended for the abstraction of less than 10 m³ of water in any one day.
(c) Intended for the abstraction of less than 150 m³ of water in any period of one year, and the purpose of the abstraction is either—
(i) to test for the yield of the borehole or well or the hydraulic properties of the aquifer, or
(ii) to sample the water quality.
(d) Intended to dewater one or more excavations at—
(i) a construction site for roads, buildings, pipelines, or other built developments, or
(ii) a site at which the maintenance of such developments is being undertaken, or
(e) Intended for the purpose of undertaking activity 17.