I OBJECTIVES

To produce guidelines for the application of the Best Practicable Environmental Option (BPEO) approach to wastewater planning on a catchment wide scale.

II REASONS

In recent years the UK Water Industry has funded the development of tools and procedures for an integrated approach to wastewater disposal based on Environmental Quality Objectives and Standards (EQO/EQSs). The approach has come under threat in recent years as a result of European legislation and the activities of environmental pressure groups. To meet this challenge, current planning procedures need to be complemented by a more wide ranging environmental impact assessment. A possible framework for such a planning procedure was seen to be the BPEO approach.

III CONCLUSIONS

1. It is feasible to use the BPEO methodology for the strategic planning of wastewater disposal at a catchment-wide level. This has been demonstrated by a detailed case study, from which guidelines have been developed.
   
2. There are a number of benefits associated with using this approach:

• General acceptance of the procedure itself, as it is recognised as a sound planning discipline;
  
• Issues are not likely to be fudged or forgotten because of the systematic approach and emphasis on auditing;
  
• Incremental costs for specific environmental improvements can be identified;
  
• Emphasis on presentation can help to educate the public on waste disposal issues.

3. There are also potential difficulties with the BPEO approach but these are common to any method for strategic planning.
   
4. Implementation of the approach is likely to be hindered because there is no current requirement for utilities to adopt what is identified as the BPEO in preference to the lowest cost option, if these are different.
   
5. Although not examined in detail in this report, the BPEO approach is likely to be particularly helpful in studies aimed at setting appropriate environmental objectives (e.g. Statutory Water Quality Objectives) and control strategies (e.g. reductions in emissions). The wide-ranging nature of the approach should help to identify the net environmental benefits and costs associated with different standards.

IV RECOMMENDATIONS

1. The water utilities and regulatory authorities should consider whether the BPEO approach, as described here, should be promoted as a model for more widespread use for strategic planning of wastewater disposal.
   
2. The regulatory authorities, and in particular the NRA, should consider whether the BPEO approach could be used effectively in helping to set Statutory Water Quality Objectives.
   
3. Further research should be commissioned into ways of assessing the relative economic benefits/disbenefits of different environmental impacts. This is seen to be of prime importance. The current inability to provide any objective quantification of the value of environmental improvements can result in excessive expenditure for, possibly, little environmental benefit.

V RESUME OF REPORT