Water Resources Act 1991

[F1 161ZB. Works and operations for improving controlled waters E+W

(1)  This section applies where it appears to the [F2 appropriate agency] that—

(a) the condition of any hydromorphological quality element affecting any controlled waters is unsatisfactory; and

(b) it is possible to improve the hydromorphological quality element by carrying out works or operations.

(2) For the purposes of this section the condition of a hydromorphological quality element affecting the controlled waters is unsatisfactory if (whether by itself or in combination with other factors) if it is likely to prevent the waters from achieving the applicable environmental objectives.

(3) In this section “environmental objectives” and “hydromorphological quality element” have the same meaning as in the Water Framework Directive.

(4) The [F2 appropriate agency] shall be entitled to carry out works and operations for the purpose of improving the condition of the hydromorphological quality element in question with a view to achieving (or contributing to the achievement of) the applicable environmental objectives.

(5) The [F2 appropriate agency] shall be entitled to carry out investigations for the purpose of establishing why the condition of the hydromorphological quality element in question is unsatisfactory.

(6) Without prejudice to the power of the [F2 appropriate agency] to carry out those investigations, the powers conferred by subsection (4) shall only be exercisable if it appears to the [F2 appropriate agency] that it is unable to secure that the necessary works or operations are carried out by exercising its powers under section 161 or 161ZA or by serving a works notice on any responsible person.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 161-161AB substituted for s. 161 (22.12.2009) by Water Resources Act 1991 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/3104), regs. 1(c), 5 (with reg. 7)

F2 Words in ss. 159-161B substituted (1.4.2013) by The Natural Resources Body for Wales (Functions) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/755), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 283 (with Sch. 7)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Ss. 161-161D modified by S.I. 2010/675, Sch. 23 Pt. 8 para. 3 Table 9 (as substituted (1.10.2011) by The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/2043), reg. 1(b), Sch. 1)

C2 Ss. 161-161D modified (1.1.2017) by The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1154), reg. 1(1), Sch. 23 Pt. 7 paras. 1(3), 2 (with regs. 1(3), 77-79, Sch. 4)