The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has issued a number of environmental, economic and socially important marine licences in the last few months as part of its role as England‘s regulator for marine licensable activities. Each marine licence application is carefully assessed and the stories below focus on positive determinations.
Hayle Outfall Project – Godrevy Point, Cornwall
This marine licence application covered the temporary deployment and retrieval of a scientific instrument, along with the associated mooring from a vessel. The purpose was to collect scientific data over a six-month period close to an outfall pipe at Godrevy Point.
The applicant wished to measure and investigate a new method of carbon dioxide removal from wastewater prior to discharge, with the aim to reduce carbon dioxide release into the atmosphere.
The Marine Licensing team at the MMO, worked quickly to determine the application. The case was completed within the 90 day key performance indicator. With the marine licence approved, data can be collected successfully to determine the potential environmental benefits of the new carbon dioxide removal method.
The Hard Interchange, Transport Hub, Portsmouth
In July 2022, Portsmouth City Council submitted a marine licence application for maintenance works on its transport hub. This included repairing storm drainage, installing sub-surface drainage and replacing the concrete pavement where necessary. The vitally important transport hub overhangs the marine environment, linking Portsmouth and its suburbs to the wider area and neighbouring cities. The applicant was unable to complete works within a previous licence period, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The MMO processed the application quickly and robustly, completing the marine licence process and issuing the marine licence to the applicant within 62 days.
Skerton Weir Fish Pass, River Lune, Lancaster
In the River Lune, the population of Atlantic Salmon has declined significantly over the last 20-30 years. To help address this issue, The Lune Rivers Trust applied for the construction of a revised fish pass to replace the existing fish pass that was not performing satisfactorily.
The MMO helped to bring together key stakeholders including Lancaster City Council, Natural England and the Environment Agency to implement the Coastal Concordat. The Coastal Concordat enables regulatory bodies to work together to ensure the licensing and permitting process is streamlined. This supports the applicant who is applying for multiple consents from multiple regulators at the same time.
Now approved, the proposed project will aim to increase the population of key fish species that live and breed in both riverine and marine waters (such as Atlantic salmon, European eel, Lamprey and Smelt).
Billingham Beck Bridge Emergency Works, Billingham
Following signs of failure and brick loss at Billingham Beck Bridge, Stockton-Upon-Tees Borough Council submitted an application for emergency investigation, stabilisation and protection works. This was needed to prevent further brick loss and emergency closure of the road.
Due to the urgent need to ensure the safety of those living or visiting this busy area and the need to protect the local environment, the case team from the MMO moved quickly to complete a review of the application. Throughout, the MMO case team worked closely with consultees, provided regular updates to the applicant and issued the marine licence within 29 working days.
More information on the marine licensing process is available on GOV.UK.