DOVE

Abstraction Licence Application Approved

13 March 2008

Water Resources Act 1991/Environment Act 1995

Licence Application No 169S/0026

By: Hochtief (UK) Construction Limited, Epsilon Windmill Hill Business, Park Whitehill Way, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN5 6NX.

For: the Newhaven ERF

Further to my letter of 21 December 2007, I am writing to update you on the progress of the applications recently submitted to us for the construction of the Newhaven Energy Recovery Facility.

We have decided to approve the licence to abstract water from the River Ouse at Newhaven. This decision was made following careful examination of the application and consideration of your representation.

We have set a number of conditions on the licence. The volumes authorized for abstraction are :-

73,528 m3 per year
3,000 m3 per day
250 m3 per hour

during the period June to October. Abstraction will only be allowed during a 3-hour window either side of high tide. This is to make sure that only saline water is abstracted and therefore, there will be no environmental consequence for the freshwater reaches of the River Ouse. The abstraction point will be further protected by a fish screen to make sure that no accidental damage is caused to the fish population by the pumps sucking fish up into the pipes. Lastly, the abstraction licence is granted for a two-year period as it will only be required during the construction phase of the works.

We feel that these conditions are sufficiently stringent to protect the water resources environment, are compliant with our guidelines and policies and allow the applicant the water they require.

The applicant for the licence has a right of appeal against our decision or the conditions applied. You will be notified of any appeal and will have an opportunity to make further representations in writing or to attend any subsequent hearing or inquiry.

I hope that this letter explains the reasons for our decision, but if you should need any further information or advice regarding the decision please let me know.

We are also processing other applications relating to the construction of the site including a discharge consent and a land drainage consent and these are being considered separately from this water resources application. Further details can be found on our website.

Yours sincerely