This guide focuses on legislation that is directly applicable in
England and Wales and which is relevant to the environmental aspects of processes and operational activities of manufacturing businesses. It does not cover regulations related to specific products and does not refer to specific legislation that deals with nuclear installations or genetically modified material. A section on radioactive materials and radioactive waste is, however, included. Also, this Register of Environmental Legislation does not consider local bylaws.
Different legislation applies in Scotland and Northern Ireland, but there are substantial general overlaps. Certain health and safety at work legislation is referred to where it is directly related to environmental matters (e.g. appropriate laws dealing with hazardous substances). However, some environmental obligations relate to the working environment on site.
For example, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (SI 1999/3242), the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 (SI 1992/3004) and the Control of Noise Regulations 2005 (SI 2005/1643) may be particularly relevant. See the Health and Safety Guide for further details.
This guide provides a general outline of the context and form of environmental legislation in England and Wales, including its relationship to European Union (EU) legislation. The current section also considers the role of market based voluntary measures - now being used in addition to the regulatory approach to implement EU and UK environmental policy.
The main section of the guide lists and summarises the main pieces of legislation directly applicable in England and Wales. It is subdivided into categories of environmental legislation - for example, those related to environmental aspects and impacts such as atmospheric pollution, water pollution, waste and contaminated land; or those associated with specific control regimes such as integrated pollution prevention and control and statutory nuisance. Other categories include planning and conservation, major incidents, and hazardous substances.
The Appendices include directories of official guidance and sources of further information. Appendix 14 provides contact details for the Stationery Office (responsible for publishing UK legislation), the principal regulatory bodies and other (selected) organisations dealing with environmental matters relevant to business in England and Wales. It also contains a section on further sources of information on UK and EU legislation. These publications provide complementary details to the Register, including those that provide a regular update service on regulatory developments such as newly adopted or proposed legislation.