This consultation has concluded.

We have published our consultation response document which summarises the feedback we received and our response.

Generally, the responses to the consultation support our proposal to produce these standard rule permits for the burial of human remains, and closed loop ground source heating and cooling systems.

We will now review and update the draft permits and generic risk assessments to produce final versions. We plan to publish them on GOV.UK by the end of June 2026.

If you have any questions or issues, please contact enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk quoting the consultation title ‘Standard Rules Consultation No 30 - Proposals for New Standard Rules Permits for Groundwater Activities’.