Guidance to Berth Operators

Whilst many of the berth owners and operators carrying out dredging on the Thames have been doing so for many years, there have been a number of changes in both the licensing procedure and, more generally, expectations in terms of environmental accountability. In 2002, the PLA made a number of important changes to its licensing procedure for both river works and dredging licences. The objectives of these changes included improving both the accountability and the transparency of the decision-making process. The payment of fees was introduced; consultation and notification procedures were formalised, as was the reporting process, and provision was made to set and enforce conditions. These changes coincided with the development of the PLA's Maintenance Dredging Framework, with its associated requirements for environmental and other information.

In 2002, some berth owners and operators attended workshops to discuss the developing Framework and a Notice to Berth Operators (similar to a Notice to Mariners) was issued to advise them of the likely environmental data requirements when submitting a dredging licence application. More detailed guidance is now available in the form of Information Notes to ensure that all berth owners and operators are fully familiar with the PLA’s requirements.

Information Notes

A series of Information Notes have been prepared to assist berth operators in planning their maintenance dredging campaigns and to provide advice on the environmental requirements and sensitivities associated with maintenance dredging. 

Information Notes 1 provides a detailed explanation of the application process.

Information Notes 2 provides advice on sediment sampling and analysis requirements. 

Finally, Information Notes 3 advises berth operators on the wider environmental issues (including those relating to the natural, physical, chemical, human and/or built environment) that the PLA must take into account during the assessment of dredging licence applications.