Abstraction Licensing
For most micro hydro systems an abstraction licence must be obtained from the Environment Agency for the right to take the water from the river and pass it through a turbine.
Abstraction licensing is a very complicated and expensive process. Detailed flow data has to be prepared, including site flow predictions based on EA gauging station data backed up with spot-gauging data and statistical analysis. This has to be done for average and wet years.
Once accurate site flow data has been produced, a whole range of hydrographs and flow duration curves must be drawn to show the effect of the hydro system on the local ecosystem.
Added to this an environmental statement must be written and various legal paperwork produced to prove the right to apply, and a range of complicated forms and statutory advertising must be completed.
