{"id":1084996,"date":"2026-01-25T11:26:08","date_gmt":"2026-01-25T09:26:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nidaplast.com\/?p=1084996"},"modified":"2026-09-22T16:29:45","modified_gmt":"2026-09-22T14:29:45","slug":"stormwater-regulations-retention-basins","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nidaplast.com\/en\/eu-stormwater-regulations-retention-basins\/","title":{"rendered":"Stormwater regulations in Europe: retention basins and EU requirements"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"1084996\" class=\"elementor elementor-1084996 elementor-1023352\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9d30823 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"9d30823\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1e7929b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1e7929b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\" dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"1370\" data-end=\"1548\">The design of a <strong data-start=\"1386\" data-end=\"1416\">stormwater retention basin<\/strong> in Europe is influenced by both European environmental legislation and the national or local regulations applicable to the project.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"1550\" data-end=\"1909\">At EU level, there is no single permit threshold equivalent to a specific project area or storage volume. Instead, European legislation establishes environmental objectives for water quality, flood risk and urban runoff management, while Member States define the permitting procedures, technical requirements and local rules that apply to individual projects.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-784b370 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"784b370\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7e51a19 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7e51a19\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\" dir=\"auto\" data-section-id=\"d3h6zf\" data-start=\"1911\" data-end=\"1961\">Stormwater regulations in Europe: 5 key points<\/h3>\n<p dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"1963\" data-end=\"2122\"><strong data-start=\"1963\" data-end=\"1980\">EU framework:<\/strong> stormwater management is covered by several European directives rather than one single regulation dedicated specifically to retention basins.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"2124\" data-end=\"2347\"><strong data-start=\"2124\" data-end=\"2145\">Water protection:<\/strong> the Water Framework Directive requires Member States to prevent deterioration of surface water and groundwater bodies and achieve defined environmental objectives.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"2349\" data-end=\"2568\"><strong data-start=\"2349\" data-end=\"2366\">Urban runoff:<\/strong> Directive (EU) 2024\/3019 specifically addresses urban runoff and storm water overflows and introduces integrated urban wastewater management planning requirements.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"2570\" data-end=\"2794\"><strong data-start=\"2570\" data-end=\"2585\">Flood risk:<\/strong> the Floods Directive requires flood risk management planning and explicitly recognises water retention and sustainable land-use measures as part of flood risk management.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"2796\" data-end=\"3027\"><strong data-start=\"2796\" data-end=\"2825\">National and local rules:<\/strong> permits, discharge limits, infiltration requirements and allowable discharge rates are determined through national implementation and local regulations. They must therefore be checked for each project.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b801738 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b801738\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Which EU regulations apply to stormwater retention basins?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-292fbfc elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"292fbfc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"3092\" data-end=\"3216\">There is <strong data-start=\"3101\" data-end=\"3215\">no single EU regulation specifically governing the design or authorisation of every stormwater retention basin<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"3218\" data-end=\"3304\">Several European directives may nevertheless influence how stormwater must be managed.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"3306\" data-end=\"3343\">The main European framework includes:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3345\" data-end=\"4048\">\n<li data-section-id=\"1vwgj0w\" data-start=\"3345\" data-end=\"3490\"><strong data-start=\"3347\" data-end=\"3371\">Directive 2000\/60\/EC<\/strong>, known as the Water Framework Directive, which establishes environmental objectives for surface water and groundwater;<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"qog79u\" data-start=\"3491\" data-end=\"3627\"><strong data-start=\"3493\" data-end=\"3517\">Directive 2007\/60\/EC<\/strong>, known as the Floods Directive, which provides the European framework for assessing and managing flood risks;<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"hdgjl9\" data-start=\"3628\" data-end=\"3795\"><strong data-start=\"3630\" data-end=\"3688\">Directive (EU) 2024\/3019 on urban wastewater treatment<\/strong>, which addresses urban runoff and storm water overflows and strengthens integrated urban water management;<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"191ra6r\" data-start=\"3796\" data-end=\"4048\">where applicable, <strong data-start=\"3816\" data-end=\"3875\">Directive 2011\/92\/EU on environmental impact assessment<\/strong>, under which certain projects may require environmental assessment depending on their characteristics, location and potential impacts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Unlike the French regulatory system, <strong data-start=\"4087\" data-end=\"4192\">EU legislation does not establish a general 1 ha or 20 ha threshold for stormwater retention projects<\/strong>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-097d554 e-grid e-con-full e-con e-child\" data-id=\"097d554\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0998cee e-con-full enfant e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"0998cee\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fa68135 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"fa68135\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Project characteristic<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a5669df elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a5669df\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Project area<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-522a7ad elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"522a7ad\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Retention basin volume<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a882c3e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a882c3e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Discharge rate<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-458795f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"458795f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Infiltration<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3170ef1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3170ef1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Environmental assessment<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-360ca66 e-con-full enfant e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"360ca66\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8dd195b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8dd195b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">EU-level requirement<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-836769a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"836769a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">No general EU stormwater permit threshold<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0f17ffe elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"0f17ffe\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">No general EU stormwater permit threshold<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7d9bb32 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7d9bb32\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Defined through national\/local requirements<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-954c2ff elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"954c2ff\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Subject to national\/local rules and protection of groundwater<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d6ade6c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d6ade6c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">May be required depending on the project and national implementation<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8c59743 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8c59743\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\" data-start=\"3948\" data-end=\"4068\">This distinction is essential: <strong data-start=\"4662\" data-end=\"4768\">compliance with EU environmental objectives does not replace national or local permitting requirements<\/strong>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7ef03c4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"7ef03c4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nidaplast.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/geometre-demarche-avant-bassin-1.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-1024100\" alt=\"g\u00e9om\u00e8tre avant bassin\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nidaplast.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/geometre-demarche-avant-bassin-1.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.nidaplast.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/geometre-demarche-avant-bassin-1-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.nidaplast.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/geometre-demarche-avant-bassin-1-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.nidaplast.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/geometre-demarche-avant-bassin-1-600x338.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-78545d2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"78545d2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What requirements can national and local authorities impose on stormwater management?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-190915d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"190915d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\" dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"4861\" data-end=\"5043\">A project must comply not only with the European regulatory framework but also with the legislation and technical requirements applicable in the country and area where it is located.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"5045\" data-end=\"5115\">Depending on the Member State and the project, these rules may govern:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"5117\" data-end=\"5423\">\n<li data-section-id=\"1djlnqf\" data-start=\"5117\" data-end=\"5146\">infiltration of stormwater;<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1ia3xpq\" data-start=\"5147\" data-end=\"5181\">temporary storage and retention;<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"r07sl1\" data-start=\"5182\" data-end=\"5210\">allowable discharge rates;<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"12ehthn\" data-start=\"5211\" data-end=\"5254\">connection to drainage or sewer networks;<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1dy80rw\" data-start=\"5255\" data-end=\"5284\">discharge to surface water;<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"6v03ds\" data-start=\"5285\" data-end=\"5310\">groundwater protection;<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"ltzdon\" data-start=\"5311\" data-end=\"5342\">treatment of polluted runoff;<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1aydbdx\" data-start=\"5343\" data-end=\"5380\">design rainfall and return periods;<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"9cpqhu\" data-start=\"5381\" data-end=\"5423\">inspection and maintenance requirements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"5425\" data-end=\"5533\">For this reason, <strong data-start=\"5442\" data-end=\"5532\">a single discharge rate should not be applied systematically to projects across Europe<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"5535\" data-end=\"5776\">The allowable discharge rate, infiltration conditions and required storage volume must be determined according to the national legislation, local drainage requirements, receiving environment and competent authority applicable to the project.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"5778\" data-end=\"5872\">These requirements directly influence the <strong data-start=\"5820\" data-end=\"5871\">dimensioning of the stormwater retention volume<\/strong>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8f2ceba elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8f2ceba\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">How does EU legislation address urban runoff and storm water overflows?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9cab168 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9cab168\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\" dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"5950\" data-end=\"6070\">Directive (EU) 2024\/3019 introduces a stronger European framework for managing rainfall within urban wastewater systems.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"6072\" data-end=\"6315\">The Directive defines <strong data-start=\"6094\" data-end=\"6110\">urban runoff<\/strong> as precipitation in agglomerations collected by combined or separate sewers. It also requires integrated urban wastewater management plans for certain agglomerations.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"6317\" data-end=\"6564\">For drainage areas of agglomerations of <strong data-start=\"6357\" data-end=\"6407\">100,000 population equivalent (p.e.) and above<\/strong>, Member States must ensure that an integrated urban wastewater management plan is established by <strong data-start=\"6505\" data-end=\"6525\">31 December 2033<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"6566\" data-end=\"6883\">For agglomerations between <strong data-start=\"6593\" data-end=\"6620\">10,000 and 100,000 p.e.<\/strong>, Member States must identify those where storm water overflows or urban runoff create specified environmental or public-health risks. Where applicable, integrated management plans must be established by <strong data-start=\"6824\" data-end=\"6844\">31 December 2039<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"6885\" data-end=\"7170\">These plans must analyse drainage systems, urban runoff storage and conveyance capacity and measures for managing rainfall-related pollution. The Directive also requires them to prioritise green and blue infrastructure solutions wherever possible.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"7172\" data-end=\"7389\">Temporary storage, including natural water retention, is explicitly identified among the possible measures for reducing pollution caused by storm water overflows and urban runoff.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-27e9912 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"27e9912\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Does this mean every retention basin requires an EU authorisation?<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1d917d9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1d917d9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\" dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"7463\" data-end=\"7692\">No. The European directives establish common objectives and obligations for Member States, but <strong data-start=\"7558\" data-end=\"7691\">the permit required for an individual stormwater project is generally determined by national legislation and local implementation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"7694\" data-end=\"7882\">Depending on the country, project and receiving environment, a development may require a permit, declaration, environmental assessment, drainage approval or other administrative procedure.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"7884\" data-end=\"7989\">The applicable framework should therefore be identified before the stormwater system is finally designed.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5d29a05 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"5d29a05\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nidaplast.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/etude-impact-dossier-iota.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-1023973\" alt=\"\u00e9tude plan g\u00e9om\u00e8tre\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nidaplast.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/etude-impact-dossier-iota.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.nidaplast.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/etude-impact-dossier-iota-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.nidaplast.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/etude-impact-dossier-iota-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.nidaplast.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/etude-impact-dossier-iota-600x338.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a0d3b82 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a0d3b82\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Which authority approves and controls a stormwater project?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c6555e0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c6555e0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\" dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"8055\" data-end=\"8158\">There is no single European authority responsible for approving individual stormwater retention basins.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"8160\" data-end=\"8279\">European legislation is implemented and enforced through the competent authorities designated within each Member State.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"8281\" data-end=\"8337\">Depending on the country and project, these may include:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"8339\" data-end=\"8520\">\n<li data-section-id=\"9dazg\" data-start=\"8339\" data-end=\"8367\">environmental authorities;<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"pugoh\" data-start=\"8368\" data-end=\"8388\">water authorities;<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1ehrizt\" data-start=\"8389\" data-end=\"8415\">river basin authorities;<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"14ndy\" data-start=\"8416\" data-end=\"8457\">municipalities or regional authorities;<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1wmnax2\" data-start=\"8458\" data-end=\"8496\">drainage or sewer network operators;<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1maf2jw\" data-start=\"8497\" data-end=\"8520\">planning authorities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"8522\" data-end=\"8768\">Their respective responsibilities may include reviewing environmental impacts, approving discharge conditions, defining allowable discharge rates, protecting receiving waters and verifying compliance with local planning and drainage requirements.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"8770\" data-end=\"8903\">For the project developer, the key issue is therefore to <strong data-start=\"8827\" data-end=\"8902\">identify the competent national and local authorities at an early stage<\/strong>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-029159b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"029159b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What happens if a stormwater project does not comply with the applicable regulations?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-23b4835 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"23b4835\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\" dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"8995\" data-end=\"9126\">The consequences of non-compliance are determined primarily by the legislation of the Member State in which the project is located.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"9128\" data-end=\"9407\">Depending on national law and the nature of the infringement, competent authorities may require corrective measures, modification of the installation, suspension of works or other administrative measures. National legislation may also provide for financial or criminal penalties.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"9409\" data-end=\"9540\">For this reason, there is <strong data-start=\"9435\" data-end=\"9539\">no single EU-wide fine or sanction that can be quoted for a non-compliant stormwater retention basin<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"9542\" data-end=\"9707\">Compliance should therefore be assessed against both the relevant European environmental framework and the national and local requirements applicable to the project.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-377f114 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"377f114\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Why should regulations be checked before sizing a stormwater retention basin?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8a252e1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8a252e1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\" dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"9791\" data-end=\"9898\">Regulatory requirements can directly affect the technical characteristics of a stormwater retention system.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"9900\" data-end=\"10105\">The allowable discharge rate, infiltration conditions, receiving environment, water-quality requirements and design rainfall criteria can all influence the required storage volume and system configuration.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"10107\" data-end=\"10187\">Before finalising the technical solution, it is therefore important to identify:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"10189\" data-end=\"10597\">\n<li data-section-id=\"10q5hb0\" data-start=\"10189\" data-end=\"10238\">the applicable national stormwater regulations;<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"70fpdj\" data-start=\"10239\" data-end=\"10282\">local planning and drainage requirements;<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"16xyazn\" data-start=\"10283\" data-end=\"10323\">discharge and infiltration conditions;<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1k7fvyp\" data-start=\"10324\" data-end=\"10389\">requirements of the competent water or environmental authority;<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"13r79hc\" data-start=\"10390\" data-end=\"10452\">characteristics and sensitivity of the receiving water body;<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"rkd8rw\" data-start=\"10453\" data-end=\"10490\">flood-risk management requirements;<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1n7l7xo\" data-start=\"10491\" data-end=\"10540\">potential environmental assessment obligations;<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"hhhgcz\" data-start=\"10541\" data-end=\"10597\">other environmental constraints affecting the project.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"10599\" data-end=\"10771\">Regulatory requirements should therefore be considered <strong data-start=\"10654\" data-end=\"10770\">an input to hydraulic design rather than a compliance check carried out once the basin has already been designed<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"10773\" data-end=\"10924\">For further information on the operation, sizing and different stormwater storage solutions, see our <strong data-start=\"10874\" data-end=\"10923\">complete guide to stormwater retention basins<\/strong>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cfa0205 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"cfa0205\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\" data-start=\"10218\" data-end=\"10519\">Please note: Nidaplast does not manage the legal or administrative procedures associated with stormwater permits or environmental approvals. The information provided in this article is for general guidance and reflects the European regulatory framework and sources available at the date of publication. Project owners should verify the national and local requirements applicable to their project with the relevant competent authorities.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4b0e1c8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4b0e1c8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\"><b>Sources and References :\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-section-id=\"egqz1u\" data-start=\"11395\" data-end=\"11672\"><a href=\"https:\/\/eur-lex.europa.eu\/legal-content\/EN\/TXT\/?uri=CELEX:32000L0060\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong data-start=\"11397\" data-end=\"11455\">European Union &#8211; Water Framework Directive 2000\/60\/EC.<\/strong><\/a> Establishes the framework for protecting inland surface waters, groundwater, transitional waters and coastal waters and the environmental objectives applicable to water bodies.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"19oiwxl\" data-start=\"11673\" data-end=\"11901\"><strong data-start=\"11675\" data-end=\"11724\"><a href=\"https:\/\/eur-lex.europa.eu\/legal-content\/EN\/TXT\/?uri=CELEX:32000L0060\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">European Union &#8211; Floods Directive 2007\/60\/EC<\/a>.<\/strong> European framework for assessing and managing flood risks, including consideration of water retention and sustainable land-use measures.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"12rakkm\" data-start=\"11902\" data-end=\"12151\"><strong data-start=\"11904\" data-end=\"11988\"><a href=\"https:\/\/eur-lex.europa.eu\/eli\/dir\/2024\/3019\/oj\/eng\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">European Union &#8211; Directive (EU) 2024\/3019 concerning urban wastewater treatment<\/a>.<\/strong> Covers urban runoff and storm water overflows and introduces integrated urban wastewater management planning requirements.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1ovr4mf\" data-start=\"12152\" data-end=\"12377\"><a href=\"https:\/\/eur-lex.europa.eu\/legal-content\/EN\/TXT\/?uri=CELEX:32011L0092\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong data-start=\"12154\" data-end=\"12231\">European Union &#8211; Directive 2011\/92\/EU on environmental impact assessment.<\/strong><\/a> Establishes the framework for assessing the environmental effects of certain public and private projects.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-70bc171 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"70bc171\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3ee4039 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"3ee4039\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-07c075b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"07c075b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Would you like support with the development of your project?<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-90478b6 e-grid e-con-full e-con e-child\" data-id=\"90478b6\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6d2b9ee elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"6d2b9ee\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nidaplast.com\/en\/contact\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Request a technical study<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ed81646 elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"ed81646\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/hubs.ly\/Q04pChRw0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Download the Nidaplast catalogue<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The design of a stormwater retention basin in Europe is influenced by both European environmental legislation and the national or local regulations applicable to the project. At EU level, there is no single permit threshold equivalent to a specific project area or storage volume. Instead, European legislation establishes environmental objectives for water quality, flood risk [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":1023753,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[391],"tags":[],"univers":[],"class_list":["post-1084996","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-environment-and-sustainable-development"],"acf":[],"permalink_manager":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nidaplast.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1084996","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nidaplast.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nidaplast.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nidaplast.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1084996"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.nidaplast.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1084996\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1085069,"href":"https:\/\/www.nidaplast.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1084996\/revisions\/1085069"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nidaplast.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1023753"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nidaplast.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1084996"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nidaplast.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1084996"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nidaplast.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1084996"},{"taxonomy":"univers","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nidaplast.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/univers?post=1084996"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}