Commentary on provisions of the Act Part 1: Further and supplementary provisions Discharge of water
Paragraph 8 authorises the nominated undertaker to use watercourses and public sewers and drains for the purposes of construction drainage. Paragraph 8(1) provides that this may entail the laying, removal and alteration of pipes or making connections with the watercourses, sewers or drains within the Act limits.
	Paragraph 8(2) provides that the nominated undertaker may not discharge water into any public sewers or drains without the agreement of the owner, whose consent cannot be unreasonably withheld. Paragraph 8(3) requires the nominated undertaker not to make openings into public drains or sewers without the owner’s approval of the plans and the owner being given an opportunity to supervise the works.
	Paragraph 8(5) requires the nominated undertaker to take reasonable steps to secure that water being discharged is as free as is practicable from any solid substance, such as soil or gravel, or oil or matter in suspension. Paragraph 8(6) makes it clear that the powers conferred on the nominated undertaker do not obviate the need for an environmental permit where relevant.