This is from our website, might be useful to you:
The Environment Agency have produced two publications that will be useful for people considering a hydropower scheme, they are both available on our website.
The Good Practice Guide has been created for developers and Environment Agency staff and gives an overview of the potential issues for water resources, water quality, fisheries, flood defence, conservation and recreation.
‘Are you ready for hydropower?’ gives a brief overview of what a person considering a hydropower scheme would need to know about environmental legislation including:
our stance on hydropower
our role in hydropower schemes
information on the ‘Good Practice Guide’
a list of information the customer would need before contacting us with questions.
You can get the leaflets etc here:
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/topics/water/32022.aspx
HTH
Shaun