Environmental Information Regulations 2004

What is environmental information?

The definition in the Environmental Information Regulations (EIRs) is very wide, covering any information relating to air, water, soil, land, landscape and natural sites; factors affecting or likely to affect the elements of the environment; measures and activities affecting or likely to affect them; reports on the implementation of environmental legislation; and the state of human health and safety, conditions of human life, cultural sites and built structures where they are or maybe affected by the environment.

For the definition given in the regulations see the information provided by the Department for Food and Rural Affairs  (DEFRA).

How can I make a request for environmental information from the Fire Service College?

You can make an EIR request in writing (email, fax or letter) or by phone to:

Email: informationservices@fireservicecollege.ac.uk

Post: The FOI Officer, Information Services, The Fire Service College,

London Road, Moreton-in-Marsh, Glos.

GL56 0RH                                                            Fax: 01608 651788

Phone: 01608 650831

You will need to provide us with your contact details so that we can reply to your request. We will confirm that we have received your request in writing, and if necessary confirm our understanding of the information that you require.

Will I have to pay?

We will inform you if a fee has to be paid for providing the information requested, before any work or research is carried out. Fees can be charged under:

prescribed costs - cover finding, sorting or editing the material. A standard hourly rate of £25 per person is used to estimate these. We will always provide information free of charge where the estimated prescribed cost is less than £600.

or disbursements - covering things like printing, photocopying or postage. These fees may be charged in all cases, regardless of whether the fee limit for the prescribed costs is reached. No charge will be made for disbursements where the cost is below £25.

When will I receive the information?

We must supply you with the information within 20 working days of the receipt of your request, if possible. If we are unable to supply the information within this time limit, we will write to you explaining the reasons for the delay and keep you informed about the progress of your request.

Exceptions

The EIRs allow some information to be withheld, to protect various interests. If this is the case with the information you have requested, we will give you the reasons for refusal in writing and details of the right to appeal.