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Science and Strategy Directorate

Hydrology

The Hydrology Department provides information and advice on the quantitative state of rivers, lochs, sea and groundwater, including the analysis of trends which inform the debate about climate change impacts. We provide a flood warning service for Scotland, and advice in support of regulation on flood risk, groundwater and water resources.

We manage an extensive hydrometric network of river gauging stations and rain gauges, as well as more limited numbers of groundwater, tide and loch level monitoring sites. We manage telemetry systems for the retrieval of data and databases for subsequent archival and analysis. The networks are designed to meet specific purposes, including the provision of information on dilution of pollutants in rivers.

Marine

The Marine Science Department provides data and scientific expertise on all aspects of Scotland’s coastal and estuarine waters. Internally we advise SEPA’s Environmental Protection and Improvement (EPI) Officers on the limits for new and revised consents to discharge. We model and predict possible effects of discharges on the marine environment.

Marine Science is truly multi-disciplinary, operating a complex sampling and monitoring programme through close co-operation of scientific staff and crew members. Our monitoring of biology, chemistry and the physical dynamics of controlled waters aims to establish environmental status in relation to established environmental quality standards.

Chemistry

The Chemistry Department is responsible for advising, monitoring, assessing and reporting on the chemical state of Scotland’s environment, and the many pressures on it, in relation to the protection of ecosystems, human health and impact on climate change. We deliver a chemical monitoring programme which covers fresh and marine waters, sediments, biota, aqueous and atmospheric discharges, ambient air, soil and a variety of waste materials. We provide the data for risk assessment and for supporting licensing of discharges and emissions.  

Ecology

The Ecology Department monitors, assesses and reports on the state of Scotland’s environment by using a wide range of ecological methods. The condition of biological communities, species and habitats is used to assess the ecological quality of surface waters, as well as land and air environments. Microbiological assessments are also made of coastal bathing waters, shellfish waters and rivers. The data are used in the identification of risk, in determining improvement priorities, and in formulating licence conditions.

Environmental Strategy

The Environmental Strategy Department helps SEPA prepare for the future change by tracking new and emerging issues. Our role includes managing cross-cutting issues such as climate change and energy, national planning and strategic environmental assessment, co-ordinating research and development spending, and greening SEPA’s own activities. We also work to integrate environmental economics into our decision making, and identify environmental trends and indicators of importance.

Environmental Quality

Three regional Environmental Quality units make up this department and provide environmental quality planning, modelling, risk assessment and information reporting systems for SEPA, the Scottish Government, the public and external stakeholders. 

This involves developing and maintaining national monitoring programmes to ensure environmental improvement in accordance with statutory provisions and SEPA's corporate outcomes. The units collate, analyse and report on environmental data relevant to SEPA objectives, as well as national and international requirements (eg EC Directives).

Organisational Planning and Improvement

This department maintains and develops SEPA’s business planning and performance management framework. This includes producing SEPA’s Corporate plan, Annual operating plan and all performance reporting. We also manage SEPA’s continuous improvement work, including external accreditation.

Business Support (Science and Strategy)

This department manages the business and resources for the Environmental and Organisational Strategy Directorate and also leads on other directorate-level projects.