Pollution Prevention Guidelines (PPGs)
Email us any comments on PPGs - useful or not, too long or too short, etc - to
netregs@sepa.org.uk
PPG 1 General guide to the prevention of pollution 
(96 kb)
A basic introduction to pollution prevention, with signposts to other PPGs and publications.
PPG 2 Above ground oil storage (227kb)
For above ground oil storage, excluding oil refineries and distribution depots.
PPG 3 Use and design of oil separators in surface water drainage systems (79 kb)
For identifying where an oil separator is required and, if so, what size and type of separator is appropriate.
PPG 4 Treatment and disposal of sewage where no foul sewer is available (244 kb)
For selecting the correct sewage disposal, treatment and disposal options, and maintenance and legal requirements.
PPG 5 Works and maintenance in or near water (894 kb)
For construction or maintenance works near, in, or over water.
PPG 6 Working at construction and demolition sites (7.9 mb)
For the construction and demolition industry.
PPG 8 Safe storage and disposal of used oils (76 kb)
For storing and disposing of used oils. Applies to a single engine oil change and large industrial users.
For highway maintenance depot activities including road de-icing, fuel storage, site drainage and waste management. Withdrawn. A Scottish update of the guidance will be available online in 2011-2012.
PPG 12 has been withdrawn. For guidance on preventing pollution from sheep dipping, you should follow
Sheep Dipping Code of Practice for Scottish Farmers, Crofters and Contractors (264 kb)
PPG 13 Vehicle washing and cleaning (175 kb)
For washing and cleaning any vehicle using automatic wash systems, high pressure or steam cleaners and washing by hand.
PPG 14 Marinas and crafts
For using waterways, estuaries and coastal waters, particularly users/owners of powered boats and boating facilities.
Withdrawn. A Scottish update of the guidance will be available online in 2011-2012.
PPG 17 Dairies and other milk handling operations
For designing and operating dairies and other milk and milk product handling operations.
Withdrawn. A Scottish update of the guidance will be available online in 2011-2012.
PPG 18 Managing fire water and major spillages (131 kb)
For identifying equipment and techniques available to prevent damage to the water environment caused by fires and major spillages.
PPG 19 Garages and vehicle service centres
For work in garages and vehicle service centres.
Withdrawn. A Scottish update of the guidance will be available online in 2011-2012.
PPG 20 Dewatering underground ducts and chambers (115 kb)
For dewatering underground ducts and inspection chambers.
PPG 21 Pollution incident response planning (318 kb)
For producing emergency pollution incident response plans to deal with accidents, spillages and fires.
PPG 22 Incident response - dealing with spills (549 kb)
For incident response - dealing with spills.
PPG 23 Maintenance of structures replaced by
PPG 5 Works and maintenance in or near water (894 kb)
PPG 24 Stables, kennels, catteries
For managing and operating stables, kennels and catteries.
Withdrawn. A Scottish update of the guidance will be available online in 2011-2012.
PPG 25 Hospitals and health care establishments
For managing and maintaining hospitals and healthcare establishments.
Withdrawn. A Scottish update of the guidance will be available online in 2011-2012.
PPG 26 Safe storage - drums and intermediate bulk containers (351 kb)
For site operators of industrial and commercial premises storing and handling drums and intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) containing oil, chemicals or potentially polluting substances.
PPG 27 Installation, decommissioning and removal of underground storage tanks (95 kb)
For installing, removing and decommissioning all underground storage tanks (USTs), including those containing petroleum, diesel, fuel oil, aviation fuel, waste oil, domestic heating oil and other potentially polluting materials such as organic solvents.
PPG 28 Controlled burn (240 kb)
For using controlled burns as part of a fire fighting strategy to prevent or reduce damage to the environment.
Withdrawn PPGs
PPGs 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 24 and 25 have been withdrawn. Alternative sources of information on the topics covered in the withdrawn PPGs can be found on
the Environment Agency's page on withdrawn guidance.
You might also find the Environment Agency's 10-point checklist of essential environmental management practices helpful:
Is your site right? (57 kb).