What we do

SEPA protects and improves the environment in a number of ways. This includes helping customers to understand and comply with environmental regulations and to realise the many economic benefits of good environmental practice. This approach benefits the environment and the economy, and means we can focus our resources (including our enforcement powers) on tackling the greatest environmental threats. We also provide expert advice on the Scottish environment and deliver a wide range of information, guidance and public information services.

Described in broad terms, our responsibilities include regulating:

  • activities that may pollute water
  • activities that may pollute air
  • waste storage, transport, treatment and disposal
  • the keeping and disposal of radioactive materials
  • activities that may contaminate land.

Some of our other principal responsibilities include:

  • monitoring, analysing and reporting on the state of Scotland’s environment
  • running Scotland’s flood warning systems
  • helping implement the National Waste Strategy
  • controlling, with the Health and Safety Executive, the risk of major accidents at industrial sites
  • operating the Scottish part of the Radioactive Incident Monitoring Network.

To deliver an efficient environmental protection system we must be able to plan, monitor and report on our work, and we group our responsibilities into six high-level outcomes:

  • minimised, recovered and well-managed waste
  • good water environments
  • good air quality
  • good land quality
  • a respected environment: protected, informed and engaged communities
  • economic well-being.

To ensure we protect and enhance Scotland's environment and human health, it is essential that we have a sound science and knowledge base. We make use of research and development to ensure that our practices and operations are up-to-date, efficient and effective. Our Research Strategy 2008-2012 describes the research and development themes that we believe are most pressing and how we will work with other research funders to ensure maximum benefit from the UK’s environmental research.

Frequently asked questions

Our website contains a wealth of information about the work of SEPA and Scotland's environment. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, the questions and answers below might be able to point you in the right direction.

Many organisations in Scotland are responsible for protecting and improving the environment and they all have different areas of responsibility. So, to avoid frustration, you might want to check What we don’t do to see if another organisation is better placed to help you.

If you still need help please contact us.

How do I access SEPA information?
The Informing section of the website explains how you can access information.

How do I report pollution?
Contact your local office or call our free, 24 hour pollution hotline on 0800 80 70 60.

Where is my nearest office?
Visit our interactive office locator map or the Contact us page for details of all our offices.

How do I get a job with SEPA?
Visit our Vacancies page to see the jobs that are currently available with SEPA.

How do I find out about flooding?
Either visit the Flooding section of our website or phone Floodline on 0845 988 1188.

How can I get information on emissions in my area?
Details of all consents, permits, licences etc are kept on public registers in larger SEPA offices. There is free public access to these registers. For more information, contact your local office.

Does SEPA hold a central emissions database for Scotland?
Yes, and it's available in the Air section of this website.

Where can I get copies of regulations or European directives?

How do I get SEPA publications?
You can download copies of nearly all our publications from this site. If you need a hard copy, or can't find what you're looking for, please use our Contact us form.

What is the difference between SEPA and the Environment Agency?

  • SEPA covers Scotland and the Environment Agency (EA) covers England and Wales.

  • The EA is responsible for flood warning and defence, whereas SEPA is responsible only for flood warning (the local authorities are responsible for flood defence).

  • SEPA is responsible for local air pollution control, whereas this is a local authority function in England and Wales.

  • The EA can bring its own prosecutions and claim legal expenses in successful cases, whereas SEPA must submit cases through the Procurator Fiscal and cannot claim expenses.