We are committed to being open and transparent. Our publication scheme contains details relating to our environmental, corporate and regulatory functions. We will aim to ensure that the scheme includes as much information as possible that is in the public interest. In the event of a complaint, SEPA must be able to demonstrate to the Scottish Information Commissioner that releasing information would be against the public interest.

If you request information from us, we will try to provide it in accordance with the letter and the spirit of the law. Where your request could be handled under either Freedom of Information or Environmental Information laws, our aim will be to apply whichever one is most favourable to you.

The law specifies circumstances under which we are entitled - or obliged - to withhold some information. This will include (but is not limited to):

• anything that may substantially prejudice or harm law enforcement, legal proceedings or our regulatory or enforcement activities
  
  
• anything that may substantially prejudice or harm commercial interests or confidentiality of any person or organisation, or
  
  
• information disclosure that is otherwise prohibited by law (for example, we hold information that is personal data under the Data Protection Act 1998).

Where an exemption does apply to requested information, we will try to make as much of the non-exempt information available as possible.

If we do withhold information, we will explain why. If you are not satisfied with our explanation, you can ask for a review of the decision and/or refer the matter to the Scottish Information Commissioner.