SEPA Publishes 2nd Annual Report
Issued on 10 November 1998 - Ref 42/98
SEPA has launched its second Annual Report covering the period 1 April 1997 to 31 March 1998. The report shows that there have been advances in pollution control and emission reductions, but some have yet to be translated into environmental benefits, particularly in respect of freshwater rivers and streams.
Launching the Report, SEPA’s Chief Executive Alasdair Paton said:
"Our second Annual Report shows that we are continuing to build an integrated pollution prevention and control framework for Scotland. Our efforts have resulted in environmental improvements and reductions in emissions in many areas. We have not met all of our targets for the year but a great deal has been achieved.
"We have shown improvements in the quality of discharges to rivers and coastal waters, but these have yet to be translated into overall improvements in water quality. There were however improvements in estuarine and coastal waters. We believe that the new, more sensitive, quality classification system we have introduced, along with the investigative work we have in hand and the action plans we are developing, will bring significant improvements in future years. In respect of the poor results from West coast bathing waters, which failed to meet the EC standard in 1997, we have jointly funded an investigation of the reasons for this and a report is expected in early 1999.
"SEPA has brought more consistent and effective regulation to Waste Management, Local Air Pollution Control and the control of Radioactive Substances and Waste. For the first time levels of service have been introduced into the inspection and control of these areas. Whilst we have not achieved all the service levels, we have made significant advances and will continue to work towards the desired standards.
"In respect of Waste Management Licences and Local Air Pollution Control Authorisations we did not reach our target for the review of existing resolutions and licences but the evidence shows that what has been done has given added protection to the environment and considerably reduced emissions where reviews have been completed.
"The report describes our successes in meeting the challenges which faced SEPA last year. No doubt there will be further challenges in future years. I believe that SEPA will continue to be successful in working towards achievement of its main aim, that of providing an integrated and efficient environment protection service which will both improve the environment and contribute to the Government’s goal of sustainable development."
ENDS
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© SEPA 1998