The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has published its fourth Corporate Plan for the period 1999/2000 to 2002/03. The plan gives details of targets SEPA has set itself for improving the Scottish environment. It also provides a means of measuring SEPA's success against previous targets set, and against strategies and policies published in previous plans.

Commenting on the Plan, Alasdair Paton, SEPA Chief Executive said:

"The plan highlights the many significant changes and developments in SEPA's duties and functions over the next few years as a result of the implementation of new domestic and European legislation. There will also be changes in the political context in which SEPA operates, with the establishment of a Scottish Parliament. These changes present both challenges and opportunities and SEPA will seek to play a full part in their successful implementation."

New legislation and initiatives being introduced soon include:

• The UK's new contaminated land regime
• The launch of the National Waste Strategy for Scotland
• Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive
• Water Framework Directive
• Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations

Copies of the Corporate Plan and summary plan are available through SEPA's Public Relationsoffice at the address and telephone number below