SEPA's role in SEA

Under the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 SEPA has statutory duties, both as a Consultation Authority (where SEPA must input to plans and programmes prepared by others) and as a Responsible Authority (where SEPA must undertake SEA for its own plans and programmes). SEPA also fulfils other non-statutory roles.

SEPA as a Consultation Authority (CA)

SEPA, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and Historic Scotland (HS) are designated statutory Consultation Authorities. Responsible Authorities representatives can seek advice on the preparation of their SEA through the Scottish Government’s SEA Gateway or directly from the CAs via their own gateways.

For further information and guidance on SEA consultations:

To view SEPA geographical areas use our interactive office locator map.

SEPA responses to previous SEA consultations are available through the Scottish Government’s SEA Database.

SEPA as a Responsible Authority (RA)

SEPA must undertake SEA for its own plans and programmes. The list below provides details of the SEA documents associated with SEPA’s plans and programmes.

Report title Date
Scotland River Basin Management Plan – Post Adoption Statement 22/12/09
Scotland River Basin Management Plan – Environmental Report 08/01/09
Scotland River Basin Management Plan – Scoping Report 09/10/07
Solway Tweed River Basin Management Plan – Post Adoption Statement 22/12/09
Solway Tweed River Basin Management Plan – Environmental Report 08/01/09
Solway Tweed River Basin Management Plan – Scoping Report 09/10/07
SEPA Corporate Plan – Post Adoption Statement 14/08/08
SEPA Corporate Plan  – Environmental Report 24/04/08
SEPA Corporate Plan – Scoping Report 30/08/07
SEPA Corporate Plan – Screening Report 30/08/07
SEPA Climate Change Plan – Post Adoption Statement 18/12/08
SEPA Climate Change Plan – Environmental Report 19/12/07
SEPA Climate Change Plan – Scoping Report 10/08/07
SEPA Climate Change Plan – Screening Report 17/07/07
Lothian and Borders Area Waste Plan – Post Adoption Statement 14/03/08
Lothian and Borders Area Waste Plan – Environmental Report 04/07/07
Lothian and Borders Area Waste Plan – Scoping Report 13/07/06
Glasgow and Clyde Valley Area Waste Plan (Lanarkshire area) – Environmental Report (Interim Draft) 23/07/07
Glasgow and Clyde Valley Area Waste Plan – Scoping Report 26/07/06

For further information on these documents email general enquiries.

Non-statutory roles for SEPA

In addition to these statutory roles, SEPA also undertakes a range of other SEA activities. These include:

  • assisting Responsible Authorities in the delivery of their SEAs by providing support and advice outwith statutory consultations;
  • contributing to the development and review of the SEA Toolkit and other Scottish Government guidance;
  • liaising with the other CAs and with the Scottish Government for a consistent approach in SEA responses;
  • participating in SEA awareness raising and capacity building events;
  • delivering and updating the SEA guidance website with SNIFFER;
  • leading the SEA review.