Chemistry
The primary aim of chemistry at SEPA is the provision of
environmental chemical information, advice and expertise in support
of our statutory duties and regulatory activities. To help achieve
this, we have a chemical monitoring programme covering fresh and
marine waters, sediments, biota, aqueous and atmospheric
discharges, ambient air, and a variety of waste materials.
The Water Framework Directive (WFD) chemical monitoring network
was built upon a well-established monitoring programme. A number of
existing monitoring networks were adopted as WFD surveillance
monitoring sites. The operational monitoring network assesses water
quality status of those water bodies at risk of not meeting good
status and water bodies where there is a risk of deterioration in
status. Investigative monitoring takes place when the reasons for
exceedences in pollution are unknown or to ascertain the causes of
a water body failing to achieve environmental objectives.
To ensure all water body types and pressures are well
represented, representative sites have been selected to provide
geographical coverage across Scotland in addition to the existing
networks listed below:
- Freshwater Fisheries Directive
- Nitrates Directive
- Harmonised Monitoring
- OSPAR (Oslo-Paris Convention)
- Long Term Monitoring
- Environmental Change Network