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Engineering
The physical habitat (morphology) and natural processes of our rivers, lochs and wetlands are essential in creating and supporting their biological diversity. The Water Framework Directive recognises this and introduces a new system for measuring the quality of our surface waters that not only takes into account water quality, but also hydrology and physical habitat. In order to protect the physical habitat of our surface waters and achieve the environmental objectives, the WFD requires the control of certain activities. This requirement has been transposed in
Scotland
through the Controlled Activities Regulations (CAR). The CAR propose that any building, engineering or other works in (or in the vicinity of) any inland surface water or wetland will require an authorisation from SEPA.
Groundwater
Groundwater is water below the water table. The water table is the upper limit of the ‘saturated zone’, within which, the tiny pore spaces between cracks and, for example, small grains of rock, are filled with water.
Groundwater is used as a source for public water supply and by industries such as breweries and mineral water producers. It is essential for irrigation in some highly productive agricultural areas. Groundwater is inextricably linked to surface water in the water cycle as it maintains wetlands and river flow during dry spells and is vital to the maintenance of their rich ecology and biodiversity. If we fail to protect our groundwater quality or quantity, our rivers and lochs will also be impacted as these are natural groundwater discharge points.
Point Source
Point source pollution is pollution from a single source such as a pipe.
Point source discharges to rivers, lochs, coastal waters and groundwaters are currently controlled by the Control of Pollution Act 1974 (CoPA). From April 2006, CoPA will be replaced by the Controlled Activities Regulations (CAR) which will implement the requirements of Water Framework Directive. Examples of point source discharges which will be regulated under the CAR include sewage and industrial effluents, surface water discharges and combined sewer overflows.
Water Resources
The management of water resources involves ensuring that river flows, loch and groundwater levels can sustain aquatic environments while allowing the continued use of water for essential human purposes such as supplying the public with safe drinking water, the generation of renewable energy and other agricultural and industrial uses.
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