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Dry cleaning is the term given to the cleaning of clothes and other textiles using a solvent – perchloroethylene (perc), siloxane or hydrocarbon solvents (HCS) – instead of water. The process is carried out in a purpose built dry cleaning machine which both cleans and dries the clothes/textiles. A range of training courses and qualifications are provided by the Guild of Cleaners and Launderers. Re

Information on the ban to end on-farm burning of waste and information to support land managers in how to progress alternatives. Every day SEPA works to protect and enhance Scotland's environment and from 1 January 2019 we will strictly enforce the requirements of waste legislation, bringing an end to the practice of burning most types of agricultural waste on farms, including farm plastics. Compliance with this is non-negotiable. Ending the exemption follows extensive engagement between SEPA, Scottish Government, Zero Wast

We are now able to accept pre-application proposals, new applications, variations, transfers and surrenders. We would strongly encourage pre-application enquiries prior to submitting applications. Please submit these by email to waterpermitting@sepa.org.uk What should you do now? Email application forms along with supporting information to Registry Submit enquiries about General Binding Rules, ex

Sustainable urban drainage systems SUDS, or sustainable urban* drainage systems are a sequence of water management practices and facilities designed to drain surface water in a manner that will provide a more sustainable approach than what has been the conventional practice of routing run-off through a pipe to a watercourse. * The use of the word 'urban' is frequently omitted, but the meaning is s

Scotland’s soils are an important natural resource providing a wide range of benefits for people, the environment and the economy. It is essential to protect soils to ensure they are able to continue to provide these benefits for future generations. Why are soils important? Soils are a vital natural resource as they carry out a wide range of essential functions, such as growing food and timber, co

This accessibility statement applies to content published on the www.sepa.org.uk domain. This website is run by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). We want as many people as possible to be able to use this website. For example, that means you should be able to: change colours, contrast levels and fonts using browser or device settings zoom in up to 400% without the text spilling of

Good air quality is essential for a good quality of life, helping to maintain human health and wellbeing, the climate, habitats and achieve sustainable economic development. This page/document provides guidance on the air emissions risk assessment required for a Pollution Prevention Control (PPC) Part A or Part B permit application or to vary an existing permit if air emissions are affected by the

To make this section of our website easier to use, we have broken down the questions most commonly asked of us into two sections: Section A gives an introduction to the regulations and how they are enforced and may be of use to smaller businesses and contractors. Section B goes into more detail and describes definitions, concepts and processes and is a useful resource for consultants, regulators and larger businesses and contractors. It also gives more information about how the regulations differ between Scotland and England. To make this section of our website easier to use, we have broken down the questions most commonly asked of us into two sections: Section A gives an introduction to the regulations and how they are enforced and may be of use to smaller businesses and contractors. Section B goes into more detail and describes definitions, concepts and processes and is a useful resource for consultants, regulators a

The medium combustion plant requirements of the PPC regulations are designed to control emissions of sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and dust into the air from plants with a net rated thermal input of between 1 and 50 megawatts (MW), contributing to better air quality and reducing the potential risks to human health and the environment. If you operate your own boiler, engine or genera