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The regulation and legislation of radioactive substances (RSA) in Scotland. Environmental authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018 What are we able to do? We can now accept: Applications for an EASR18 authorisation (please contact SEPA). Online notifications EASR18 for orphan source or managed radioactive substances (only IAEA category 5 that: exceed 200 kBq; tritium sources exceeding 20 GBq; and electrodeposited source. Radioactive substances in IAEA category 4 and ab

Notifications If you wish to notify SEPA of certain lower risk radioactive substances activities, you can do so using the forms available via the following link:  Notifications to manage certain radioactive sources, including orphan sources, and radioactive waste from an incident. Application forms  Please contact us before submitting an application form.  The type of

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

nuclear industry We regulate the management of radioactive substances, including those from the nuclear industry. This page provides information on the regulation of the nuclear industry. What is the nuclear industry? The nuclear industry includes power stations that generate electricity from a nuclear reactor, nuclear sites undergoing decommissioning and some defence activities. How do we regulate the nuclear ind

Frequently asked questions Why is a sea lice framework needed? Populations of wild Atlantic salmon have been in serious decline in recent decades and are now at crisis point. The pattern of decline is repeated across the salmon’s North Atlantic range and is likely caused, at least in part, by the effect of climate change on the survival of salmon during their time at sea. To build resilience of Sc

What is an elevated building? A building where structures such as pillars or stilts are used to raise it above the expected flood water level. The ground below the building remains at risk of flooding and allows for the free flow of water. Context for this position statement This position statement constitutes part of ‘relevant SEPA advice’ as referred to in criterion a) iv of the National Plannin

Recognising the role that hydrogen can play to help decarbonise the energy system and make a positive contribution towards net zero greenhouse gas emissions objectives, the Scottish Government has published its Hydrogen Policy Statement (2020) and Action Plan (2022). The UK Government has published a Hydrogen Strategy which sets out the approach to developing a low carbon hydrogen sector in the UK

Waste from all sources Discover Data tool Last updated: 15th July 2025 Household Waste Discover Data tool Last updated: 28th October 2025 This page presents data and information on the types and quantities of waste generated and managed across Scotland.The Scotland’s Environment Waste Discover Data tool presents waste from all sources, i.e. from households, the construction and demoli

The majority of dams will require an authorisation from SEPA under "The Water Environment (Controlled Activities)(Scotland) Regulations 2011 (CAR). This authorisation number will start CAR/.../... If you don't have a CAR authorisation for your dam, then you should contact your local SEPA team to discuss this. You can find more advice on impoundments and water resources authorisations on our Enviro