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Link page to waste data pages. Data returns Many environmental licences include a requirement to submit data returns or other reporting requirements on an annual or quarterly basis. What should you do? We are now actively reviewing many of the data returns and kindly request you to submit any outstanding returns for the following areas: Scottish Pollutant Release Inventory (SPRI) - SPRI returns are due by the 28th of February e

Data returns Many environmental licences include a requirement to submit data returns or other reporting requirements on an annual or quarterly basis. What should you do? We are now actively reviewing many of the data returns and kindly request you to submit any outstanding returns for the following areas: Scottish Pollutant Release Inventory (SPRI) - SPRI returns are due by the 28th of February e

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

Disclaimer SEPA seeks to ensure that the information published on its web site is up to date and accurate. However, the information on the website does not constitute legal or professional advice and SEPA cannot accept any liability for actions arising from its use. SEPA cannot be held responsible for the contents of any pages referenced by an external link. SEPA privacy notice Who we are This is

Our vision is for towns and cities to use nature-based, blue-green solutions to absorb and safely convey rainwater. This will: help strengthen their resilience to the intense downpours they face under climate change minimise the risk of polluting sewage spills by keeping rainwater out of sewers create fantastic places for people to live and work Urban wastewaters Over the past 20 years, SEPA has

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

Information regarding activities that may be exempt from waste management licensing, and the statutory controls to prevent environmental pollution and harm to human health From the 1st November 2025, you will no longer be able to apply for the exemptions listed on this page. The information on this page remains to help existing exemption holders comply with their legal obligations, before transitioning to the new Environmental Authorisation (Scotland) Regulation (EASR) framework for authorisations. To find out what authorisation you will need when your exemption exp

Links Acronyms and abbreviations Glossary of terms European Waste Catalogue – for coding waste NACE and SIC codes Recovery and Disposal codes* Scottish Government guidance on applying the waste hierarchy Nomenclature of Units for Territorial Statistics (NUTS) areas(14kb) Waste strategy areas(86kb) *Recovery and Disposal codes Waste management activities are classed as recovery (R) or disposal (D

Guidance for planning authorities and SEPA We have prepared Development Management Consultation Thresholds and Standing Advice guidance, which sets out our framework for how and when we should be consulted on planning proposals as well as standing advice. Flood risk and development management We have prepared guidance and supporting information to support the consideration of flood risk in th

What we do SEPA have various statutory responsibilities for land use planning in Scotland and cross-border. Through these responsibilities, we deliver against SEPA’s five strategic priorities - net zero, climate resilience, water environment, resource efficiency and business environmental performance. In our planning role, we aim to help: Protect Scotland’s environment and communities from harm.