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Notifications If you wish to notify SEPA of certain lower risk radioactive substances activities, you can do so using our online forms: Notifications to manage certain radioactive sources, including orphan sources, and radioactive waste from an incident Radioactive substances notification form - MS Word version Applying for authorisation The type of authorisation you will require is set out in t

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

Information regarding water bodies designated as protected areas. A significant number of the water bodies in Scotland are designated as protected areas. This is because of their importance for special purposes such as wildlife conservation, drinking water supply, shellfish harvesting or bathing. These designated areas are vital to ensure that the diverse ecosystems and cultural and economic benefits contained within them are safeguarded. Protected areas are als

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

Marine aquaculture modelling Computer modelling is used as a guide to determining licensed discharge quantities of anti-parasitic chemicals and organic waste arising from marine fish-farm operations. The modelling tools promoted by SEPA provide robust predictions in most cases, requiring relatively little site-specific information. Nevertheless, the quality of the model outputs is dependent upon g

Waste from all sources Discover Data toolLast updated: 15th July 2025 Household Waste Discover Data toolLast 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 demolition sector, a

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