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SEPA publishes a long-term river water quality indicator, based on a network of sites covering 253 water bodies (rivers or sections of rivers). This indicator is based on a consistent set of five water quality parameters which are sensitive to organic pollution, nutrients and toxic substances, and which provide a measure of species diversity across approximately 10% of all water bodies. Monitoring In 2011, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) established an indicator of river water quality based on a network of sites covering 253 water bodies (rivers or sections of rivers), which account for approximately 10% of all water bodies. The indicator is based on a consistent set of five water quality parameters which are sensitive to organic pollution, nutrients and toxic s

Conserving and protecting the world’s natural resources is vital. For Scotland to become a resilient, resource efficient economy, we must cut waste production, keep materials circulating for as long as possible, prevent the harms from waste management and tackle waste crime. SEPA’s waste to resources framework sets out how we work to deliver these goals, in line with our Sector Planning approach a

Water Column Monitoring Please note: the manual is currently being updated and links have been supplied for revised documents only. If you require a copy of a document that is not available below please email aquaculture@sepa.org.uk. This manual has been produced to provide SEPA staff with detailed guidance on the legislation, policy and procedures which should be considered when regulating Scotla

Legislation directs SEPA to assess and classify each shellfish protected area. To deliver this we work closely with Food Standards Scotland (FSS). FSS sample, analyse and report water quality in production areas throughout the year to ensure shellfish are safe for consumption, or determine if they require further treatment. At the end of each year FSS provide SEPA with this data who use it to clas

Likelihood of Flooding The chance of flooding occurring. You can select to see information for three flooding likelihoods: High, medium and low.High likelihood: A flood event is likely to occur in the defined area on average once in every ten years (1:10). Or a 10% chance of happening in any one year. Medium likelihood: A flood event is likely to occur in the defined on average once in every two h

SEPA gathers data annually on the type, quantity and geographical origin of the waste handled from operators of the following ‘complex’ exempt activities. Paragraphs 7, 8(2), 10, 46 and 50. Paragraphs 9 and 19 where the volume of waste used exceeds 2,500 cubic metres Paragraph 12 where the volume of waste used exceeds 10 tonnes per year. Operators are asked to submit their data returns using the

Find your National Grid Reference. Help in finding your NGR (National Grid Reference) Find your National Grid Reference (NGR) SEPA have developed a web based NGR tool using online maps to help determine a National Grid Reference. By entering your postcode a map of your area will displayed. By clicking on the map a 10 character National Grid Reference will be displayed for your use. Reading a National Grid Reference (NGR) The British National Grid System divides the Uni

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

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

Forms and information Reservoir (Scotland) Act 2011 blank registration form All new reservoirs, and any reservoirs regulated under the Reservoirs Act 1975 are required to be registered with SEPA. To register your reservoir with SEPA please use the registration form. Ceasing to be a reservoir manager If you cease to be the manager of a registered controlled reservoir, you are required to notify us