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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

Our vision is that Scotland will be a global leader in tackling the effects and impacts of climate change and its associated extremes and through partnerships we will find the solutions required to secure a sustainable, prosperous future. The Sustainable Growth Agreement will demonstrate through practical solutions how to maximise environmental, social and economic opportunities to enable and help

The developers behind the new town of Shawfair, in Edinburgh, have committed to a landmark Sustainable Growth Agreement (SGA) that is the first of its kind in the planning and construction sector. The three-year agreement between Shawfair LLP, Midlothian Council and SEPA creates a partnership that will work together to deliver a world class exemplar development within One Planet limits. The shared

Biodiversity is a key element that needs to be considered in many planning systems. River basin management planning (RBMP) Through RBMP we work with our partners to identify, prioritise and deliver biodiversity enhancement and protection of the water environment. The Land Use Strategy and the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy call for a more integrated approach to land and water management across who

Diffuse Pollution in the Rural Environment A programme of rural diffuse pollution work started in March 2010, to help deliver the objectives outlined in the River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) for the Scotland and Solway-Tweed river basin districts.  Diffuse pollution priority catchments have been identified by SEPA as catchments failing to meet environmental standards. Each catchment has a dedic

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

Further technical guidance This page brings together a number of ancillary guidance documents and previous email bulletin information relating to modelling of marine fish-farms for CAR licence applications. Auxiliary biomass sampling transect In areas where the tidal residual current is weak, the auxiliary transect (site-specific sampling 2) may be aligned along a bearing reciprocal to the primary

What are invasive non-native species? Non-native species (NNS) are plants and animals which have been introduced (accidentally or deliberately) outside of their native range through human activity. Many non-native species contribute positively to our lives, as livestock, crops, timber, garden plants or pets. However, a small proportion (10-15%) of non-native species spread rapidly and cause damage

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