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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

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

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

Find information about our Sustainable Growth Agreement (SGA) with Superglass here. Through this Sustainable Growth Agreement (SGA), SEPA and Superglass have agreed to work collaboratively to deliver powerful environmental performance. The agreement aims to enable Superglass to further move its business towards long-term prosperity (environmental, social and economic success) by identifying opportunities for Superglass to go beyond compliance and develop new and innovative produc

Our groundwater monitoring networks ensure that Scotland’s groundwater supplies are adequately protected. SEPA’s nitrate monitoring network aims to identify areas affected by nitrate pollution, or at risk of being affected, and to find out if any improvement actions taken to address nitrate problems are effective. To achieve these aims, SEPA currently monitors 270 groundwater sites across Scotland

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