Environmental watchdog consults on streamlining Scots green regulation system

The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) is consulting until 12 April on the type of "authorisation" that various water activities will require under a new environmental regulation framework.

In December, the Scottish Government opened a consultation on proposals to bring waste, water, and industrial activities under the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018. Radioactive substances are already regulated under this system, which was introduced to provide a simplified, common framework for environmental authorisations in Scotland, known as an Integrated Authorisation Framework (IAF).

There are four types of authorisation, which SEPA is now considering for each activity that takes place in the water, waste and industrial activity sectors: general binding rules, notification, registration, and permit. The consultation has suggested which type is required for each activity, considering its risk to the environment and human health; legislative requirements; fairness to the operator; and public and third party interests.

Chief officer at SEPA, Lin Bunten, said: “We want to enable outcome-focussed regulation that protects the environment and communities from harm, and is cost effective for people and businesses, while ensuring that those we regulate are properly informed and engaged in decision-making. The IAF significantly simplifies the regulatory landscape to deliver a more risk-based, proportionate system of environmental regulation.”