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Media Releases : 2021

Number of releases found for the currently selected year : 58

Recycling company fined £20,000 after SEPA investigation uncovers largest single illegal export of household waste from Scotland

16 November 2021

A leading UK and European recycling company was fined £20,000 at Airdrie Sheriff Court today (16 November 2021) after Scotland’s environmental regulator uncovered the largest single illegal export of household waste from Scotland.

Environmental recovery platform launches at COP

09 November 2021

A pioneering environmental recovery project that will turn the Forth Valley into a living laboratory is being launched to an international audience today [November 9] at global climate summit COP26.

Appointment of Members of the Board of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency

05 November 2021

The Minister for Environment and Land Reform, Màiri McAllan MSP, today announced the appointment of Nicky Chambers and Dr Vinay Mulgundmath as Members of the Board of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.

Radioactivity in the environment report shows impact of radioactive discharges is well within dose limits

04 November 2021

The latest Radioactivity in Food and the Environment Report (RIFE 26) has been published today (4 November) and shows that levels and concentrations of man-made radioactivity measured in the environment during 2020 were well within international dose limits.

SEPA launches streamlined waste carrier and brokers renewals digital registration service

03 November 2021

Waste carriers and brokers looking to renew their registrations and stay compliant, can now access a simple, quick and secure online service launched by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, the country’s environmental regulator.

SEPA cyber attack ‘displayed significant stealth and malicious sophistication’ – Learnings for Scotland’s public sector say audits

27 October 2021

The December 2020 cyber-attack against the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) ‘displayed significant stealth and malicious sophistication’ according to a series of independent audits published today (27 October 2021) by Scotland’s environmental watchdog.

Scottish businesses hailed for environmental innovation and sustainability in final of VIBES Awards

19 October 2021

Four Scottish companies from sectors as diverse as construction and horticulture have scooped Outstanding Achievement Awards in recognition of their commitment to tackling environmental impacts and reducing carbon emissions.

Tennent's marks environmental milestones with new sustainability agreement

06 October 2021

Tennent’s and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have today announced the signing of a new Sustainable Growth Agreement (SGA), which sets out a joint vision for how the producers of Scotland’s favourite beer can help lead the way in encouraging the country’s drinks industry into a more sustainable space through new ways of working.

Autumn water efficiency call after record dry summer

05 October 2021

People across Scotland are being asked to use water efficiently this autumn to help maintain normal supplies following a record dry period and low reservoir levels.

Waste carriers to benefit from improved online registration service

23 September 2021

Waste carriers and brokers are to benefit from a faster streamlined online registration service launched by Scottish environmental regulator SEPA.

Online registration service for homeowners with existing septic tanks improved

23 September 2021

Homeowners with existing septic tanks are to benefit from a faster streamlined registration service launched by environmental regulator SEPA.

New river bed and riverside greenspace planned for Barrhead

20 September 2021

East Renfrewshire Council plans to transform derelict space in Barrhead thanks to an investment of over £1m from the Scottish Government.

Environment initiatives secure £400,000 to create pioneering hubs

17 September 2021

Ground-breaking net zero regulatory projects supported by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have received a significant funding boost.

Businesses setting environmental example secure prestigious awards

16 September 2021

The dedication and drive of companies in Scotland at the forefront of tackling environmental change has today been recognised by the VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards.

Minister visits Fife’s Climate Beacon

15 September 2021

Jenny Gilruth, Minister for Culture, Europe, and International Development visited Levenmouth on Tuesday 14 September to meet representatives from the Fife ‘Climate Beacon’ and celebrate their work as part of Scotland’s Climate Week 2021.

New fish pass to boost ecology of River Almond

07 September 2021

Work is set to start on a new fish pass at Mid Calder Weir. The £670,000 project will see the current large weir altered to help the free passage of migratory fish species up the Almond. The work is part of the RiverLife: Almond & Avon - Almond Barriers Project, which aims to improve the ecological condition of the river.

Flying visit to The Leven Programme aims to raise awareness about the effects of climate change.

07 September 2021

Sacha Dench swooped into Levenmouth – home of The Leven Programme – this week on an electric paramotor as part of her Round Britain Climate Challenge as she attempts to secure a Guinness World Record for the greatest distance flown by electric paramotor in a 30-day period whilst sparking discussions about climate action.

Community views sought on the future of Mossmorran monitoring

31 August 2021

Members of the public are being invited to find out more and have their say on the future of monitoring at the Mossmorran complex in Fife, through a series of online events to be hosted by Scotland’s environmental watchdog, SEPA.

SEPA engages innovative modelling techniques to help Scotland better prepare for future increased flooding

23 August 2021

SEPA is introducing new flood hazard mapping which will provide a clearer indication of surface water (also known as pluvial) flood risk now and in future. This will enable people, communities and businesses to better understand the risks and act to reduce the impact of surface water flooding.

SEPA warns business and public to be on alert as new waste trailer crime emerges in Scotland

06 August 2021

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is warning that a new trend appears to be establishing in Scotland, as a total of seven abandoned trailers full of waste have been discovered in the central belt in recent months. Investigations to establish the source of the trailers are ongoing - which could lead to the prosecution of those responsible.

SEPA helps businesses as significant levels of water scarcity continue across worst affected areas

06 August 2021

SEPA is working closely with businesses and individuals abstracting water to find alternative sources and protect the environment in areas affected by significant water scarcity, including in Galloway where local farmers say the drought is the “most severe witnessed in a generation”.

Following a week of flood alerts and warnings across the country - the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and local authorities are calling on the public and businesses to share their views on shaping flood risk actions and objectives in high-risk areas across Scotland

30 July 2021

SEPA has launched the joint consultation with local authorities, to help shape the direction and delivery of flood risk management across Scotland. Actions to help tackle flooding in areas identified as being at the greatest risk are detailed in the consultation, alongside information on where we can gain the most benefits from taking action. The consultation launches on 30 July and members of the public and businesses have until 31 October to comment on it.

SEPA warns water scarcity still impacting Scotland, despite heavy rainfall

30 July 2021

The latest weekly Water Scarcity Situation Report from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) shows that, despite heavy rainfall and thundery showers across much of mainland Scotland this week, the majority of the country is still seeing the impacts of water scarcity.

SEPA warns water scarcity still impacting South of Scotland, despite heavy rainfall elsewhere

30 July 2021

The latest weekly Water Scarcity Situation Report from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) shows that, despite heavy rainfall and thundery showers across much of mainland Scotland this week, areas of the South of Scotland and elsewhere are still feeling the impacts of water scarcity.

Earth Overshoot Day marks the launch of 100 Days of Possibility leading to COP26

29 July 2021

Launched by Global Footprint Network, the Scottish EPA, and Schneider Electric, 100 Days of Possibility highlights actionable ways for each country, city, or business to ready themselves for the consequences of overshoot. These responses also #MoveTheDate of Earth Overshoot Day.

Flooding Outlook - 28 July

28 July 2021

Flooding Outlook - 27 July

27 July 2021

SEPA warns abstractors to take action as water scarcity risk increases

23 July 2021

Businesses and individuals abstracting water are being warned that action is needed now to protect water resources.

SEPA and Robertson join up to help build Scotland’s greener future

21 July 2021

Scotland’s environmental regulator has formed a three-year partnership with one of the largest family-owned construction, housing, infrastructure and support services businesses in the UK to support green recovery and help transform the construction of public and private sector projects across the country.

SEPA warns of low water levels across Scotland

02 July 2021

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is warning of an increasing water scarcity situation across the country with Northwest Scotland, Clyde, Ayrshire, Orkney and the Western Isles moving to Alert level. Most of the rest of the country is moving to the Early Warning tier, with Irvine and Ayr raised to Moderate Scarcity level.

Six months after 'serious & significant' cyber-attack, Scotland's Environment Protection Agency is building back better

25 June 2021

Six months after a ‘serious and significant’ cyber-attack left Scotland’s environmental regulator locked out of its systems, the agency and its staff are building back better, having made substantial progress so the organisation can continue to protect Scotland’s environment and ensure businesses and communities are impacted as little as possible.

Major improvement work begins at Lyne Burn in Dunfermline

24 June 2021

An exciting programme of improvements to green spaces is underway along the Lyne Burn in Dunfermline.

Zero Waste Scotland report reveals true size of Scotland’s raw material consumption footprint

23 June 2021

New landmark report by Zero Waste Scotland reveals the true size of Scotland’s raw material consumption footprint and calls for action to reduce it.

SEPA closely monitoring restart of Fife Ethylene plant after major investment work to reduce impact of flaring

22 June 2021

Work to reduce the impacts of flaring from the Fife Ethylene Plant reaches an important milestone this week as ExxonMobil Chemical Limited begins the process of restarting its plant following the installation of a low-noise elevated flare tip, as required by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

Changing the chemistry at Scotland's environment protection agency

22 June 2021

Leaders with ambition to help Scotland achieve net zero and address the climate and biodiversity emergencies have an important window of opportunity to shape the work of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). The agency, which is changing to meet the challenges of tomorrow, is seeking applications for two new members of its agency board.

Hidden burn brought back to the surface at Sandyhills Park

18 June 2021

Concealed, after being culverted through Sandyhills Park in the 1950's - work is now complete to uncover a section of Tollcross Burn and restore it to its original route as part of a major Glasgow City Deal project to reduce flood risk and build climate resilience.

SEPA works with pupils to mark the launch of a scheme to cut down on vehicle traffic outside schools as part of Clean Air Day

17 June 2021

SEPA is monitoring air quality levels around two Montrose schools and educating pupils about air pollution through SEPA’s ‘Learn About Air’ educational initiative as part of Clean Air Day 2021.

VIBES Awards call on businesses to play their part in helping Scotland meet ambition to be carbon neutral

16 June 2021

The VIBES Awards are calling on businesses across the country to play their part in supporting Scotland to meet its target of net zero emissions of all greenhouse gases by 2045.

SEPA working with farmers to help clean up Ayr South bathing water

07 June 2021

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is encouraging farmers and land managers to play their part in improving water quality at Ayr South, one of Scotland’s busiest bathing beaches.

Actions underway to clean up Scotland’s busiest bathing water

07 June 2021

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is collaborating with partners to clean up the water at one of Scotland’s busiest bathing waters, Ayr (South Beach) ahead of a unique ‘staycation’ summer.

Earth Overshoot Day creeps back to July 29

04 June 2021

The modest gains from the pandemic-induced resource-use reductions were short-lived, highlighting the urgency of driving an economic recovery where all can thrive within the means of the Earth. Earth Overshoot Day 2021 lands on July 29, Councillor Susan Aitken, the Leader of Glasgow City Council, announced today on behalf of Global Footprint Network and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

Spotlight on Levenmouth as Climate Beacon for COP26

04 June 2021

A Fife regeneration initiative aiming to improve the local environment and encourage social and economic opportunities along the River Leven catchment has been awarded ‘Climate Beacon’ status by Creative Carbon Scotland to mark the year of COP26.

Scotland’s bathing waters start 2021 season with 94% achieving strict environmental standards

01 June 2021

Scotland’s bathing water season officially begins today (1 June) in what is shaping up to be a busy year for the country’s beautiful beaches.

SEPA reminds Scottish businesses that compliance is non-negotiable as Scottish Water fined £6,700 for Fife water pollution

14 May 2021

Scotland’s environmental regulator, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), is reminding Scottish business that compliance with Scotland’s environmental laws is non-negotiable, as an investigation it led has this week resulted in a prosecution and fine for an operator following a water pollution incident in Fife.

Scotland’s EPA confirms remediation of Dalgety Bay to begin

14 May 2021

SEPA has been clear in requirements that remediation “will be done once, and it will be done right – providing a permanent and positive resolution”.

Early warning system to avert Covid-19 lockdowns

13 May 2021

Scientists are developing a coronavirus early warning system that could prevent future lockdowns by combining data on vaccine uptake with wastewater testing.

First phase environmental programme confirmed for Tarbolton landfill

24 March 2021

A “clear route to restoration” is in sight for Tarbolton landfill in South Ayrshire, as the first phase of a longer-term plan involving public partners for remediation of the site has received funding from Scottish Government.

Scotland’s Covid-19 waste water monitoring programme extended until March 2022

22 March 2021

Scotland’s pioneering project to monitor Covid-19 by measuring its genetic footprint in waste water will continue for another year after an additional £2.3 million of funding announced by the Scottish Government this week.

Clear pathway to compliance for Mossmorran as watchdog strengthens regulation & monitoring of Fife sites

19 March 2021

Irish Environmental Protection Agency Best Practice Review will lead to community participation in design of monitoring network, enhanced visibility of compliance & monitoring reports & new online regulatory hub.

SEPA investigation finds iron pollution turned water orange

10 March 2021

Historic mine workings have been confirmed as the contamination source that caused water discolouration in two burns near St Andrews.

Scottish Flood Forecasting Service marks 10th Anniversary

09 March 2021

The Scottish Flood Forecasting Service (SFFS) is today (Tuesday 9 March) marking a decade of supporting the nation’s preparedness and response to flooding.

SEPA’s river level data webpages restored

08 March 2021

Members of the public can access river level data from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) for the first time since the cyber-attack on 24 December.

SEPA tackling emerging threat of abandoned waste trailers

22 February 2021

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency is warning of a new trend in waste crime after two abandoned trailers full of waste appeared in the central belt in recent weeks. Investigations are being undertaken by SEPA to establish the source of the trailers which could lead to the prosecution of those responsible.

Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) continues weekly service status updates following cyber-attack

12 February 2021

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has published the third in a series of weekly service status updates in response to the Christmas Eve cyber-attack which continues to significantly impact the agency’s internal systems and services.

Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) publishes weekly cyber-attack service status update

28 January 2021

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has published the first in a series of weekly service status updates in response to the Christmas Eve cyber-attack which continues to significantly impact the agency’s internal systems and services.

SEPA Cyber-Attack: Data theft, service delivery and recovery update

21 January 2021

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) today (21 January 2021) provided a further update on the ongoing ransomware cyber-attack which has significantly impacted the organisation since Christmas Eve. The organisation reiterated that it will not engage with criminals intent on disrupting public services and extorting public funds.

Scottish Environment Protection Agency confirms ongoing ransomware attack likely to be by international serious and organised cyber-crime groups as 1.2 GB of data theft confirmed

14 January 2021

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) today (14 January 2021) confirmed it was continuing to respond to an ongoing ransomware attack likely to be by international serious and organised cyber-crime groups. The agency also confirmed the theft of 1.2 GB of data and the support available to staff and affected partners, whilst reassuring the public that priority regulatory, monitoring, flood forecasting and warning services are adapting and continuing to operate.

SEPA Cyber-Attack: Update

07 January 2021

On Christmas Eve, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) confirmed that it was responding to a significant cyber attack involving complex and sophisticated criminality. We confirmed the attack was affecting our contact centre, internal systems, processes and internal communications.