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Media Releases : 2018

Number of releases found for the currently selected year : 47

Scotland urged to be prepared for festive season flooding

21 December 2018

As climate change exposes Scotland to rising sea levels and the promise of more frequent extreme weather events, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency is urging businesses and homeowners to be prepared for winter flooding over the festive season.

SEPA calls for nationwide feedback on proposed regulation of finfish aquaculture as consultation deadline approaches

13 December 2018

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is encouraging anyone interested in shaping the regulation of fish farming in Scotland, to ensure they have their say by Monday, 24 December.

SEPA sets our new plan to drive innovation across Scotland's metals sector

10 December 2018

An action plan to help Scotland’s metals sector become an innovative and valued part of Scotland’s emerging circular economy, improve environmental compliance and stop illegal activity, has been launched today by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

Helping Scotland's landfill sector prepare for the future

10 December 2018

An ambitious plan to drive environmental compliance at Scotland’s landfill sites, harness innovation and help the sector responsibly manage site closures and aftercare – as we transition to a circular economy focused on waste reduction, reuse, recycling and energy recovery – has been launched today by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

Good VIBES for Scottish businesses supporting sustainable development

15 November 2018

Businesses in Scotland are continuing to step up to increasing environmental challenges and yesterday (14 November) 10 Scottish companies were rewarded for their commitment to sustainability at the VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards.

Scottish salmon farm medicine significantly impacting local marine environments as SEPA unveils firm, evidence-based proposals for a revised regulatory regime

07 November 2018

Scottish salmon farm medicine is significantly impacting local marine environments. That is the conclusion of one of Scotland’s largest and most comprehensive marine research projects into aquaculture, undertaken by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

Radioactivity in the environment report shows all levels and concentrations of radioactivity well within dose limits

25 October 2018

The latest Radioactivity in Food and the Environment Report (RIFE 23) has been published today (25 October 2018) and shows that doses of radioactivity received by people in Scotland are still well within international dose limits.

SEPA invites you to share your views on sector plan for oil and gas decommissioning

12 October 2018

Everyone with an interest in the environment is being encouraged to share their views on SEPA’s sector plan for the emerging oil and gas decommissioning industry.

SEPA invites you to help ensure Tyre Sector Plan is on the right track

12 October 2018

Everyone with an interest in the environment is being encouraged to share their views on SEPA’s sector plans for tyres.

Environmental compliance of Scottish business exceeds 90% for third year in a row

05 October 2018

90.97% of Scottish regulated business sites assessed were compliant. Scotch Whisky distillers over 90% compliance for the fourth year in a row. 75 sites assessed as non-compliant for the last two years became compliant. 41 sites classified as ‘Very Poor’ in 2016 improved their compliance rating. 17 sites moved from ‘Very Poor’ to Compliant. 9 sites moved from ‘Very Poor’ to ‘Excellent’

SEPA joins forces with UK agency and industry partners to drive out waste crime

04 October 2018

Illegal cross-border waste haulage and disposal is the target of a series of new multi-agency interventions as part of the £3.8m LIFE SMART Waste project, which is led by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and co-funded by the European Union.

River restoration project to reduce flood risk

27 September 2018

An exciting new river restoration project designed to restore the Glazert Water to a more natural condition and minimise the likelihood of flooding in the River Kelvin Catchment downstream is one step closer.

SEPA's Chief Executive calls on Tayside youngsters to share flooding knowledge

25 September 2018

SEPA’s Chief Executive, Terry A’Hearn, attended the Safe Taysiders event at Baluniefield Police Training Station in Dundee yesterday (Monday 24 September) to encourage young people to educate their friends and family on how they can be flood-prepared.

Official Statistics’ Publication for Scotland - Household waste summary, Waste landfilled, Waste incinerated - January to December 2017

25 September 2018

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has published Official Statistics today which provide detail of Household Waste collected across all Local Authorities during 2017, and for the first time as an official statistic, the carbon impact metric. This is a measure developed by Zero Waste Scotland (ZWS) of the whole-life carbon impacts of waste, from resource extraction and manufacturing emissions, right through to waste management emissions.

Not so pretty vacant. Scottish Land Commission and SEPA target new uses for derelict and vacant land

21 September 2018

Two of Scotland’s leading land and environment bodies have set their sights on finding ways to bring thousands of acres of derelict and vacant land back into productive use.

New coastal flood warning schemes significantly enhance resilience of Scottish communities in face of climate change

18 September 2018

In the face of rising sea levels and the promise of more frequent extreme weather events, the impact of climate change on Scotland’s most flood prone communities is projected to place over 169,000 homes and businesses at risk of flooding by 2080.

A study of the fish population in Loch Ken is published

11 September 2018

During 2016 and 2017, Galloway Fisheries Trust undertook a study of the fish, fisheries and anglers of Loch Ken. This was to assess the fish populations in the Loch and the extent to which angling around the loch assists the local economy.

SEPA to end exemptions for burning farm plastics

31 August 2018

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has announced its next steps to stem the plastic tide by confirming it will end exemptions for burning most types of agricultural waste from 1 January 2019.

SEPA calls on construction industry to be aware of new licensing requirements

27 August 2018

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is urging the construction industry to ensure they have a licence and Pollution Prevention Plan before starting any new large construction projects from 1 September 2018.

SEPA takes action on dust emissions from Dunbar site

24 August 2018

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has issued a warning letter to Tarmac Cement and Lime Limited following an investigation into dust in the Dunbar area.

SEPA stresses importance of checking staff ID

24 August 2018

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is reminding people in Perthshire, Clackmannanshire and Stirling of the importance of checking staff credentials, after a homeowner in Greenloaning was visited by a man impersonating a SEPA officer.

Keep Scotland Beautiful launches first wave of bathing water campaign

16 July 2018

My Beach, Your Beach, Keep Scotland Beautiful's latest campaign to improve bathing waters at three well known beaches, was launched today.

Malawian delegation visit reinforces 'one planet' approach to environmental regulation

13 July 2018

The Malawian Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development visited SEPA’s Edinburgh office on Friday 13 July to discuss how partnership working through the Hydro Nation can help tackle the 21st century challenges facing our environment.

2050 Climate Group joins SEPA in encouraging young people to get involved in flood conversation

12 July 2018

The 2050 Climate Group has joined the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) in calling on young people to take part in the national consultation to improve Scotland’s future flood risk management plans.

Over 40 of Scotland's best green businesses announced as finalists for environmental awards

12 July 2018

More than 40 of Scotland’s best green businesses have been announced as finalists for the VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards in recognition of their commitment to tackling environmental challenges.

Smart tech solution helps Scots fight flooding

22 June 2018

Edinburgh-based inventor, Gary Martin, has pioneered a new high-tech solution to help people in flood risk areas developed through Scottish Government’s CivTech programme.

Partnership boosts sustainability potential of Scotland’s waste water

21 June 2018

Scotland’s sewage and solid organic waste can make a contribution to the country’s heat and power needs and contribute to further reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to tackle climate change, according to experts from Scottish Water and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.

SEPA takes action to stop offensive odours from Blantyre site

13 June 2018

SEPA has issued an enforcement notice to GP Green Recycling Limited following investigations into complaints from members of the public about odours from their composting operations on Newhousemill Road, Blantyre.

SEPA and Health & Safety Executive announce joint investigation into Mossmorran complex at community meeting as operating permit variations to be served on operators

08 June 2018

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) & the Health and Safety Executive today (Friday 8th June 2018) announced a joint investigation into ExxonMobil Chemical Ltd and Shell UK Limited, the operators of the Mossmorran petrochemical plants in Fife.

Scottish recycling, composting and re-use rockets past 60% milestone

29 May 2018

Scottish recycling, composting and re-use of waste from all sources has rocketed past the 60% milestone for the first time. That was the key finding of Official Statistics published today (29th May 2018) by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

Scotland's bathing waters continue to meet strict environmental standards ahead of new season

25 May 2018

As Scotland sizzles in the early summer sun, and with hundreds of thousands of Scottish families and visitors expected to head to our stunning coastlines for the bathing season (1st June – 15th September), the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has revealed that 75 of the country’s 86 designated bathing waters (87%) meet strict environmental standards for water quality.

Get authorisation for river and loch work and follow the rules to avoid £600 penalty

23 May 2018

Carrying out engineering works in the water environment without authorisation from SEPA, or breaching authorisation conditions, will now result in a £600 Fixed Monetary Penalty. Both contractors and land owners/occupiers can be liable for penalties. Poor engineering can lead to land loss and increased susceptibility to soil erosion and flooding.

Scotland's sustainable businesses leading the UK at European Awards

10 May 2018

Scotland’s sustainable businesses will be leading the way for the UK on the European stage later this year with 10 out of the 11 UK businesses shortlisted for the 2018 European Business Awards for the Environment (EBAE) from Scotland.

SEPA calls on public to join national flood conversation

01 May 2018

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has today (Tuesday 1 May 2018) launched the start of a national conversation to improve Scotland’s future flood risk management plans.

Last call to find Scotland’s Green Business Champions

24 April 2018

The search for Scotland’s best green businesses is drawing to a close this week with just a few days remaining for companies to enter the VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards.

Final warnings to Exxonmobil Chemical and Shell for environmental non-compliance

19 April 2018

Petrochemical companies ExxonMobil Chemical Ltd and Shell UK Limited have been served with Final Warning Letters by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) following an enhanced unplanned flaring event at the Mossmorran complex in Fife, during June 2017.

SEPA invites you to help shape Agency's first sector plans

26 March 2018

Everyone with an interest in Scotland’s environment is being invited to have their say on the Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s (SEPA) sector plans for Scotch Whisky, metals and landfill.

SEPA hoping to inspire young people into STEM careers during British Science Week

16 March 2018

Inspiring young people to follow a career in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) is vital to Scotland’s environmental regulator.

SEPA CEO challenges business leaders to find the economic opportunities in environmental challenges

15 March 2018

Business leaders were challenged by Scotland’s environment regulator today – change your mind set, face up to the scale of the environmental challenge facing us and understand how your business will help solve it while creating businesses success.

SEPA waste crime team returns to Fort William to tackle flytipping

15 March 2018

Officers from the Waste Crime Team of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) were in Fort William again this week to investigate, and help address, flytipping at an illegal site at Mount Alexander, Camaghael.

Helping communities prepare more powerfully for flooding

14 March 2018

As the piles of snow left over from “the Beast from the East” melted last week, causing surface water and rising rivers in several communities across Scotland, attention turned to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

Scottish businesses urged to get green and boost their bottom line

13 March 2018

Businesses in Scotland are being urged to act now to embrace the economic opportunity of sustainability by the VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards.

Snow days don't stop SEPA protecting the environment

02 March 2018

As “the Beast from the East” cast its wintry grip on Scotland this week, staff from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) worked above-and-beyond the call to safeguard Scotland’s environment and support local communities.

Six year high in environmental performance by Scottish business

15 February 2018

91.7% of Scottish regulated business sites assessed were compliant. 46.6% of sites assessed as non-compliant for two or more years became compliant. 66% of sites classified as ‘Very Poor’ improved their compliance rating. 11 sites were moved from ‘Very Poor’ to Excellent.