SEPA Update - 13th June 2025
Scottish Environment Protection Agency
Every day SEPA works to protect and enhance Scotland’s environment.
A decade of progress for Scotland’s bathing waters
Scotland’s bathing water season began on 1st June, marking a decade since the first samples were taken under the revised Bathing Water Directive, which set higher water quality standards and improved public information.
This year, Scotland’s celebrating its highest-ever number of bathing waters rated ‘Excellent’. A remarkable 50 sites now hold this top rating, up from just 17 a decade ago, with 97% of our bathing waters now meeting sufficient or better quality standards.
This achievement is largely thanks to our science-driven programme of monitoring, collaboration, regulation and investment. We’ve worked closely with operators and stakeholders, including the Scottish Government, Scottish Water, local authorities, land managers and communities to improve water quality. As a result, significant investment has been made in wastewater infrastructure, agricultural improvements and targeted pollution control measures.
Water quality at our 89 designated bathing waters is routinely analysed during the bathing water season, which runs until 15th September. Most samples show water quality meets required standards, but if results show unexpectedly high bacterial levels, precautionary advice against bathing is issued so people can make informed decisions about bathing while we investigate. This advice is available daily on our website and on electronic signs at 30 bathing water locations.
River conditions show importance of ongoing monitoring
Despite rainfall across much of Scotland, our local river flow monitoring indicates ongoing pressure in northern catchments, with one area now classified as experiencing Significant Water Scarcity.
Our Drought Risk Assessment Tool (DRAT) uses real-time river flow data from hundreds of sites. This science-led approach is used to track environmental conditions and help prevent lasting harm to rivers, lochs and the ecosystems that depend on them.
The latest findings show that the River Helmsdale in Sutherland has reached Significant Water Scarcity, with river flows staying below the Q95 threshold for 30 consecutive days. Q95 is a hydrological benchmark based on a catchment’s 30-year dataset (1991–2020), representing the lowest 5% of recorded flows in that period.
The River Wick catchment in Caithness is expected to reach Significant Scarcity by early next week. We’re proactively engaging with water abstractors who may be affected, providing guidance on regulatory measures to limit water use and protect Scotland’s vital water resources.
We present evidence to the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee at Scottish Parliament
Alex Flucker, our Chief Operating Officer for Data, Evidence and Innovation, represented SEPA at the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee (RAIC) in the Scottish Parliament last month. He provided key insights on the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill, which aims to support the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy to 2045.
The Bill introduces legally binding nature recovery targets and establishes a framework for monitoring and reporting progress. We play a crucial role in delivering 21 actions outlined in the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy Delivery Plan for 2024–2030. This includes biodiversity enhancement initiatives through River Basin Management Plan actions, managing the Water Environment Fund, conducting environmental monitoring to track changes and addressing invasive non-native species.
By introducing mandatory targets for nature recovery, the Bill will strengthen efforts to restore and protect Scotland’s natural environment.
Let’s beat plastic pollution
Last week’s World Environment Day highlighted the pressing issue of plastic waste, a growing threat that has infiltrated every aspect of our planet, from the depths of our oceans to the food we consume. Its widespread impact makes collective action not just important, but essential.
As Scotland’s principal environmental regulator, we play a vital role in addressing plastic pollution by regulating waste management, promoting sustainable alternatives, and supporting businesses and communities in reducing plastic use.
Guided by our Annual Operating Plan 2025/26 and Corporate Plan 2024-2027, we’re committed to delivering measurable progress in waste reduction and environmental protection. Through monitoring and enforcement, we’re helping Scotland move towards a cleaner, greener future, aligning our actions with strategic objectives that support long-term sustainability.
Transforming communities: The impact of the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund
The Scottish Landfill Communities Fund (SLCF) continues to play a vital role in supporting regeneration efforts across Scotland, with a strong focus on enhancing community spaces and promoting sustainability. A recent example of this is the Twechar Outdoor Pursuits Centre in East Dunbartonshire, which has transformed a previously derelict site beside the Forth and Clyde Canal into a hub for adventure, learning and local engagement.
The success of this initiative was made possible by significant external funding secured by East Dunbartonshire Council, including support from the Scottish Government, sportscotland and the SLCF.
We play a vital role in regulating the SLCF, ensuring that landfill tax contributions are effectively channelled by approved bodies into projects that enrich communities and enhance the environment. Through our oversight of the SLCF, we continue to encourage lasting, positive change, proving that landfill tax can be a powerful tool, not just for reducing waste sent to landfill but also promoting sustainability and community development in Scotland.
Shape the future of digital waste tracking in Scotland
The UK is launching Digital Waste Tracking, a centralised digital system designed to monitor waste from its creation to final disposal. By replacing the outdated paper-based process, this innovative approach enhances efficiency, transparency and accountability in waste management, ensuring a more streamlined system across the country.
DEFRA is eager for Scotland’s industry leaders to be involved through their Technical User Group, to ensure they’re creating a system that aligns with user needs. Their focus is on developing an efficient API data ingestion solution tailored for the waste sector.
They’re seeking input from software suppliers serving the waste industry, as well as waste operators, including licensed/permitted sites, waste carriers and independent carriers (that do not operate waste management facilities) who use bespoke or commercial software.
If you work in this sector, this is your opportunity to help shape the future of digital waste tracking. DEFRA will select a representative group from all submissions received.
Through our consultations, we talk to those that matter most, our communities, the businesses we regulate, their stakeholders and our partners. Here are our recently added consultations for you to have your say on.
Recently added consultations
Environmental Performance Assessment Scheme (EPAS) - a fair way to report performance
We're consulting on a new way of assessing environmental performance that’s designed to drive quick action to resolve issues that could cause harm to communities and nature.
We’re proposing a responsive scheme that’s transparent about when we have checked compliance and what this means for environmental performance.
Closing date: 30th June 2025 - Have your say
Hydrology data users survey
We’re currently looking for your feedback to help us understand current and future requirements for the provision of hydrological data.
Closing date: 12th August 2025 - Have your say
Permitting related consultations
Under the Industrial Emissions Directive, we publicly consult on all PPC Part A draft permits or variations to existing permits before they’re issued.
Also, operators who want to carry out certain activities in and around the water environment also require an authorisation under the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 to undertake their activities.
Below is a list of our current permitting related consultations.
MOWI Scotland Limited - Port Na Mine (Etive 3) MPFF
We’ve received an application from MOWI Scotland Limited for a variation of an existing authorisation.
Closing date: 20th June 2025 - Have your say
Mowi Scotland Limited: Airds Point (Etive 4) MPFF
We’ve received an application from Mowi Scotland Limited for a variation to an existing authorisation.
Closing date: 2nd July 2025 - Have your say