Caithness Map :: Links to Site Map Great value Unlimited Broadband from an award winning provider  

 

Working together for the North Highland water environment

4th March 2009

Protecting and enhancing the natural waters of the North Highland area is a huge task involving many organisations and communities, and Scotland's environment watchdog is urging all those with an interest to get involved.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is asking interested local communities and businesses to read the draft River basin management plans (RBMP) and Local area management plans (AMP) and feed back whether they think the plans are comprehensive enough, how they can help to achieve the aims of the plans, and how we can all work together to achieve them.

The EU Water Framework Directive requires member states to look at their water environments in a different way. SEPA, and its predecessor organisations, have driven major improvements in Scotland's water quality over the past few decades. Now classification covers new categories, including water quantity, ecology and changes to the natural shape of rivers and lochs. Each category is graded from high to bad, with the worst class determining the overall classification.

SEPA helps to protect the country's water environments, which are vibrant places providing sources of drinking water, habitat for fauna and flora, a focus for leisure and recreation and is also an important resource for many industries. The key to further improving our water bodies is to respond to local issues at a local level, which is why the Local area management plans have been created.

SEPA's Tom Inglis, Chair of the North Highland Area Advisory Group said: "Scotland's natural water resources are vital to its environmental, economic and social wellbeing; relied upon for high quality drinking water, by industry for manufacturing, for generating hydro-power, and as a very high quality natural habitat supporting a wealth of important plant and animal species. It also provides us with a range of sporting and recreational opportunities. Yet, some of these very activities also pose a threat to its future status and quality, requiring careful management and forward planning if we are to prevent further deterioration and to improve them.

"The North Highland Area management plan will supplement the first draft of Scotland's River basin management plan, which describes the condition of our water environment using a new classification system being applied across Europe.

"SEPA and its partner organisations responsible for drawing up the plan are keen to hear views from the public and interested organisations on how we plan to improve and maintain the status of our water resource in the North Highland area."

This is your opportunity to review these draft plans, contribute to the river basin planning process and help shape the final plan that will be published in December 2009.

The local plan for North Highland is available from www.sepa.org.uk/consultation. Responses to the consultation must be submitted before 22 June 2009, earlier responses would be welcomed, by writing to Draft River Basin Management Plan for the Scotland River Basin District, Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Corporate Office, Erksine Court, Castle Business Park, STIRLING FK9 4TR; or by emailing rbmp[AT]sepa.org.uk or via our website www.sepa.org.uk

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

New environmental regulations needn't be costly
In the current economic climate it is essential businesses are prepared for new regulations, as failure to comply could lead to increased costs.   NetRegs (www.netregs.gov.uk) is a free UK website offering environmental guidance for businesses and is delivered in partnership with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).  
Scotland's recycling rate continues to rise
Scotland's recycling and composting rate continues to make steady progress.  Figures released today (Friday 13 February), by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), show that Scotland's annual recycling and composting rate rose to 32.9% for the year October 2007 to September 2008.  
New approach to improving the future health of Scotland's water
Scotland's environment watchdog has found that 57% of Scotland's water is in good condition, or better.  This provides an excellent basis for our future livelihoods, economy and recreation.  
NORTH-EAST FARMER FINED FOR RIVER POLLUTION
A north-east farmer was fined £2000 for allowing diesel to enter surface water drains and into a tributary of the River Ythan causing pollution of the river.   Mr Roger Glennie from the Hillhead of Ardo Farm, Methlick, Ellon pled guilty today (21 January 2009) to a contravention of legislation designed to protect the water environment.  
SEPA cuts red tape in waste regulations
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has announced further steps to reduce bureaucracy, while still ensuring high levels of environmental protection.   Changes have been put in place to how SEPA enforces three sets of regulations; the Producer Responsibility (Packaging Waste) Regulations, the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations (WEEE) and the Trans Frontier Shipment Regulations (TFS).  
Climate Change Plan for SEPA published
With the Climate Change Scotland Bill now in parliament, it is important that everyone starts thinking how they will contribute to the ambitious world leading targets set out in the Bill.   As Scotland's environment watchdog, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has a key role in addressing climate change and has today (19 December) published its climate change plan for SEPA.  
SEPA reveals 10-point plan to support economic activity
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has developed, with Government, a 10-point Plan to support economic activity during the current difficulties.  The aim is to help the economy whilst also protecting the environment and the health and well being of communities across Scotland.  
SEPA urges everyone to have a safe and happy Bonfire Night
Now that the evenings are getting darker, and colder, many people are starting to think about Autumnal celebrations like Hallowe'en and Bonfire Night.  While huddling round a blazing bonfire is an important part of the celebrations, and a good way to keep warm, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is reminding everyone that careful consideration needs to be given to what goes on any pyres.  
SEPA's launches flood campaign after Scotland's stormy summer
From soggy summers to wet winters, flooding can be a problem in Scotland at any time of the year.  Following on from one of the wettest summers for some parts of Scotland, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is launching its annual flood awareness campaign today (27 October).  
SEPA Waives Sheep Dip Charges
Farmers disposing of spent sheep dip will save money this year, after the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) waived the second instalment of its annual groundwater licence charge.   The move is one of the first tangible benefits to emerge from Scotland's Environmental and Rural Services (SEARS), a new partnership between the Scottish Government and agencies such as SEPA.