The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) invites feedback on proposed regulatory changes.
- SEPA aims to streamline environmental regulation across water, waste, radioactive substances, and industrial activities.
- An overwhelming 84% of respondents support the new framework for simplifying regulations.
- SEPA’s consultations seek input on potential adjustments in charges and authorisation standards.
- The goal is a fair, transparent regulatory system enhancing environmental protection while aiding businesses.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency is calling for public input on proposed amendments to environmental regulations, focusing on four principal areas: water, waste management, radioactive substances, and industrial activities. This initiative is part of a broader effort to simplify the current regulatory mechanisms which are enshrined under the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018.
An impressive 84% of participants in a prior consultation endorsed SEPA’s innovative approach to altering the types, tiers, and descriptions of activities and authorisations. Now, SEPA is extending its consultative process to assess potential changes in application and subsistence charges, as well as the standard conditions that accompany registration-level authorisations for regulated activities.
The ongoing consultations are pivotal for shaping the future of Scotland’s environmental regulatory landscape. By revising charges and setting standard conditions, SEPA intends to eliminate discrepancies in how businesses are regulated, thereby fostering a more consistent operational environment for varied stakeholders. This move is likely to create a level playing field for all operators involved.
Sandra Tough, head of permitting at SEPA, highlights the importance of these consultations, emphasising that they present a vital opportunity for stakeholders to express views on maintaining a balanced and equitable regulatory framework. “Your views will help us develop an effective and consistent regulatory framework to better protect the environment while supporting businesses to make informed decisions about carrying out regulated activities and improving the transparency of how we regulate,” Tough stated.
While the majority of charges under the new framework will stay the same, changes are anticipated for certain activities depending on the proposed authorisation level or regulatory effort required. The consultation on charging further delves into these potential adjustments, outlining new descriptions aimed at clarifying applicable fees for specific activities under the EASR 2018 framework.
Additionally, the consultation on standard conditions proposes rules that operators need to adhere to within the new framework, particularly for activities governed by registration-level authorisation. The move towards standardised conditions seeks to remove inconsistencies, benefiting operators by levelling the competitive field. The consultation period will conclude on 13th October 2024 for charging and 24th November 2024 for standard conditions.
SEPA’s commitment to refining environmental regulation through these consultations is a step towards an equitable and transparent system.
