INVESTIGATIONS

Ongoing and Completed Casework

Our Casework

 

Completed Investigations

Investigation Summary of Findings More information
Air quality in Scotland ESS identified weaknesses in the current operational and governance arrangements to improve local air quality and ensure future compliance with nitrogen dioxide levels. The action ESS has taken will ensure that appropriate measures are being implemented in as short a time as possible and contribute to establishing a more detailed picture of the state of air quality across Scotland. Summary ESS Report - Available here

Full ESS Report - Available here

FAQs - Available here

NZET Report - Available here

 

Live Investigations

Investigation Summary More information
Climate change delivery An investigation into the systems in place to support local authorities in the delivery of climate change targets. Full details available here

 

Pre-Investigations Casework

Pre-investigation Summary Status
Use of Acoustic Deterrent Devices Consideration of the licencing and enforcement regimes in respect of the use of Acoustic Deterrent Devices in the marine environment. Pre-investigation enquiries concluded – informal resolution achieved with Marine Scotland

Summary Report - Available here

Full Report - Available here

Local Authority climate change reporting Consideration of the effectiveness and implementation of local authorities’ climate change responsibilities. Pre-investigation enquiries concluded – moved to investigation
Licencing and removal of weirs Consideration of the licencing and enforcement regimes in respect of redundant weirs and structures in Scottish rivers. Pre-investigation enquiries concluded – case will be subject to ongoing monitoring

Summary Report - Available here

First progress update: May 2023 – Available here

Ramsar site protection Consideration of the effectiveness of the site protection system in respect of ‘Ramsar’ sites (wetland sites of international importance) in Scotland. Pre-investigation enquiries concluded – case will be subject to ongoing monitoring

Summary Report - Available here

Access to Environmental Justice Consideration of Scotland’s implementation of the requirements of the Aarhus Convention in respect of access to justice in environmental matters. Pre-investigation enquiries concluded – case will be subject to ongoing monitoring

Summary Report - Available here

The storage and spreading of sewage sludge on land in Scotland Consideration of the delayed implementation of recommendations contained within the Scottish Government’s Review of the Storage and Spreading of Sewage Sludge on Land in Scotland. Closed

 

Summary Report – Available here

Local Authority permitted development policies Consideration of local permitted planning policies and practices in respect of development proposals on land designated as a special area of conservation (SAC) or/and a special protection area (SPA). Pre-investigation enquiries concluded – informal resolution achieved with Local Authority

Summary Report – Available here

 

Enforcement of Controlled Activities Regulations (CAR) Licences

Consideration of SEPA’s duty to enforce licence conditions as required by the CAR regulations. Under consideration
Designation of Bathing Water Sites in Scotland Consideration of the requirements to designate new bathing waters in Scotland. Under consideration
Habitats Regulations Appraisal regime Consideration of the Habitats Regulations Appraisal process in respect of whether a plan or project may have adverse effects on protected European sites in Scotland. Under consideration
Climate Change Plan Consideration of the effectiveness of the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Plan Under consideration
PPC Permitting Duties Consideration of SEPA’s duty to maintain a public register for PPC information Under consideration
 

Sustainable Management of Fisheries

 

Consideration of the effectiveness of the law and systems surrounding the bycatch and discard of fish. Under consideration
Infrastructure Investment Plan Consideration of Scottish Ministers’ duties under Section 94(A)2 of the 2009 Climate Change (Scotland) Act to produce an assessment of the extent to which infrastructure investment will contribute to Scottish emissions targets. Under Consideration

 

Assessment of Controlled Activities on Water Environment Consideration of how SEPA assesses the impact of controlled activities on other users of the water environment before determining a CAR license application. Under Consideration
Environmental Impact Assessment (Agriculture) Regulations Consideration of the application of the Environmental Impact Assessment (Agriculture) (Scotland) Regulations 2017 Under Consideration

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