Statistical data set: Monthly sea fisheries statistics June 2018
The monthly landings statistics will be released at 9.30am on the 4th Friday of each month, or the next working day if this is a bank holiday.
Deep impact
Scotland’s Rural College has been recognised for the global impact of its dairy research by a leading scientific journal.
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.
They were visited on Saturday 17 August by an individual who told them he was from SEPA. He wanted to inspect trees on their property to see if work, which they would have to pay for, was required. They refused his request and informed SEPA.
SEPA’s Chief Executive, Terry A’Hearn, said:
“We understand that this was a worrying incident for those involved and have reported the matter to Police Scotland. SEPA officers do not carry out work on people’s property, and if anyone else has a similar experience I encourage them to contact the Police straight away.”
“All SEPA staff carry appropriate photographic identification and should always show it to you. If you are approached by someone claiming to be from SEPA ask to see their ID, especially if you don’t recognise them.
“Anyone with any concerns, can always call SEPA’s 24 hour Contact Centre on 03000 99 66 99 to check out the details of any officers visiting them.”
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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 officers carried out an investigation into dust deposits in the local area after receiving a number of complaints from members of the public in September and October 2017.
The investigation concluded that the Tarmac site was the most likely source of the dust issues and that the operator needed to take action to prevent and minimise the potential escape of dust from the site.
The warning letter advises the operator that SEPA expects them to review existing procedures for monitoring and detection of dust emissions from the plant equipment and activities at the site. The letter also advises the operator that SEPA expects them to carry out earlier and more proactive identification of excessive dust emissions before complaints are made, and that SEPA will undertake a review of the site’s permit.
This review is now underway, and SEPA is also undertaking a separate investigation in response to dust complaints in Dunbar during May 2018.
Terry A’Hearn, SEPA’s Chief Executive, said:
Every day SEPA works to protect and enhance Scotland’s environment and we are clear that compliance is non-negotiable. SEPA has carried out a full investigation into the causes of the dust complaints in Dunbar from September and October 2017. This investigation has now concluded and a warning letter has been issued to Tarmac Cement and Lime Limited in Dunbar. SEPA is clear that practices should be improved to prevent further events and ensure full compliance. The review of the operator’s permit is a key part of the steps SEPA is taking. We are also undertaking a further investigation into complaints received about dust in May 2018 and will take all action necessary to ensure the environment and local communities are protected.”
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Press release: PLANS HAVE BEEN PUT FORWARD FOR HULL’S £42M TIDAL FLOOD SCHEME
Proposals for a multi-million scheme to protect thousands of properties from flooding from the Humber has been put forward to Hull’s planning chiefs.
Planning permission is being sought for a £42 million Humber Hull Frontage Improvement Scheme to improve a 7-8 kilometre stretch of tidal flood defences in the Humber Estuary.
Led by the Environment Agency, the scheme has been designed to better protect 113,000 homes and businesses that are at risk from tidal flooding.
If the scheme gets planning approval, work will start at the end of the year and will be completed by the end of 2020.
Nine sites have been identified as part of the scheme including St Andrew’s Quay, Albert Dock and Victoria Dock Village for improved defences.
Contractor BMM JV – a joint venture between BAM Nuttall and Mott MacDonald – are set to deliver the project which will help improve flood risk along the city’s 19 kilometre waterfront.
Residents can view the detailed plans by visiting Hull City Council’s website:
If you have any questions about the scheme please email: humberhullfrontage@environment-agency.gov.uk
More information is available on our dedicated web pages:
In the past 65 years, there have been three major tidal events in Hull, the last was in December 2013 when 264 properties were flooded due to the overtopping of the existing defences. During high tides, water levels have the potential to rise to around 1 – 3m above some parts of the city.
Over the last few years, the Environment Agency has reviewed the existing Humber flood defences from Fleet Drain to the west of the city, through Hull, to Lord’s Clough in the east. This work has identified the nine sites where work is now being proposed.
Helen Tattersdale, project manager at the Environment Agency, said:
“It is vital for Hull to have improved defences to protect against the potential devastating tidal flooding from the Humber Estuary.
“This investment has enabled us to assess a significant length of the current flood defence walls and embankments that run along the Hull frontage to come up with a scheme that will better protect the city both now and in the future taking into account climate change.”
“Over the past few months, we have been gathering feedback on aspects of the design from local residents and landowners, and other interested organisations including Natural England, the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and Hull City Council which have been taken into account in our proposals.”
These improvements in Hull are supported by a further four kilometres (2.5 mile) of new and raised tidal defences on either side of the city in the East Riding of Yorkshire, at Hessle and Paull, delivered by East Riding of Yorkshire Council in partnership with the Environment Agency.
The Humber Hull Frontage Improvement Scheme is one of a number of tidal flood alleviation projects that form part of the Humber Flood Risk Management Strategy. The Environment Agency and local partners are now in the process of developing an advanced approach to managing flooding in tidal areas by the River Humber for the next 100 years.
It will be a long-term investment that will contribute to securing the viability of Hull and the wider Humber region, ensuring it retains its place as the eastern gateway to the UK economy.
This long-term investment will contribute to securing the viability of Hull and the wider Humber region, ensuring it retains its place as the eastern gateway to the UK economy.