SEPA invites you to help shape Agency’s first sector plans

date 26 March 2018

Everyone with an interest in Scotland’s environment is being invited to have their say on the Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s (SEPA) sector plans for Scotch Whisky, metals and landfill.

The above assets are available for print, online and broadcast media to use to illustrate this story. Please click through to our media gallery to download them – no registration is required. All related items will be shown on the same page.

SEPA’s sector plans will drive compliance with environmental regulations
First sector plans to be consulted on are the Scotch Whisky, metals and landfill sectors
Sector plans will shape our interactions with every sector and the businesses within them

SEPA’s sector plans will be at the heart of everything we do and will shape our interactions with sectors and the businesses in them. In every sector we regulate, we will have two simple aims. We will ensure that every regulated business fully meets their compliance obligations and help as many regulated businesses as possible to go beyond the compliance standards.

Successful businesses in future will be those that use low amounts of water, materials and carbon-based energy and create little waste. Prosperous societies will be comprised of these businesses. This can be Scotland with sector plans driving this ambition forward with a plan being developed for every sector we regulate by the end of March 2021.

We want to hear what people think of our draft plans and once they are finalised we will push on and implement them. Consultees have until 7 May 2018 to respond to the consultation which is available to view on our Consultation Hub.

Sector plans bring a clear and co-ordinated approach to regulation, focusing us on delivery and using our staff more powerfully to engage.

Speaking at an event for all SEPA managers in Perth today (26 March 2018), Terry A’Hearn SEPA’s Chief Executive, said:

“SEPA is transforming its regulatory approach in order to create a world-class environment protection agency fit for the challenges of tomorrow.

“Every day SEPA works to protect and enhance the environment. Environmental compliance is non-negotiable and our sector plans will work to ensure that every Scottish business is compliant with environmental law. We’ll also work with as many as possible to go even further as the successful businesses of tomorrow will be those who embrace the economic opportunity of sustainable solutions to environmental challenges. This will help businesses to think about creating commercial success from environmental excellence.

“Sector planning will drive our regulatory approach so we want and need the widest possible range of input and review to make sure this new approach is as effective as possible. Communities across Scotland are integral to this. If you have an interest in the environment please read the consultation documents and tell us what you think”.

ENDS

Notes to editors

A video of Terry A’Hearn, SEPA’s Chief Executive, explaining how our sector plans will be at the heart of everything we do, is available for members of the media to download and use from our media gallery. No registration is required.
The video can also be viewed online on SEPA’s YouTube channel.