Implementing the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003: Development of environmental standards and conditions: Policy Statement

DescriptionThis paper provides information on the principles behind the environmental standards and conditions and the process of developing the standards across the UK. It explains how the standards will be introduced in phases, and how they will support the various aspects of the implementation of the WEWS Act. It also outlines the Scottish Executive's policy on how the standards will be used by SEPA and other regulators to protect, and where necessary to improve, our water environment.
ISBN9780755965830
Official Print Publication DateMarch 2007
Website Publication DateMarch 30, 2007

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ISBN 978 0 7559 6583 0 (Web only publication)
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Contents

1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
1.2 Aim of this Policy Statement

2. LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK AND PRINCIPLES
2.1 Aims of the WEWS Act
2.2 Contribution of the standards to WFD implementation
2.3 Relationship to standards established under other EU Directives

3. USING ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS IN IMPLEMENTING THE WEWS ACT
3.1 Introductory outline
3.2 Classification of the water environment under WFD
3.3 Monitoring and assessment
3.4 Objective setting and River Basin Management Plans
3.5 Regulation through Controlled Activities Regulations
3.6 Directions to SEPA

4. DEVELOPING ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS IN THE UK: KEY PRINCIPLES
4.1 Separation of science and policy
4.2 Phased introduction of environmental standards and conditions
4.3 Compatible approach across Europe

5. HOW STANDARDS WILL BE USED IN SCOTLAND
5.1 General framework
5.2 Guiding principles

6. CONCLUSIONS

ANNEX A ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS REQUIRED BY THE WFD

ANNEX B ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS - PHASE 1

Page updated: Thursday, March 29, 2007