SEPA Update: First major Enforcement Undertaking, Stay flood prepared, Newton Mearns update, and more

SEPA Update: news round-up from Scotland's environment regulator

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21 December 2017

This week - First major Enforcement Undertaking, Stay flood prepared, Newton Mearns update, and more

Forward

First major Enforcement Undertaking secures more than £280,000 of environmental benefits for communities impacted by AWPR pollution

Over £280,000 has been committed to community projects and environmental improvements across Aberdeenshire, following the use of our new enforcement power to accept an offer of an enforcement undertaking.

Following extensive investigations and enforcement action by SEPA between 2015 and 2017, the Construction Joint Venture (CJV) building the multi-million pound Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) have offered the funding in an Offer of Enforcement Undertaking, after causing a series of silt pollution incidents which affected Aberdeenshire rivers, the Dee and the Don.

The Enforcement Undertaking admits full liability by the AWPR B-T Construction Joint Venture (CJV) for the pollution and will result in the funding being divided between eight community initiatives as a penalty for the disruption and environmental impact. <Read more>

View our Chief Executive Terry A'Hearn speaking on the Enforcement Undertaking

Illegal waste dump cleared in time for Christmas

Communities across East Renfrewshire were earlier this year plagued by a fly infestation caused by the illegal dumping of waste at Netherplace Dye Works site near Newton Mearns.

In April, we launched an investigation in response to reports from members of the public about nuisance flies.

Over 1,500 tonnes of mixed waste and chemicals had been deposited on the site, which had been leased to a tenant by the landowner.

We moved with the council and landowner to secure the site so no more waste could be dumped, treat the immediate fly issue then work with the landowner to ensure the waste was removed safely and legally.

The removal process has been monitored closely by a partnership of public bodies including SEPA, East Renfrewshire Council and local emergency responders to ensure waste was removed and disposed of safely.

Now, following the final removal, the we are calling for greater vigilance in tackling waste crime. <Read more>

Kenny Boag comments on the site

Stay flood prepared over the festive period

79,220 residential properties are at risk from flooding in Scotland, and with the festive season fast approaching, we are reminding communities to stay prepared in case flooding occurs.

Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the UK, and can happen at any time of the year, affecting your home, travel and work life.

Stewart Prodger from our Flood Unit said: “Being flooded can be a life-changing event, and with so many Scottish homes at risk of flooding, especially during the winter months, it’s important to have the appropriate measures in place to protect yourself and your loved ones.

"60% of Scottish homeowners surveyed know it’s their responsibility to protect their own property, and more than half know to contact SEPA for flood warning information.

“Our Floodline service provides live flood updates and advice on how to prepare for and cope with the impacts of flooding 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Registering with Floodline is free and means you’ll be able to get flooding information direct to your phone for the areas you’re interested in.” <Read more>

Day of action to tackle serious and organised crime in Scotland

On Friday 8 December, agencies throughout Scotland took part in a day of action focussing on deterring and disrupting serious and organised crime on the Scottish transport networks.

Teams from BTP, Police Scotland, Border Force, Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency all contributed to the day of action. The operation targeted many of the transport modes in Scotland, including rail, road, ports and air. Specialist officers staged themselves at key train stations, arterial routes, ports and airports to spot suspicious behaviour.

Teams also acted on intelligence, intercepting possible organised criminals who were using the transport network. <Read more>

SEPA office hours over festive period

Please note that our offices will be closed for the Public Holidays on 25-26 December and 1-2 January. We are still contactable through Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or our Pollution Hotline on 0800 80 70 60.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our subscribers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, we look forward to bringing you all of the latest SEPA news and information in 2018!

The animated version of our Festive Greetings card can be found on our website.

The following jobs are currently being advertised on our website - apply online now.

Environment Protection Officer
Newton Stewart
Permanent, full-time
Closing date 14 January

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