SEPA’s role in Freshwater and Marine Regulation and Planning Working with the modernised planning system Jim Mackay, Acting Planning Service Manager

SEPA’s planning service and planning reform – how we have changed  Adopted more pro-active, solution-orientated approach  Information requirements – only now seek key information prior to determination  Adopted measures to respond more quickly  Clarified our role with other Key Agencies  Focused where we can make a difference in development plans and development management (particularly pre-app)  Moved to full e-planning  Increased our guidance notes to assist applicants and planning authorities on matters within our planning remit. All available on our website at

Working arrangements A key objective under Delivering Planning Reform for Aquaculture - public organisations to collaborate in the development of improved services. In response, a Working arrangement between SEPA, Scottish Natural Heritage, Marine Scotland Science and District Salmon Fishery Boards. This arrangement provides: -details of the responsibilities of each organisation -why and how each organisation provides input to planning authorities on aquaculture developments (including the sharing of relevant information currently held by consultees).

What we lead on  Benthic impacts, taking advice from SNH on biodiversity benthic impacts  Effects of chemotherapeutics on environment What we don’t deal with or where we support others  Landscape  Water Column and Assimilative Capacity  Efficacy of chemotherapeutants  Predator control & interactions with wildlife  Fish health, containment & impact on wild fish

SEPA information requirements for aquaculture developments at the planning application stage In order to speed the application process, we have examined our information requirements to ensure that only information that is really essential is sought. An important commitment to Delivering Planning Reform for Aquaculture was publication of our planning guidance on aquaculture – now available on our website at Our planning guidance provides a list of the minimum information requirements we expect to be submitted in support of a planning application, either as part of an Environmental Statement, or as supporting information for the planning application.

Likely minimum information requirements – Marine Cage fish farm sites – 1 of 2  Visual Survey in accordance with our Manual, Annex F – required for new sites, and significant expansion sites where no or old data  Benthic Survey in accordance with our Manual, Annex F – standard baseline benthic survey required for new sites, and extended survey where biomass>1000t and sites within or affecting conservation site. For Modifications of existing sites, depends on if increases in biomass or change in equipment likely to increase benthic impact. Routine CAR compliance monitoring surveys may be acceptable.

Likely minimum information requirements – Marine Cage fish farm sites 2 of 2  Modelling DEPOMOD modelling in accordance with our Manual, Annex H and part VIII – required for new sites, and on modification sites where increase in biomass or Allowable Zone of Effects/benthic footprint, and to determine the amount of “in-feed” sea lice treatment  Bath treatment modelling in accordance with our Manual, Annex 6, to assess impacts of bath treatments to determine the amount of topical sea lice treatments  Nutrient outputs in accordance with our Manual, Annex E – to assess impact in context of existing nutrients status for new sites, and where increases in biomass proposed  Production Plan for new sites, and for modifications showing all changes to the production plan from the original proposals

Likely minimum information requirements – Freshwater cage fish farm sites  Production Plan (including stocking densities, fallow periods) for new sites, and for modifications showing all changes to the production plan from the original proposals  Feed inputs including details of nitrogen and phosphorus content of diets to be fed to stock, for new sites, and for modifications showing all changes to the production plan from the original proposals

Likely minimum information requirements – Shellfish farm sites  Status of waters. Is the proposed development located within classified waters under Shellfish Harvesting Directive or Shellfish Growing Waters Directive, for new sites, and for modifications showing all changes to the production plan from the original proposals  Presence of other users. An assessment of risk posed to the interests of other users in the area eg existing sewage disposal or trade discharges, for new sites, and for modifications showing all changes to the production plan from the original proposals

Further progress  Permitted Development – project now complete, and report delivered to Scottish Government  Look further at planning conditions  Look further at EIA processes  Target EIAs more – better scoping

Summary  A new approach to planning, including aquaculture  More efficient, more helpful, more solution- orientated  New joint “Working arrangements” to clarify roles  More proportionate information requirements; only those key to decision-making  Looking to continue this journey!