SEPA has launched the joint consultation with local authorities, to help shape the direction and delivery of flood risk management across Scotland.
Actions to help tackle flooding in areas identified as being at the greatest risk are detailed in the consultation, alongside information on where we can gain the most benefits from taking action.
The consultation launches on 30 July and members of the public and businesses have until 31 October to comment on it. All responses received by this date will help inform the final flood risk management plans, previously called flood risk management strategies and local flood risk management plans.
Scotland has been divided into 14 Local Plan Districts for flood risk management purposes.
Following feedback from this consultation, SEPA will publish a flood risk management plan for each of the 14 Local Plan Districts. Each plan will confirm the immediate priorities for flood risk management as well as set out the future direction to be taken by all responsible authorities.
There are currently 284,000 homes, businesses, and services at flood risk in Scotland and climate change is projected to increase this number by an estimated 110,000 by the 2080s.
The State of the UK Climate 2020 Report published by the Met Office this week showed that 2020 was the UK’s fifth wettest year since records began, and six of the 10 wettest years have been since 1998.
SEPA CEO Terry A’Hearn, said: “We have seen the impacts of severe weather in Scotland over the last few days – flooding is a real threat to people and property.
“Climate change is one of the biggest contributors to future increased flooding in Scotland and reducing its impact requires knowledge and action. As we are currently in a climate emergency, these plans substantially pick up preparation for the increased flooding Scotland can expect with climate change.
“SEPA has a pivotal role in helping Scotland prepare more powerfully for future increased flooding and this consultation is an important opportunity for people across Scotland to have their say on how flood risk is managed in the future.
“We are urging everyone affected by flooding, whether it be their home, their local community or regular travel routes, to take part in this important consultation, which will help to shape how we cope with, and manage, flooding in Scotland in the future. This helps us establish where our coordinated and focused effort is most urgently needed.”
The highest priority communities across Scotland are set out in the consultation with a vision for how flooding should be managed within them. SEPA has been working in partnership with local authorities to identify the most suitable actions to manage flood risk, and this is targeted towards areas where it will be most effective based on improved knowledge of the sources and impacts of flooding.
The first Flood Risk Management Plans for Scotland were published in December 2015.
SEPA, local authorities, Scottish Water and Transport Scotland, delivered the actions outlined in the plan, working across Scotland to warn people of potential flooding, and delivering flood protection measures to reduce the risk of flooding. They also helped to develop the understanding of current and future flood risk in Scotland to help people better prepare for flooding.
This second set of plans will build on the improved understanding of flood risk developed over the last six years to highlight actions for highest risk communities. A key focus of these plans is the development of community actions, to ensure that the proposed actions benefit the wider community.
A knowledge base will be developed which enables long term adaptation plans to be established.
These plans will identify what actions need to be carried out to protect the long-term future of communities and when they need to be implemented based on monitoring of the changing climate rather than a fixed timetable.
To take part in the consultation, visit our consultation hub:
The @metoffice has issued a YELLOW weather warning for THUNDERSTORMS today (Tuesday 27th July) from 12:00 – 23:59 and a YELLOW weather warning for RAIN tomorrow (Wednesday 28th July) midnight – Thursday 29th July) 06:00am.
David Faichney, SEPA’s Duty Flooding Manager said: “A mix of heavy rain and thundery showers are expected across much of the country from Tuesday to Thursday, with the worst affected areas likely to be Easter Ross and the Great Glen, Findhorn, Moray, Nairn and Speyside, Tayside, Central, Edinburgh and Lothians and West Central Scotland.
“Due to the nature of thundery showers, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly where will be worst hit, but what we do know is that it can happen quickly and can be highly localised.
“It’s important that those out and about, holidaying, engaging in activities near rivers and streams or out hillwalking are aware of the hazards and stay safe. Some rivers and streams can rise to dangerous levels very quickly, so avoid camping near water and be very mindful of conditions if considering activities such as swimming or canoeing.
“15 regional Flood Alerts have been issued, and people living and working in affected areas are advised to plan their journeys and consider the steps they need to take now to be prepared, including keeping flood protection products, like sandbags, in place in high risk areas. You can stay up to date with regional Flood Alerts and local Flood Warnings at sepa.org.uk/floodupdates.
“Extreme weather such as prolonged heavy rain following a period of warm, dry weather, is something we will see more of as our climate changes and these patterns become more common in the future.
“SEPA is working 24/7 to monitor rainfall and river levels and is in close contact with the Met Office and other partners to review the forecasts, which are combined with local expertise from all regions of Scotland to understand and present the flooding risk. We would encourage the public to remain vigilant, especially in isolated, low lying agricultural areas susceptible to flooding. The most up-to-date information is always available on our website.”
Thunderstorms
Thunderstorms can cause very intense and localised torrential downpours, with potential dangerous flash flooding impacts.
It is very hard to predict where exactly impacts may be experienced; it can also happen suddenly, so it is important you are prepared and remain vigilant.
It is your responsibility to take action to protect yourselves and your property against flooding, for information on how to prepare visit, www.floodlinescotland.org.uk.
Be careful on the roads. Spray and sudden flooding can lead to difficult driving conditions. You should not drive through flood water.
Don’t walk through flood water – 15cm of fast flowing water could be enough to knock you off your feet and hazards can be hidden under the water.
Drive with care, and do not travel through deep fast flowing water. It only takes 30cm of fast flowing water to move an average family sized car.
If you are walking beside rivers be extra careful of wet footpaths and possibly small watercourses in spate.
Please consider deploying flooding protection products if required.
What’s the difference between a Flood Alert and a Flood Warning?
We use forecast weather information provided by the Met Office combined with our own observation of rainfall and river levels and advanced hydrological modelling to provide advance warning of flooding.
Regional Flood Alerts are early advice that flooding is possible across a wider geographical area. The purpose of the Alerts is to make people aware of the risk of flooding and be prepared. We normally issue them 12 to 24 hours in advance of the possibility of flooding.
Flood Warnings are more locally specific and are issued for areas where we have gauges on rivers to measure the exact river height. They are issued at shorter notice when we are more certain that a specific area will be affected
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is warning of an increasing water scarcity situation across the country with Northwest Scotland, Clyde, Ayrshire, Orkney and the Western Isles moving to Alert level. Most of the rest of the country is moving to the Early Warning tier, with Irvine and Ayr raised to Moderate Scarcity level.
SEPA is providing information for businesses that abstract water year-round on actions to take as resources reach critically low levels.
Changing weather patterns caused by climate change means water scarcity will become more common in Scotland.
Businesses looking for information on water scarcity and meeting licence conditions urged to contact SEPA at WaterScarcity@sepa.org.uk
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has warned of an increasing water scarcity situation across much of Scotland, with businesses which abstract water all year round being encouraged to take steps to reduce their water usage.
The latest weekly water situation report published by SEPA shows that the majority of the country has been raised to Early Warning level as conditions could deteriorate rapidly if the dry weather continues.
June has seen below average rainfall across the country and ground conditions have continued to dry rapidly over the past two weeks.
In north and south-western areas where they have experienced a relatively dry spring, many rivers have had prolonged low flows and depleted water resources.
River levels are now also low across eastern catchment areas – not unusual for the time of year – but with low rainfall forecast in the short term this situation could continue and result in impacts to the environment and affect water supplies. As a result, catchments between north Fife and Aberdeen have also been raised to alert level.
Groundwater levels are falling but so far remain within the normal range for the time of year.
The longer-term forecast suggests that there is an increased likelihood of hot, dry weather compared to normal, with a greater chance of impacts from hot weather.
Water is a resource that underpins key industries across Scotland, from food and drink production through to farming and golf course management, and while some businesses abstract seasonally, others need access to water all year round.
Those reliant on private water supplies are also feeling the effects of water scarcity. Of 22,000 private water supplies, almost 4,000 provide water to large numbers of domestic properties or businesses, including tourist accommodation, schools and care homes.
Businesses have been asked to act in order to mitigate the impacts of depleted resources in the area. These actions are:
Those in the agriculture sector still abstracting should stagger abstractions with other operators
Where possible reduce the volume of water being abstracted
Switch to other supplies or suspend abstractions if possible
Water abstractors licenced by SEPA should have a plan to deal with the range of conditions they may experience, including drought. They should monitor their water usage and equipment to ensure they are operating at maximum efficiency and avoiding any unnecessary leakage.
Changing climate patterns and extreme rainfall events put us in a position where an area can be experiencing water scarcity but still suffer from surface water flooding.
Terry A’Hearn, Chief Executive at the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, said: “The severity of the water scarcity picture in part of Scotland is further evidence that water scarcity will become more and more prevalent – and is just one of the many consequences of climate change the country faces.
“SEPA’s strategy for tackling this definitive challenge of our time is called ‘one planet prosperity’, focused on helping our communities and businesses thrive within the resources of our one planet.
“That is why it is important for businesses that abstract water to understand that SEPA is here to offer support and guidance, and we are setting out the key measures abstractors should be taking to conserve water, which is shared and finite.
“We want to work with businesses to plan long-term about their water usage so that we can preserve the resource as effectively as possible. This will protect both Scotland’s rivers and lochs and reduce their business risks.”
Businesses having difficulty obtaining water supply or that are concerned about meeting licence conditions should contact SEPA at WaterScarcity@sepa.org.uk.
Those concerned about private water supply levels should contact their local authority.
Leaders with ambition to help Scotland achieve net zero and address the climate and biodiversity emergencies have an important opportunity to shape the work of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency(SEPA).
The agency, which is changing to meet the challenges of tomorrow, is seeking applications for two new board members.
SEPA is Scotland’s principal environmental regulator. Every day SEPA works to protect and enhance Scotland’s environment, helping communities, and businesses thrive within the resources of one planet. The agency calls this One-Planet Prosperity.
As a member of SEPA’s Agency Board, applicants can help the organisation tackle local, national and international challenges, ensuring it continues to work with communities, NGOs, businesses and others to make a positive impact on Scotland’s stunning environment. The new members would join SEPA’s board in January 2022.
SEPA Chairman, Bob Downes, said: “With the eyes of the world turning to Scotland, to COP26 and global Net Zero ambitions in November, there has never been a better time to join a future focused and progressive environment protection agency addressing some of the biggest challenges and opportunities of our time.
“Our role is wide-ranging, including environmental regulation, flood forecasting and warning, helping Scotland mitigate and adapt to climate change, monitoring and reporting on the state of our environment and resolving environmental harms.
“Being a SEPA Board member is an exciting opportunity at a critical moment for the environment and through our Agency Board recruitment, we want to attract members who have a passion for making a difference for Scotland’s environment and its people.”
Candidates from diverse backgrounds with varying experiences and skills are being invited to apply for the board appointments, which have become available as two existing candidates come to the end of their time as members.
Downes continues, “we’re creating a board that reflects the diversity of Scotland and are working with Changing the Chemistry to encourage applications from under-represented communities by sharing information about the role and what to expect from the application process.”
SEPA currently has 10 Board members, who come from a variety of private, public and voluntary sector backgrounds and bring with them a wealth of knowledge and expertise, as well as passion for environmental issues.
“Applicants don’t have to have an environmental or science background to join the SEPA Board,” Downes says. “We are looking for people with strategic analytical capabilities and experience, skills that could have been developed across a range of business and government sectors, within social enterprises or voluntary positions.”
SEPA’s board is responsible for the organisation’s overall direction and performance, including its efficiency and effectiveness as a public body. It also enables the agency to deliver its statutory purpose of delivering environmental protection and improvement, while contributing to health and well-being benefits, and sustainable economic growth.
SEPA’s One Planet Prosperity strategy involves working with businesses to help them meet – and go beyond – environmental compliance, for example by reducing their use of water, carbon-based energy and raw materials and by cutting or designing-out waste.
Appointments to SEPA’s Board are made by Scottish Ministers and are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland. Appointments are normally for a four-year term with the possibility of a further term, subject to evidence of effective performance and satisfying the skills, knowledge and personal qualities required on the Board at the time of re-appointment.
As an organisation, SEPA has adapted to operating in a completely new set of circumstances and will continue to make changes to deliver in the most powerful and effective way.
Following the global health pandemic and a significant and serious criminal cyber-attack, SEPA is focused on building back better.
Members of the Board will work with the Chair and other board members and contribute effectively to the setting and monitoring of SEPA’s corporate strategy.
Anyone interested in finding out more about the Board recruitment opportunities can visit the SEPA hub, sepa.org.uk/Board and join an information session hosted by Changing the Chemistry on Monday 28 June at 6pm.
The VIBES Awards are calling on businesses across Edinburgh and Lothians to play their part in supporting Scotland to meet its target of net zero emissions of all greenhouse gases by 2045.
The announcement comes just days after the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Glasgow City Council and Global Footprint Network revealed that Earth Overshoot Day, the point at which we have already have used up our quota of the Earth’s biological resources for the year, will land on Thursday 29 July.
This is the second year Scotland has been chosen to make this global environmental announcement and reflects the vital role the country will play in climate change conversations over the course of 2021.
The VIBES Awards will recognise the vital contribution of Scottish companies who are embracing both the environmental and business benefits of a sustainable approach and showing how Scotland can help #MoveTheDate of Earth Overshoot Day in future years.
Entries for businesses to show how they are taking urgent action to halt the climate emergency have just opened at www.vibes.org.uk
The awards will also showcase the important role of Scottish businesses ahead of COP26, the annual UN climate change conference which is coming to Glasgow in November 2021.
The COP26 conference is focused on bringing together parties to tackle climate change and to create a more resilient future for everyone and the VIBES awards are helping to accelerate the pace towards net zero by shining a spotlight on some of the inspirational work already underway in Scotland to reduce the impact on climate change.
Businesses can be recognised for “environmental good practice” or “outstanding achievement” and VIBES are keen to hear from companies who have improved or changed their way of working or have products or services that will help Scotland.
SolarisKit, the world’s first flat-packable solar thermal collector, won a Good Practice Award in the 2020 VIBES awards and demonstrate both the environmental and financial benefits of environmental best practice.
The company, based in Dundee, developed an innovative prismatic design which is able to convert sunlight directly into hot water tackling some of the biggest barriers to the uptake of solar energy in developing countries.
SolarisKit’s founder Faisal Ghani developed the solar thermal collector after realising that carbon emissions from developing and emerging economies exceeded those produced from the industrialised nations. He decided the most impactful way to tackle the climate emergency was through simple and practical clean energy solutions which would not only have a massive impact on the environment but also potentially improve the lives of millions of people across the world.
Faisal Ghani, said: “The SolarisKit team and I were delighted to be acknowledged by the VIBES Awards. We strongly believe in the importance of decarbonising heat to tackle the climate emergency, and the importance of developing solutions suitable for both developing and industrialised economies. We look forward to working within the incredible Scottish eco system to achieve our mission.”
The VIBES Awards were launched in 1999 and have recognised the important contribution of almost 200 businesses in encouraging the efficient use of resources, improving environmental performance and supporting the wider goals of sustainable development.
Terry A’Hearn, Chief Executive of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) said: “In November, the eyes of the world will turn to Scotland and COP26. Together we can choose one-planet prosperity over one-planet misery.
“We can and must build from the pandemic through our global ability to plan, to protect and move at pace. Scottish business innovation helped lead the Industrial Revolution.
“In 2021 the Glasgow summit and the future we choose as each community, city, company or country, offers real hope for a new net-zero revolution, with Vibes being a key opportunity to show Scottish business leadership.”
Gillian Bruce, Chair of the VIBES Awards, said: “This is a key time for Scotland and each and every business in the country has a role to play in developing sustainable solutions.
“The VIBES Awards are proud to highlight the existing work which is underway to help Scotland move towards net zero and we hope our successful businesses can inspire others to improve their environmental practices and help to safeguard Scotland for future generations.”
The 2021 VIBES Awards ceremony will be provisionally held in October 2021 and decisions on the format of the event will be made in line with COVID regulations closer to the date.
Businesses have until 30 July 2021 to submit an application.
For further information or to enter please visit www.vibes.org.uk
The modest gains from the pandemic-induced resource-use reductions were short-lived, highlighting the urgency of driving an economic recovery where all can thrive within the means of the Earth
Earth Overshoot Day 2021 lands on July 29, Councillor Susan Aitken, the Leader of Glasgow City Council, announced today on behalf of Global Footprint Network and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).
“With almost half a year remaining, we will already have used up our quota of the Earth’s biological resources for 2021 by July 29th. If we need reminding that we’re in the grip of a climate and ecological emergency, Earth Overshoot Day is it,” she said.
The date is almost as early as 2019, after being momentarily pushed back in 2020 by the coronavirus pandemic-induced lockdowns. Notable drivers are the 6.6% carbon Footprint increase over last year, as well as the 0.5% decrease in global forest biocapacity due in large part to the spike in Amazon deforestation—in Brazil alone, 1.1 million hectares were lost in 2020 and estimates for 2021 indicate up to 43% year-over-year increase in deforestation.
“As the UN Decade of Ecosystems Restoration is launched on World Environment Day, June 5, this data makes abundantly clear that recovery plans in the post-COVID 19 era can only be successful in the long-term if they embrace regeneration and ecological resource-efficiency,” said Global Footprint Network CEO Laurel Hanscom.
Each year, Earth Overshoot Day marks the date when humanity has used all the biological resources that Earth regenerates during the entire year. Humanity currently uses 74% more than what the planet’s ecosystems can regenerate – or “1.7 Earths.”
From Earth Overshoot Day until the end of the year, humanity operates on ecological deficit spending. This spending is currently some of the largest since the world entered into ecological overshoot in the early 1970s, according to the National Footprint & Biocapacity Accounts (NFA) based on UN datasets.
In 2021 the carbon Footprint of transportation remains lower than pre-pandemic levels. CO2 emissions from domestic air travel and road transport are set to remain 5% below 2019 levels, while international aviation is expected to register 33% below, according the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Global energy-related CO2 emissions, on the other hand, are projected to rebound and grow by 4.8% from last year as the economic recovery ignites demand for fossil fuels. In particular, global coal use is anticipated to jump in 2021 and is estimated to contribute 40% of the total carbon Footprint this year.
Business-as-usual must be left behind
Last year, as the pandemic hit around the world, governments demonstrated they can act swiftly, both in terms of regulations and spending, when they put human lives above all else. The perfect storm that is brewing, as climate change impacts and biological resource security converge, requires the same level—or higher—of alertness and swift action from decision makers.
“In November, as a weary world turns its attention to Scotland and COP26, together we can choose one-planet prosperity over one-planet misery. We can and must build from the pandemic–our global ability to plan, to protect and move at pace. Scottish innovation helped lead the Industrial Revolution; in 2021, the Glasgow summit and the future we choose as each community, city, company or country, offers real hope for a new net-zero revolution,” said SEPA CEO Terry A’Hearn.
Through their infrastructure and regulatory powers, cities have significant opportunities to shape their resource efficiency and, with it, their future. Given their risk exposure, aligning their development plans with what resiliency requires in a world shaped by climate change and biological resource constraints, has become cities’ utmost priority regardless of international agreements.
“Cities are ideal living laboratories for social and environmental innovation, offering significant learning to create real-world solutions and transformation. And universities have an obligation to act in partnership with their host cities to accelerate progress toward a just and sustainable future,” said Professor Jaime Toney, director of the University of Glasgow’s Centre for Sustainable Solutions.
“We are working with a people- and place-based approach to deliver positive change for a climate-resilient city whose legacy lasts beyond COP26.”
“Let Earth Overshoot Day be our call to arms,” urged Councillor Susan Aitken, the Leader of Glasgow City Council. “In November the eyes of the world will be on Glasgow, host of COP26, the climate summit that needs to make the decisions that will deliver our planet on a safer and more sustainable future.
“We’ve got the opportunity here in Glasgow to show the world what we’re doing, coalescing together as a city to show real change, to respond to the climate and ecological emergency. Let’s put our planet first and let’s #MoveTheDate together.”
Our bathing waters start 2021 season with 94% achieving strict environmental standards
94% of Scotland’s designated bathing waters have been rated sufficient or better by SEPA for the 2021 season.
More bathing waters (34%) have been rated as ‘excellent’ since tighter standards first came into force in 2015.
Half as many bathing waters rated as ‘poor’ than in 2019.
Partnership projects are currently underway to maintain progress and further improve bathing waters including the 5 rated as ‘poor.’
Scotland’s bathing water season officially began yesterday (1 June) in what is shaping up to be a busy year for the country’s beautiful beaches.
With 2021 the year of the staycation more people will be visiting our shorelines, and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is encouraging everyone to know where they can find information on their favourite bathing location – and what they can do to help protect our water environment while they are there.
This season Scotland has more bathing waters rated as excellent, good or sufficient than at any point since tighter standards first came into force in 2015 – with 94% achieving one of the three grades. There are also half as many bathing waters rated poor as there were in 2019 – down to five from the 10 two years ago.
Scotland currently has 85 designated bathing waters, where SEPA monitors water quality during the season, which runs until 15 September. Sampling results are published online, and SEPA also has daily water quality predictions for 28 beaches which are available on its website by 10am daily. This enables visitors to decide whether their activities will include bathing, or if they will just enjoy on-shore activities.
One of the biggest impacts on the water quality at bathing waters is the weather, especially heavy rain. Because of this swimming is not advised at any bathing water during, or one to two days after, heavy rainfall as there is always a risk that water pollution may occur. This can be as a result of urban and agricultural run-off and sewerage sources.
Due to SEPA’s ongoing recovery from a complex and sophisticated cyber-attack in December 2020, the agency’s network of 29 electronic beach signs will not be fully operational for the start of season. Work is ongoing to re-introduce these over the next few weeks, and the same information is currently available on SEPA’s website.
Samples taken across the season are also used to calculate the general water quality classification for display at the start of the following season. Classifications are excellent, good, sufficient and poor, and are based on four years of monitoring data.
Due to a shortened bathing water season in 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic, it was not possible to collect the required number of samples to provide a classification. As a result each bathing water will retain the classification set at the end of 2019 – 29 Excellent; 31 good; 20 sufficient; 5 poor.
Terry A’Hearn, SEPA Chief Executive, said: “Protecting and improving our bathing waters is crucial for our environment, local economies and communities.
“We hope Scotland’s weather will enable both residents and visitors to enjoy our seaside resorts and beaches over the summer months, and with 94% of our beaches already meeting strict environmental standards, it’s great to see that there has been a continued general improvement in Scotland’s classifications over the last few years.
“While this is good progress, we understand that some local communities will be disappointed, as we are, that there are five bathing waters which have been rated as poor. Although it is important to remember that a ‘poor’ classification does not mean that water quality is poor every day – and these are still fantastic beaches to visit – SEPA is committed to the challenge of building on the progress Scotland has made and bringing all of our bathing waters up to ‘sufficient’ or better. We encourage you to look at our daily bathing water predictions.
“We continue to work with Scottish Government and our key partner organisations to help all of Scotland’s bathing waters improve in future years. Work is progressing through further investment and infrastructure improvements, along with managing pressures from rural and diffuse pollution and by engaging with communities.”
Improving water quality
All across Scotland, SEPA seeks to protect watercourses through licensing, inspection and regulation of discharges, advice and guidance to the public, industry, developers and local authorities, and pollution incident response.
SEPA officers have undertaken a series of pre-season inspections at key assets and locations across the country and will continue to monitor key locations throughout the season.
Unfortunately wet weather can have a negative impact on bathing waters. This is due to combined sewer overflows (CSOs) – which are designed to discharge diluted but minimally treated sewage to watercourses and coastal waters to prevent flooding – and run off from rural and urban environments (known as diffuse pollution). As a result SEPA advises against bathing for up to two days after heavy rain due to the risk of poor water quality.
SEPA continues to work closely with Scottish Government and Scottish Water to ensure that planned capital investment programmes aimed at upgrading sewerage infrastructure throughout the country are prioritised to maximise environmental benefits.
In addition, partnership with NFUS and Farming and Water Scotland allows us to work closely with farmers and land managers to provide advice and guidance so they can continue to minimise the impact land run-off can have on the rivers that flow into our bathing waters.
Help improve our beaches and coastlines
Visitors to Scotland’s beaches can also help to protect our water environment. SEPA supports Keep Scotland Beautiful’s (KSB) My Beach, Your Beach campaign.
Waste from animals or litter isn’t just unsightly but can have a negative impact on the water quality so we encourage the public to follow KSB’s advice to take litter home, to clean up after their dogs and to avoid feeding the gulls, ensuring a good beach experience for everyone who visits.
It’s also important that people understand the impacts what they flush away can have on the environment. Blockages can be caused by inappropriate items being flushed down toilets and poured down sinks – including fats, oils, greases and wipes. Whether you’re at home or on holiday, Scottish Water provides advice on how to protect the internal sewer network and Scotland’s water environment at www.scottishwater.co.uk/cycle.
More work underway
While there has been a positive upwards trend in Scotland’s bathing water quality due to focussed improvement plans and strong partnership working, there are a small number of beaches where poor water quality has been an issue for several years.
We have seen before how improvement projects have had a positive impact at beaches with historically poor classifications being rated as excellent, good or sufficient for the first time since 2015:
2019: Heads of Ayr (2021 excellent), Sandyhills (2021 good), Kinghorn (Harbour) (2021 sufficient) and Cruden Bay (2021 good)
As in 2020, Fisherrow Sands is not a designated bathing water this season. Despite making progress in the area to improve bathing water quality, Fisherrow Sands ended the 2019 bathing water season with a fifth ‘poor’ water quality classification.
Whilst this does not mean the beach is closed, it does mean general advice against bathing still applies at this location. Beach users may continue to make their own decisions as to whether they wish to swim.
SEPA will continue to engage with local community representatives about our monitoring work and all other actions focussing on improving the water quality in this location so that the advice against bathing may be withdrawn in future.
Ayr (South Beach)
Ayr (South Beach) currently has four poor classifications. If a poor classification is given after the 2021 season it would not be listed as a designated Bathing Water in 2022 and would have general advice against bathing displayed at the beach.
Work is currently ongoing to improve water quality and all partners are making every effort to ensure that Ayr (South Beach) meets the standard in 2021.
Since 2019, SEPA has had a targeted priority improvement plan in place at Ayr (South Beach), working with partners and regulated operators to focus efforts to protect and improve the bathing water status. Our combined resources and actions with key partners are designed to tackle all the issues which contribute to poor bathing water quality and ensure that the identified improvements are delivered and de-designation is not required.
Poorer water quality is mainly driven by rainfall and so water quality is often good – particularly during dry sunny periods. Although Ayr (South Beach) was classified ‘Poor’ overall in 2019, over 60% of the sample days showed acceptable levels.
13 Regional Flood Alerts and 22 Local Flood Warnings Now in Force.
From late Sunday across to Tuesday, West, Central, Tayside and Northern Scotland will see persistent, often heavy rain and winds, with significant flooding impacts possible, particularly around the Spey, Forth and Tay and minor impacts possible across the broader areas.
Take care when walking or travelling near coastal areas, including the Western Isles and Orkney, due to surge, strong winds and wave overtopping.
Ruth Ellis, Duty Flood Manager for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, said: “From late Sunday across to Tuesday, West, Central, Tayside and Northern Scotland will see persistent, often heavy rain and winds, with significant flooding impacts possible, particularly around the Spey, Forth and Tay and minor impacts possible across the broader areas.
“Take care when walking or travelling near coastal areas, including the Western Isles and Orkney, due to surge, strong winds and wave overtopping.
“13 Regional Flood Alerts and 22 local Flood Warnings are now in place, and people living and working in affected areas are advised to plan their essential journeys and consider the steps they need to take now to be prepared.
“Stay up to date with SEPA’s regional flood alerts and local flood warnings at sepa.org.uk/floodupdates and sign-up for our free Floodline service by calling 0345 988 1188 or by clicking floodlinescotland.org.uk.”
Staying informed
Check the latest information on SEPA’s Regional Flood Alerts and Local Floor Warnings at sepa.org.uk/floodupdates
Don’t walk through flood water – 15cm of fast flowing water could be enough to knock you off your feet and hazards can be hidden under the water.
Drive with care, and do not travel through deep fast flowing water. It only takes 30cm of fast flowing water to move an average family sized car.
If you’re walking beside rivers be extra careful of wet footpaths and possibly small watercourses in spate.
Consider deploying flooding protection products if required.
What’s the difference between a Flood Alert and a Flood Warning?
We use forecast weather information provided by the Met Office combined with our own observation of rainfall and river levels and advanced hydrological modelling to provide advance warning of flooding.
Regional Flood Alerts are early advice that flooding is possible across a wider geographical area. The purpose of the Alerts is to make people aware of the risk of flooding and be prepared. We normally issue them 12 to 24 hours in advance of the possibility of flooding.
Flood Warnings are more locally specific and are issued for areas where we have gauges on rivers to measure the exact river height. They are issued at shorter notice when we are more certain that a specific area will be affected.
The Scottish Flood Forecasting Service (SFFS) is today marking a decade of supporting the nation’s preparedness and response to flooding.
Staffed around the clock 365 days a year, the service has been combining hydrological and meteorological data to provide strengthened flood forecasting for Scotland over the last 10 years, and is a close partnership between The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the Met Office.
Its team of experts across Scotland has delivered more than 3800 national flood guidance statements. These five day forecasts are issued daily to a range of 230 organisations including emergency services and local authorities, helping emergency responders prepare in advance for the impacts of flooding.
Climate change is likely to bring increased risk of coastal, river and surface water flooding. With sea level rise and more extreme weather, including wetter winters, more intense rainfall and thundery weather in summer, the increasing importance of the service to help Scotland prepare and adapt is clear.
The service has played a critical role in forecasting impacts from some of the most significant weather events of the decade, including storms Desmond and Frank in 2015. These saw SEPA issue its first severe Flood Warning since the formation of the SFFS, and its highest number of Flood Warnings in one day (101 warnings) respectively.
Terry A’Hearn, SEPA CEO, said: “Over the last ten years, the SFFS has proved a vital service to help Scotland prepare in advance for the worst impacts of flooding. Preparation is crucial, as we saw in the last fortnight when towns from Aberdeenshire to the Scottish Borders flooded.
“The threat from flooding is real and growing. As well as posing a risk to properties, infrastructure and our environment, it can pose a serious threat to life. We and our partners at the Met Office, together with flood management authorities, community responders and communities themselves all have key roles to play as Scotland learns to live safely with flooding.”
Over the last 10 years, the Met Office has made continual improvements to the radar network and other weather technology. This enables the SFFS to issue more detailed daily flood guidance, with ever increasing lead-time and confidence.
Met Office Chief Executive Professor Penny Endersby said: “Climate change is not only resulting in a warming climate but also more intense rainfall which has a crucial bearing on the SFFS’s operations. The risk and impacts of flooding are likely to increase over the coming years, meaning we will need to continue to adapt our services.
“Forecasting skills are constantly evolving and developing thanks to world leading, cutting-edge science and technology and as we look to the future it is clear that we will need to continue to work together if we are to ensure that Scotland will continue to stay safe and thrive.”
The service was also recognised by the Royal Meteorological Society for its pioneering work to provide the UK’s first operational 24-hour surface water flood risk forecast during the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Showing street-level surface water predictions for the first time, the project was the result of joint research with Scotland’s Centre of Expertise for Waters, CREW, and has helped improve understand of flooding that doesn’t arise from rivers or the sea.
The launch of the SFFS in March 2011 was supported by the Scottish Government.
Kenny Wratten, Chair of the Local Authorities Resilience Group Scotland, said: “Getting that five day forecast of flooding every morning from SFFS helps councils plan and deliver flood mitigation and response.
“The earlier we get an indication of what’s expected and where, the better we and other responders can gear up to make best use of available resource in areas we know are most likely to be affected.
“For councils this might include extra maintenance in trouble spots, considering road closures, the deployment of flood protection measures, and making arrangements to assist people. More than anything it’s about working together using best knowledge to support our communities.”
Paul Laidlaw, Resilience Manager for the Scottish Flood Forum said: “Services from the SFFS are invaluable to the Scottish Flood Forum (SFF), as they help us to work with communities to build actions that help them prepare for flooding.
“The Flood Guidance Statement in particular helps us and other recognised community responders get enough of a heads-up to prepare where flood recovery resources may need to be deployed, to help those impacted.
“It also provides an excellent learning tool for us to help communities develop flood plans and response exercises, which alongside SEPA Flood Warning messages helps them better avoid, reduce or prevent damages that all too often can leave physical and psychological scars.”
In addition to the five-day flood forecast shared with emergency responders and those with flood-risk management duties, plans are also in progress for a public-facing three-day flood forecasting product, being developed in consultation with the public.
SEPA is Scotland’s national flood forecasting, flood warning and strategic flood risk management authority. As well as working in partnership with the Met Office to forecast for flooding, it operates Floodline in Scotland to warn the public and emergency responders when flooding is likely.
It issues regional Flood Alerts – early advice that flooding is possible – across wide geographical areas covering the length and breadth of Scotland. It also issues local Flood Warnings in areas where it has developed river system monitoring and flood risk impact knowledge. These warnings are issued at shorter notice when it is more certain that a specific area will be affected.
Vincent Fitzsimons, SEPA’s Head of Flooding, added: “There are some simple steps you can take to help prepare for flooding, including signing up to Floodline, preparing a flood plan, familiarising yourself with how to shut off energy and water supplies, having key contact numbers to hand and considering the use of flood protection products.
“And when flooding does strike, remember these five important tips;
Do not walk, drive or swim through flood water.
Do avoid any form of direct contact with flood water as it could be contaminated.
Do not use any electrical appliances.
Do move to higher ground and wait for the emergency services to find you.
Do co-operate with emergency services and your local authority who are responsible for co-ordinating relief measures.”
Members of the public can access river level data from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) for the first time since the cyber-attack on 24 December.
The data has remained available to SEPA staff ensuring delivery of nationally important flood forecasting, including Flood Alerts and Warnings, continued throughout. What was not possible was displaying the same information on public web pages.
SEPA’s river gauging network consists of over 350 sites. While between 10 and 15 percent of stations are not displaying data at present, work to bring these back online is progressing and new sites are being added every day. The page is available at sepa.org.uk/waterlevels.
Vincent Fitzsimons, SEPA’s Head of Hydrology, said: “We appreciate how valuable our river level data is, from those planning leisure activities to people looking for additional information during flooding.
“Flood Alerts and Warnings are always the most up-to-date information, but when river levels are very high and warnings are out we know residents use the site to see whether levels upstream are continuing to rise or have started to fall.
“Since the cyber-attack on Christmas Eve our staff have worked as quickly as possible to restore public access, and this is an important step in the restoration of information that we know people use.”
The river level service will still be subject to intermittent interruptions as additional work continues in the background but these will be kept to a minimum as much as possible.
The data download facility, rainfall web pages and historical river and rainfall data are not yet available.
SEPA is working to restore these services as quickly as possible and will continue to provide updates through its weekly service status updates published every Friday at at sepa.org.uk/servicestatus.
A report outlining a revised timetable for the City of Edinburgh Council’s City Plan 2030 will be now be considered by councillors on Wednesday, 10 March.
The report, which will be made public on Thursday (4 March), will say that the proposed plan will now be considered by councillors in the summer with the preference being for a committee in August.
The proposed plan was due to be considered by the Planning Committee this month but Scottish Environment Protection Agency was subject to a significant cyber attack just before Christmas which is still affecting its services.
This is having an impact on work on the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment required for the proposed plan as well as many other matters.
Cllr Neil Gardiner, Planning Convener, said: “The proposed plan will be ambitious and will help us build a more sustainable future as the Capital grows in the coming years. When complete, the proposed plan needs to be robust and not open to challenge on the credibility of the flood risk evidence, which is why we need to postpone its completion.
“I have every sympathy with SEPA and the challenges they are experiencing as a result of this incident and appreciate they are rightly focusing at the moment on immediate risks of flooding or significant breaches of the other regulatory responsibilities they have.”
