SEPA is launching a consultation on a proposed Environmental Performance Assessment Scheme (EPAS) – which it says will be a fairer way of reporting on how businesses are meeting their environmental responsibilities.
SEPA said the people of Scotland need to be confident that regulated businesses are achieving good environmental performance and the environment is protected from pollution and harm. The agency said that compliance with environmental laws is the minimum that businesses should be seeking to achieve, and that whilst it will always use regulatory powers to secure compliance, EPAS will provide greater transparency for the public and provide an additional incentive.
EPAS is designed to consider more than just compliance. It also takes account of the severity any environmental harm caused, and how long it takes an operator to resolve a non-compliance.
EPAS will provide real-time updates on business environmental performance, replacing outdated annual assessments. The majority of operators in Scotland achieve good environmental performance and the scheme will enable them to demonstrate this, while those falling short will be held publicly accountable faster than ever before. SEPA said its regulatory priority is those businesses who have unacceptable performance with no credible plan to recover compliance.
David Harley, SEPA’s Acting Chief Officer, Regulation Business and Environment, said:
“As Scotland’s principal environmental regulator, our job is to ensure Scotland’s environmental laws are complied with.
“This proposed performance assessment scheme seeks to be fair and transparent. It raises the bar, helping us ensure that Scotland’s environment is protected. EPAS is designed to be responsive, benefiting responsible operators who are doing the right thing.
“However unacceptable performance puts the environment and people at risk. EPAS will shine a spotlight on these operators, giving communities and responsible businesses confidence that action is being taken.”
SEPA wants feedback from businesses, industry leaders and communities.
The consultation runs from 31st March to 30th June. A series of engagement activities are being planned from late-April to early June to give interested participants an opportunity to find out more.
