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  • Construction and operation of a borehole up to 200m deep

Construction and operation of a borehole up to 200m deep

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This activity applies to the construction, extension or operation, including the decommissioning, of any borehole with a depth of less than or equal to 200m, where the activity is not authorised by water General Binding Rule 3 (GBR3).

Authorisation level

Registration

Fit and Proper Person tests

Fit and Proper Person tests apply to this activity. You will be asked in your application if you have any relevant convictions held by you or any additional persons.  

Read more about Fit and Proper Person tests

Fees and charges

An application fee applies to the application of a new authorisation for this activity.

Read our charging information for further information on application and annual activity fees.

Information on the application fees to transfer, vary or surrender a registration that authorises this activity, is in our charging information.

Standard conditions

Your registration application will only be granted if you can confirm you are able to comply with the standard conditions set out below.

If you carry out an activity under a registration authorisation you must comply with the standard conditions. It is an offence if you do not comply with the conditions.

SEPA will not authorise this activity if it poses an unacceptable risk to the environment.

  1. Drilling fluids used during the construction of the borehole must not result in the introduction of substances or heat to the water environment that may cause harm to the water environment.

  2. Measures must be taken to prevent:

    1. the introduction of pollutants to groundwater;
    2. the mixing of groundwater of different chemical compositions in the water environment;
    3. the flow of groundwater between separate aquifers; and
    4. the loss of groundwater.

  3. When no longer in use the borehole must be back filled or sealed to the extent necessary to avoid:

    1. loss of groundwater from any aquifer; and
    2. the entry of pollutants or water of a different chemical composition into any body of groundwater. 

  4. The borehole must be located 50 metres or more from any spring, well or borehole that supplies water for human consumption that was in existence on the date of application for this authorisation.

How to apply

In this section you can find out how to apply for a new authorisation and how to apply for a variation, transfer and surrender of an existing authorisation.

New applications

You can apply for a new registration for this activity using our digital application service.

Step 1: Download your activity form

You will need to download and complete the following activity form. The completed form will be submitted as part of your application:

Step 3: Submit using our digital application service

You can submit your completed application using our digital application service.

Make an application for a new authorisation

You can apply to vary an existing registration for this activity. Please note, this is the same activity form as applying for a new registration or transferring an existing one.

Step 1: Download your activity form

You will need to download and complete the following activity form. The completed form will be submitted as part of your application:

  • R-WAT-D1: Construction works for boreholes less than or equal to 200m

Step 2: Submit your application for a variation

Make an application to vary an authorisation

You can apply to transfer an existing registration for this activity. Please note, this is the same activity form as applying for a new registration or varying an existing one.

Step 1: Download your activity form

You will need to download and complete the following activity form. The completed form will be submitted as part of your application:

  • R-WAT-D1: Construction works for boreholes less than or equal to 200m

Step 2: Submit your application

Read Transfer an existing authorisation to find out how to submit your application for a transfer.

To apply to surrender an existing registration that authorises this activity, read Surrender an existing authorisation

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