Run-off from developments built before 1 April 2007

This General Binding Rule (GBR) applies to the discharge of water run-off from a surface water drainage system to the water environment from buildings, roads other than water-bound roads, yards, or any other built development constructed before 1 April 2007, with the exception of run-off from any motorway or trunk road where:

1. any one outfall serves a length of road greater than 1 kilometre, and
2. the footprint of the road or its associated infrastructure is enlarged or otherwise altered on or after 1 April 2007.

Authorisation level

General Binding Rule (GBR)

Rules

Run-off from developments built before 1 April 2007 is covered by General Binding Rules. If you intend to carry out this activity, and you comply with the rules set out below, your activity will be authorised. You don’t need to apply to SEPA for an authorisation.

If you carry out an activity under this authorisation you must comply with the rules. It is an offence if you do not comply with the rules.

If you cannot comply with the rules, you will need a different type of authorisation.

General Binding Rule (GBR) for run-off from developments built before 1 April 2007

1. All reasonable steps must be taken to ensure that the discharge does not result in the introduction of any substance or heat to the water environment which may give rise to harm to the water environment,

2. the discharge must not—

   1. contain any trade effluent or domestic sewage,
   2. result in visible discolouration, iridescence, foaming or sewage fungus in the water environment, or
   3. contain any water run-off from a construction site,

3. the discharge must not result in the destabilisation of the banks or bed of the receiving surface water,

4. all facilities with which the surface water drainage system is equipped to avoid the introduction of any substance or heat to the water environment which may give rise to harm to the water environment, including oil interceptors, silt traps and SUD system attenuation, settlement and treatment facilities, must be maintained in good order and repair,

5. all reasonable steps must be taken to ensure that any matter liable to block, obstruct, or otherwise impair the ability of the surface water drainage system to avoid the introduction of any substance or heat to the water environment, which may give rise to harm to the water environment, is prevented from entering the drainage system.

Help and guidance

• Glossary of terms
• WAT-G-056: EASR Guidance: The discharge of water run-off from a surface water drainage system from built developments.