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  • Channel modification of a previously modified minor watercourse

Channel modification of a previously modified minor watercourse

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This activity applies to channel modification of a minor watercourse:

  1. where the length of channel affected is less than or equal to 500 metres;
  2. where the channel has been previously modified; and
  3. that has a bed of sand, silt or clay.

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 other 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. The authorised activity must not alter the existing bed width.

  2. The authorised activity must not result in any steps or sudden changes in the gradient of the bed:

    1. within the modified channel; or
    2. where the section of the channel being modified joins the non-worked section of the channel.

  3. The authorised activity and any associated construction works:

    1. must not be undertaken in the wetted part of a watercourse or loch unless it is impracticable to complete the works otherwise;
    2. must not be undertaken in the wetted part of any watercourse or loch when fish are likely to be spawning in the watercourse or loch, nor during the period between such spawning and the subsequent emergence of juvenile fish;
    3. must not have a significant impact on the water environment as a result of:
      1. iridescence or sheen;
      2. discolouration;
      3. deposition of solids; or
      4. increased foaming.
    4. must not cause significant erosion of the bed or banks;
    5. must not cause harm to freshwater pearl mussels;
    6. must not cause harm to fish;
    7. must not cause the spread of invasive non-native species within the water  environment;
    8. must not prevent the passage of migratory fish;
    9. must not have a significant impact on any supply of water for human consumption; or
    10. must not result in the introduction of any substance or heat to the water environment, which may cause harm to the water environment.

  4. Once the authorised activity and any associated construction works have commenced, they must be completed as soon as reasonably practicable.

  5. Any associated construction works on the bed or bank, must be removed as soon as reasonably practicable after the completion of the authorised activity.

  6. Where the channel, bed or banks immediately adjacent to the authorised activity, have been adversely impacted by the authorised activity, they must be reinstated at least to their condition immediately prior to the works, as soon as reasonably practicable.

  7. Where the channel, bed or banks have been adversely impacted by any associated construction works, they must be reinstated at least to their condition immediately prior to the works, as soon as reasonably practicable.

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-F2: Channel modification of a previously modified minor watercourse

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-F2: Channel modification of a previously modified minor watercourse

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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