Regulating noise and odour
Noise
Activities we regulate
SEPA has a remit to regulate noise pollution from specific categories of industrial and waste management activities if they are subject to controls under the Environment Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018 (as amended) – known as EASR. Activities which are not controlled by EASR but produce excessive noise impact may be classed as a statutory nuisance and are dealt with by local authorities under Part III of EPA90.
In the context of EASR, noise can be considered to cause pollution if it results in offence to human senses or impairs or interferes with amenities and other legitimate uses of the environment.
How we regulate
SEPA carry out routine inspections at EASR authorised sites. We also respond to public complaints and will take appropriate action if an authorisation condition is not being complied with.
If you are experiencing noise pollution you can contact SEPA here.
Published guidance
All sites with the potential to generate off-site noise impact must have a noise management plan (NMP). SEPA have published a NMP template to assist operators holding an EASR authorisation to demonstrate compliance with their obligations.
Odour
Activities we regulate
SEPA has a remit to regulate the emission of odours from specific categories of industrial, waste management and agricultural activities if they are subject to controls under the Environment Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018 (as amended) – known as EASR. Activities which are not controlled by EASR but produce offensive odour may be classed as a statutory nuisance and are dealt with by local authorities under Part III of EPA90.
In the context of EASR, odour can be considered to cause pollution by causing offence to human senses, or harm to human health, or impairs or interferes with amenities and other legitimate uses of the environment. Therefore, if there is a risk of offensive odour from a SEPA regulated activity, EASR authorisations will have odour control conditions.
How we regulate
SEPA carry out routine inspections at EASR authorised sites. We also respond to public complaints and will take appropriate action if an authorisation condition is not being complied with.
If you are experiencing offensive odours, you can contact SEPA here.
Published guidance
We have published odour guidance on dealing with activities that could cause offensive odour. Although the guidance is aimed at SEPA officers, it can also be referred to by members of the public and operators of EASR authorised sites.
All sites with the potential to generate offensive odours must have an odour management plan (OMP). SEPA have published an OMP template to assist operators holding an EASR authorisation to demonstrate compliance with their obligations.