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Temporary position statement: finfish farm facilities permitted to discharge tetrasodium EDTA

Scope

This temporary regulatory position statement applies to the discharge of tetrasodium EDTA following its use as a lubricant of fish contact surfaces at marine finfish farms.

Finfish farm operators use tetrasodium EDTA lubricants to protect farmed fish when the fish are moved into a vessel at the site.

Under this temporary regulatory position, operators may discharge tetrasodium EDTA, subject to it being diluted prior to discharge to a concentration not exceeding 0. 2 mg/l.

To make sure they comply with this condition, operators must consider the volume of water in the vessel and the quantity of the lubricant that they plan to add to it prior to the water being released into the sea.

The new permit template provides for the authorisation of discharges of tetrasodium EDTA, subject to the same conditions as this temporary regulatory position.

Authorisations for marine finfish farms are in the process of being transferred onto a new permit template. The temporary regulatory position will apply until transfers are complete.

Regulatory position

SEPA will not treat discharges of contact surface lubricants with the sole active ingredient tetrasodium EDTA as non-compliances when reporting on operator compliance or for enforcement purposes provided that the tetrasodium EDTA is diluted to a concentration not exceeding 0.2 mg/l prior to its discharge.

About this position

This regulatory position remains subject to review by SEPA at any time. Provisions compatible with this position are in the process of being incorporated into all marine finfish farm permits. The position will be withdrawn once this process is complete.