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  • Dredging authorisation guidance

Dredging authorisation guidance

The flowchart (below) provides guidance on when authorisation from SEPA is required to carry out dredging, sediment management, or clearing outfalls and culverts in Scotland. It also details which General Binding Rules (GBRs) apply based on the type of activity and location. If your activity poses a serious threat to human welfare or infrastructure, then emergency provisions will apply and you should contact SEPA immediately.  

If you want to dredge, clear sediment, or other debris from a watercourse then follow the steps below: 

  1. Only clearing debris or vegetation AND working only on a completely manmade drainage ditch? 

  • Yes: No need to contact SEPA before starting. Stop here. 

  • No: Go to step 2 

  1. Removing sediment from within 10 metres upstream of a weir? 

  • Yes: GBR 12 applies (Note: If using machinery in the water, GBR 9 also applies) 

  • No: Got to step 3 

  1. Removing sediment from within 10 metres of a culvert OR within 5 metres of a surface water outfall? 

  • Yes: GBR 13 applies (Note: If using machinery in the water, GBR 9 also applies) 

  • No: Go to step 4 

  1. Removing sediment from a previously straightened watercourse with an average bed width of less than 1 metre?  

  • Yes: GBR 5 applies (Note: If using machinery in the water, GBR 9 also applies) 

  • No: If you have answered no to steps 2-4 then authorisation may be needed for your activity. Find out more here [link or “search dredging”) 

Note: Is there a serious threat to human welfare or infrastructure? If yes, the emergency provisions may apply, contact SEPA immediately.