Rural diffuse pollution
A programme of rural diffuse pollution work started in March 2010, to help deliver the objectives outlined in the river basin management plans (RBMPs) for the Scotland and Solway-Tweed river basin districts.
Diffuse pollution priority catchments have been identified by SEPA as catchments failing to meet environmental standards. Visit our diffuse pollution priority catchments page for more information.
General binding rules
There are general binding rules for rural land use activities in the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations (EASR).
All rural land users have a responsibility to ensure they are working in line with these GBR’s. You can find out about the GBRs on our EASR web pages.
The rural land use GBRs have been developed from already widely accepted good practice guidance, such as the Prevention of Environmental Pollution from Agricultural Activity code (PEPFAA). The GBRs present a statutory baseline which should provide a general level of environmental protection and contribute significantly to water quality improvements. There are no fees associated with the GBRs and no application forms. However, each GBR has rules which specify what be complied with.
Useful links
- Constructed wetlands manual
- Farming and Water Scotland (know the rules)
- Forests and water guidelines
- PEPFAA code
- Valuing Your Soils
- Water Environment Fund
Contact us
If you have any questions or require any further information or advice on any aspect of diffuse pollution priority catchments, please contact us.