General public

SEPA is the public body responsible for protecting and improving the environment. A successful Scotland needs a strong economy and a healthy society and both depend on having a good quality environment. Our duties include:

dealing with pollution incidents
enforcing environmental laws and regulations
measuring the condition of the environment against standards
working as Scotland’s flood-warning authority
influencing, educating, informing and offering guidance.

SEPA employs around 1,300 staff across the country, working in a wide range of disciplines. These include chemistry, ecology, environmental regulation, hydrology, communications, engineering and quality control. The links below provide information and advice for individuals and communities: