Permit application determination

Validation of permit application

Purpose:

To record the details of the application and to assess whether all the required information has been provided. Please contact us before submitting an application. aquaculture.pre-app@sepa.org.uk

Process:

1. The applicant submits the completed application forms and all required supporting information to SEPA via registry@sepa.org.uk. 
2. SEPA Registry pass to SEPA lead officer.
3. The SEPA lead officer checks that the application forms have been completed and signed, and that the correct application fee is included.
4. The SEPA lead officer will provide the applicant with their contact details and either accept the application or ask for missing information or return the application.

Supporting Information

• Marine pen fish farm operation licence application

Consultation on the permit application

Purpose:

To seek the opinion of statutory consultees (including the local authority, District Salmon Fisheries Board and government agencies) regarding the application proposals and to provide an opportunity for other interested parties to make representations about the application.

Process:

1. SEPA creates a consultation package and publishes it on the Consultation Hub.
2. SEPA sends letters to relevant statutory consultees and notifies the applicant that they must place an advert in the national and local press.
3. SEPA notifies individuals and groups who attended the pre-application engagement meeting(s).
4. Consultation responses and third-party representations must be sent to SEPA Registry within 28 days
5. SEPA Registry collates the responses and sends them to the SEPA lead officer for consideration.

Post-consultation review of modelling and monitoring summary reports

Purpose:

To review the Modelling and Monitoring Summary Reports to take account of information received from consultees and third-party representations.

Process:

1. SEPA holds an internal case review meeting with SEPA Ecology, SEPA Modelling and aquaculture specialists to assess the implications of the consultation feedback on the permit determination.
2. SEPA lead officer ensures notes of the case review meeting are recorded.

Supporting Information

• WAT-RM-20 advertising & consultation.

Determining the permit application

Purpose:

To reach a decision as to whether the application can be granted and to ensure that the permit contains all conditions, which are necessary to protect the environment.

Process:

1. SEPA lead officer collates advice from SEPA Modelling, SEPA Ecology and SEPA Chemistry regarding the application and supporting information.
2. A draft permit, setting appropriate limits and controls, is produced and sent to the applicant to review.
3. The draft permit may go to SEPA internal review.
4. If the internal review process recommends changes to the draft permit, these will be considered and any revised draft will be sent to the applicant.
5. The draft permit is issued to the applicant, statutory consultees and third parties who made representations during the consultation process. This is referred to as the 21 day notice period.
6. Statutory consultees and third parties who have received letters may then request that the application be called-in for determination by Scottish Government Ministers. SEPA informs the consultees and respondents of the draft permit.
7. The applicant may appeal if they consider the conditions in the permit or the refusal to issue a permit are unreasonable.
8. SEPA issues the permit to the applicant and puts the details on the public register.

Supporting Information

• Marine Pen Fish Farm Permit Template (for sites on the interim EmBz Standard of 272 ng/kg)
• Marine Pen Fish Farm Permit Template (for sites on the interim EmBz Standard of 763 ng/kg)

The Permit template is currently under review for the addition of sea lice controls. The finalised template will be updated prior to any determinations under the Sea Lice Regulatory Framework being completed.