Working In Rivers
Working in Rivers
Working in rivers is sometimes necessary and it is important that the habitat and wildlife they hold are protected. There are also a number of rules and organisations who need to be informed if you plan to work in rivers.Â
Working in rivers, lochs or on their banks is regulated by SEPA and other organisations, it is important to notify them all if working in rivers so that the various laws protecting the water environment are not breached. In some cases, if the rules and regulations are not followed it could result in a fine or even a criminal record.Â
Below are a few organisations who you may need to contact to gain permissions or authorisations to carry out work in the water environment.Â
Scottish Environment Protection Agency
In the first instance, you should always speak to SEPA if you want to carry out works to a river channel, its banks or a loch. There are a number of activities which are licensed and require permissions to undertake the works which SEPA regulates. Under the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011, SEPA regulates activites such as discharges into the water environment, diffuse pollution, abstractions, engineering works to inland waters and groundwater.Â
SEPA have powers to enforce the above regulations and issue licenses to permit breaches and allow works to take place. Please visit SEPA to find out more on how to work in the aquatic environment and what works are regulated.Â
Forth District Salmon Fishery Board
The Forth District Salmon Fishery Board is the statutory organisation in charge of salmon and sea trout management within the Forth. This encompasses all rivers which flow into the estuary and firth of Forth. The Board has a sole purpose of protecting and enhancing salmon, sea trout and freshwater fish in rivers and lochs, and they have a range of powers to do this. The Board was first created under the Salmon Fisheries (Scotland) Act 1868 which has subsequently been amended over the years. Currently, the Board enforces the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 2003 which empowers the Board to protect fish and their habitat.
The Board is also a consultee for CAR licenses and should be consulted as part of the licensing process. You should also get in touch with the Board at an early stage to determine if the works breach current fishery legislation. If in breach of this legislation it could result in fines and a criminal record.
Forth Rivers Trust
The Forth Rivers Trust can provide advice on working in the aquatic environment and can help guide you through the various processes put in place to protect it. If you are planning a project which involves working in-stream and would like advice on how to mitigate the impact to habitats and wildlife, please get in touch and we can arrange a quote depending on your requirements. Please contact trust@forthriverstrust.org
Forth Rivers Consulting
Forth Rivers Consulting is the consultancy trading arm of the Forth Rivers Trust.Â
Through this connection, Forth Rivers Consulting has an unrivalled knowledge of the Forth District, specialising in the provision of ecological services with a specific, but not exclusive, focus on river or riparian habitats and species. These services are delivered by a highly trained and experienced team with backgrounds in consultancy, academia and conservation.
If you require any ecological surveys, advice or support, please get in touch and we can arrange a quotation depending on your requirements. Please email enquiries@forthriversconsulting.co.ukÂ
To find out more about our consultancy work, click the link below or visit www.forthriversconsulting.co.uk
