Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018: ​Proposed Standard Conditions for Registration level activities

Activity description

Channel modification of a minor watercourse:

(a) where the length of channel affected is less than or equal to 500 metres;

(b) where the channel has been previously modified; and

(c) that has a bed of sand, silt or clay.

Standard conditions

1. The authorised activity must not alter the existing bed width.
    
2. The authorised activity must not result in any steps or sudden changes in the gradient of the bed:
   
   (a) within the modified channel; or
   (b) where the section of the channel being modified joins the non-worked section of the channel.
    
3. The authorised activity and any associated construction works:
   
   (a) must not be undertaken in the wetted part of a watercourse or loch unless it is impracticable to complete the works otherwise;
   
   (b) must not be undertaken in the wetted part of any watercourse or loch when fish are likely to be spawning in the watercourse or loch, nor during the period between such spawning and the subsequent emergence of juvenile fish;
   
   (c) must not have a significant impact on the water environment as a result of:
   
      (i) iridescence or sheen;
      (ii) discolouration;
      (iii) deposition of solids; or
      (iv) increased foaming.
   
   (d) must not cause significant erosion of the bed or banks;
   
   (e) must not cause harm to freshwater pearl mussels;
   
   (f) must not cause harm to fish;
   
   (g) must not cause the spread of invasive non-native species within the water environment;
   
   (h) must not prevent the passage of migratory fish;
   
   (i) must not have a significant impact on any supply of water for human consumption;
   
   or
   
   (j) must not result in the introduction of any substance or heat to the water environment, which may cause harm to the water environment.
    
4. Once the authorised activity and any associated construction works have commenced, they must be completed as soon as reasonably practicable.
    
5. Any associated construction works on the bed or bank, must be removed as soon as reasonably practicable after the completion of the authorised activity.
    
6. Where the channel, bed or banks immediately adjacent to the authorised activity, have been adversely impacted by the authorised activity, they must be reinstated at least to their condition immediately prior to the works, as soon as reasonably practicable.
    
7. Where the channel, bed or banks have been adversely impacted by any associated construction works, they must be reinstated at least to their condition immediately prior to the works, as soon as reasonably practicable.