Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018: ​Proposed Standard Conditions for Registration level activities
2.4.5. Installation of a crossing: Activity F5
Activity description
The installation of a crossing (excluding crossings with piers, causeways and fords) across a watercourse that has a bed width of less than or equal to 2 metres or a loch where:
(a) part of the crossing is on the bed and the total cumulative length of channel affected is less than or equal to 15 metres; and
(b) the total cumulative length of all banks affected is less than or equal to 50 metres.
Standard conditions
- The authorised activity must not create a step in the bed.
- The authorised activity must not alter the existing bed width.
- The artificial base of any crossing must be laid below the existing bed level.
- 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.
- Once the authorised activity and any associated construction works have commenced, they must be completed as soon as reasonably practicable.
- Any associated construction works on the bed or bank, must be removed as soon as reasonably practicable after the completion of the authorised activity.
- 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.
- 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.
Interpretation of terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Bank toe | The lowest point on the bank of a watercourse or loch, where the bank meets the bed of the watercourse or loch. |
| Bed width | The straight line distance that is between the opposite bank toes of a river, burn or ditch, and which spans the bed of the river, burn or ditch, including any exposed bars and vegetated islands. |
| Crossing | Any structure which is constructed and installed for the purpose of supporting a footpath, cycle route or transport route across any river, burn, ditch or loch or any pipe, pipeline or cable which crosses over or underneath any river, burn, ditch or loch, but excluding temporary crossings, impounding works and culverts installed for land gain. |
| Invasive non-native species | Has the same meaning as those in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 for “invasive species of plant outwith its native range” and “invasive species of animal outwith its native range.” |
| Loch | A body of standing inland water. |
| Watercourse | Includes all rivers, streams, ditches, drains, cuts, culverts, dykes, sluices and passages through which water flows and includes artificial watercourses and underground watercourses. |
| Water for human consumption. | Water that may be ingested by humans, used in the preparation of food or drink, or used in the cleaning of materials involved in the storage or consumption of food or drink. |
Rationale
The standard conditions are similar to those found in existing registration level water authorisations granted under CAR.