Environmental Performance Assessment Scheme (EPAS) - a fair way to report performance​ 

From 2009 to 2019 we applied a Compliance Assessment Scheme (CAS). This scheme assessed compliance throughout the year and published it on an annual basis. The CAS rating applied for the whole calendar year (January to December) and was calculated and generally published in the following year. This scheme assessed compliance with authorisations for water, industrial, waste management and radioactive substances regimes. The last published compliance information was for 2019. Prior to 2019 we were developing a new scheme and in 2015 and 2017 we formally consulted on proposals*. 

In these previous consultations, we received strong support for: 

• Simplifying the scheme. 

• Focusing on issues that cause environmental harm. 

• Continuous assessment and reporting in preference to annual reporting. 

In 2020 we took the decision to pause the application of CAS during the global pandemic, turning our focus to supporting regulated businesses to comply throughout this challenging period. In 2021, following a cyber-attack, we took the decision not to reinstate 2009-2019 CAS and develop a new scheme supported by modern digital systems, building on feedback received from operators and industry trade bodies. Ongoing compliance verification and taking enforcement action where necessary has continued as usual throughout this time. 

In April 2023 we began assessing operators’ compliance according to our three categories of compliance and major non-compliance draft definitions. However, we made clear that we would only recommence publication once we had consulted on EPAS. 

EPAS is dependent on the delivery of appropriate digital systems following this consultation. We will confirm how EPAS will operate and timescales for implementation of EPAS by March 2026. 

*Consultation on the revision of the Compliance Assessment Scheme 2015. 

*SEPA Compliance Assessment Scheme Consultation Analysis 2017