Public Participation in Environmental Matters: A Consultation
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Public Participation on what?
A1. (i) plans and programmes on air quality and on nitrate vulnerable zone regimes
(ii) applications for permits under the pollution prevention and control regime
Q2. Who may participate?
A2. Those affected or likely to be affected by or have an interest in plans, programmes or permits; and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in particular on permitting under Pollution, Prevention and Control (PPC).
Q3. New?
A3. No, but the existing arrangements are formalised and, in PPC, enhanced. The specific participation of NGOs is new.
Q4. Why now?
A4. This updating is part of a process driven by thinking in the UN Aarhus Convention of 1998 and in EU Directive 2003/35 of 2003. The updated provisions must be in place by 25 th June 2005.
Q5. Is this the whole picture?
A5. No. Similar updating is taking place in respect of public participation on environmental impact assessment and waste regimes. Arrangements for those will be announced shortly.
Q6. What role is envisaged for environmental Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs?)
A6. They will have an opportunity to participate in the process of considering applications for permits issued by SEPA under the PPC regime and also in having the legality of permitting decisions on PPC reviewed in the court.
Q7. Who are the contacts for copies, responses or queries?
A7. All given in the consultation document; together with links to relevant documents
Q8. What's the deadline for responses?
A8. 12 th May 2005. Comments welcome earlier
Q9. What is a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone?
A.9 A Nitrate Vulnerable Zone is an area of land where the use of agricultural fertilisers is restricted in order to protect waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources. Further information is available from:- http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Agriculture/Environment/NVZintro/NVZintr
Q.10 Where are the Nitrate Vulnerable Zones in Scotland?
A.10 Four areas in Scotland were designated as NVZs in Moray, Aberdeenshire, Banff and Buchan, Strathmore and Fife, Lothian and Borders, and Lower Nithsdale. These areas can be viewed on:- http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Agriculture/Environment/NVZintro/NVZmap1
Small changes in the way we perform everyday tasks can have huge impacts on Scotland's environment.
Walking short distances rather than using the car, or being careful not to overfill the kettle are just two positive steps we can all take.
This butterfly represents the beauty and fragility of Scotland's environment. The motif will be utilised extensively by the Scottish Executive and its partners in their efforts to persuade people they can do a little to change a lot.