SEPA’s Chief Executive, Terry A’Hearn, said:
The recent flooding we have seen has caused significant disruption, damage and heartache across large parts of Scotland. I want to make sure that everyone knows SEPA staff are here to provide any help and advice that people need.
“We appreciate that there is a lot of work that needs to be carried out to help get things working again, and in some cases significant repair work will be necessary. Contrary to some reports there is repair work that can be carried out without the need for authorisation from, or contact with, SEPA. This includes works to repair or replace like for like structures that have failed or washed away, dredging small straightened ditches, and removing vegetation and fallen trees. If you’re unsure whether the work you want to carry out fits into this category you are always welcome to contact one of our offices and talk it through with one of our officers.
“There is more significant work that will need a registration or licence and we operate a fast track process to ensure rapid authorisation if required in emergency situations. If you’re considering this kind of work I encourage you to discuss your proposals as soon as possible with your local SEPA office where our officers are ready to assist.
“Wet weather is continuing over parts of Scotland and we are still working closely with all parties in Local Resilience Groups. This work will also continue during the recovery phase. We do appreciate that there is a wider discussion about routine river maintenance and will continue to participate in these discussions after this incident is over.”
More information is available in the Repair work in rivers after recent floods advice note available on our website, but the following can be carried out without contacting SEPA.
- Works to repair or replace structures, like for like, that have failed or washed away. This includes embankments and bridges.
- Removing vegetation.
- Removing fallen trees or litter.
- Dredging small straightened ditches, of less than 1 metre width across the bed.
- Dredging within closed culverts, and up to 10 metres either side.
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