Throughout the process it will be important to consult with statutory bodies and special interest groups who may have a responsibility and/or interest in the environmental effects of options. Under the SEA Act, Responsible Authorities must consult with Consultation Authorities at certain reporting stages in the SEA's development. They may be called upon to give information and advice during the preparation of an assessment. The main areas of expertise of statutory bodies are set out in Table 7.7. In addition to statutory bodies, non-statutory national and local interest groups, community organisations and individuals may also have an interest in the assessment of environmental effects.
The approach to each organisation may be different as some will be principally information providers, while others have statutory functions to perform or simply hold opinions on particular topics. Local knowledge may raise issues of which the statutory bodies may not be aware (e.g. presence of protected species). It is good practice to develop a consultation strategy and protocol, at an early stage in the process. This will identify the relevant parties for consultation and the appropriate method of approach.
Table 7.7: Environmental Consultation Bodies|
Consultation body |
Area of expertise |
|
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH)(Consultation Authority under SEA) |
Natural heritage including wildlife, landscape and earth science interests, recreation and access. |
|
Scottish Water |
Exercising water and sewerage functions and having a duty to further the conservation and enhancement of natural beauty, flora and fauna and geological and physiological features of special interest. |
|
Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)(Consultation Authority under SEA) |
Control of pollution to land, air, sea and water; conservation; waste management and flooding risk. |
|
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) |
Hazardous installations, Control of Major Accident Hazard Regulations (COMAH) sites, licensed explosives factories, magazines and ports, licensed nuclear sites. |
|
Historic Scotland (HS)(Consultation Authority under SEA) |
Built heritage, including scheduled monuments and other archaeological sites/landscapes, listed buildings and conservation areas, historic gardens and designed landscapes |
|
Scottish Government Environment and Rural Affairs Department (SEERAD) |
Air, waste and water interests, agricultural land and fisheries. |
|
Planning authorities |
Land-use planning policies and options. |
It is important to note that for options requiring a SEA or EIA to be completed, there are specific reporting and consultation requirements. Further guidance is provided in the SEA toolkit.
