Options to address fish barriers Anthony Watkins & Jenny Davies June 2017

Asset barriers These structures are part of a key piece of infrastructure such as; Culverts Bridge Aprons/ pre weirs They serve a purpose and so cannot be removed, but they can usually be adapted.

Options to adapt structures Baffles Pre weirs Rock ramps Technical fish pass By-pass channels

Baffles

Baffles

Pre weirs

Pre weirs

Pre weirs – rock

Rock ramp

Technical fish pass

By-pass channel

£££ Finances £££ There is no additional funding for asset barriers but SEPA staff will provide technical support. Disproportionate cost and technical feasibility will be considered. Historic barriers that are owned by a responsible authority are eligible for 75% funding from Scottish Government and will be supported by SEPA staff. Objectives are phased, 2021 and 2027, to help schedule resources.

Asset management plans 10 year plan with each local authority to deliver the RBMP objectives Developed in partnership Will take in to account the existing local authority management plans The plans will be supported by a statutory notice – a remedial notice.

Remedial notices New legislation - The Water Environment (Remedial Measures) (Scotland) Regulations 2016 Give SEPA the power to serve, vary or revoke a remedial measures notice on a responsible authority These notices require improvement work to be carried out to meet an RBMP objective. Will be drafted with partner organisations to set agreed timescales. Potentially could be used as an enforcement tool in exceptional circumstances.

Licensing requirements The Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2015 These regulations cover all work in the water environment. Upgrading structures to allow fish passage is seen as environmental improvement so these licenses are free. Responsible Person should be the persons doing the work.

Partnership approach We appreciate that public sector has huge resource pressures. We will help by providing technical support throughout the process We will help to find low cost, simple solutions where possible.

Summary We want to work with you to find the most straight forward solution. Although we cannot fund improvements we will provide technical support. Remedial notice will formalise agreement to deliver works and help secure funding.