Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) - Further Information
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is the statutory agency responsible for protecting the water environment. SEPA requires the use of effective, appropriate sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) features in new developments.
The Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) is an independent member-based, not-for-profit association. CIRIA promotes good practice in the use of SuDS with its Susdrain website. You can now download the "Benefits of SuDS" tool (BeST).
- CIRIA: SUSDRAIN
- SUSDRAIN: Videos on You Tube
- SUDSDRAIN: more resources including for householders
- CIRIA: The SUDS Manual (2015)
- CIRIA: Guidance on the construction of SuDS (2018)
- SUSDRAIN: Climate Proofing Housing Landscapes (SHORT FILM)
The Sustainable Drain Systems Network provides a UK-wide network for researchers, practitioners, agencies, developers and all those who are interested in SuDS.
SUDSnet: UK wide network for all involved with SUDS
Central Scotland Green Network has produced a guide for developers that describes simple measures to incorporate SuDS features into garden design.
Central Scotland Green Network: Raingardens for developers
Environmental management systems
If you are implementing an environmental management system for your business, you'll need to compile a legislation directory. In Scotland you may need to add the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2005 (SI 2005/348) to your directory. These regulations require that all new developments use SuDS to control surface water run-off to the water environment, unless the run-off is from a single dwelling or is to coastal waters.
Scottish SuDS Legislation
The Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 These Regulations apply regulatory controls over activities which may affect Scotland’s water environment.
The Water Environment (Controlled Activities)(Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2013These Regulations amend the rules governing a number of activities that affect the water environment, including works close to or in watercourses, certain agricultural activities and the storage and use of pesticides.
The Water Environment (Miscellaneous) (Scotland) Regulations 2017
The Regulations amend existing general binding rules (GBRs) 3, 9 to 13, 15, 17 to 20, 23 and 24, and inserts new GBRs 25 to 28. Consolidate the oil storage regulations into the Controlled Activities Regulations (CAR) and extend them to include storage in depots for the onward distribution of oil.