How are surface waters and groundwater protected from pollution in Scotland?
You are committing an offence if, without SEPA’s authorisation, you: • carry out an activity liable to cause water pollution • discharge List I substances to groundwater • discharge List II substances to groundwater in concentrations that are liable to cause pollution. List I substances must be prevented from directly or indirectly entering groundwater. They are damaging and toxic, and include: • many pesticides (including sheep dip) and herbicides • many solvents • mineral oils and hydrocarbons • cadmium and mercury. Some disposal of List I substances may be authorised, following prior investigation demonstrating there is no entry of the substance into groundwater. List II substances must be prevented from causing pollution of groundwater. They include: • many metals, such as zinc, lead, copper • many biocides • phosphorous • fluorides • ammonia and nitrates.
