Pollution to land, air and water can have serious health and environmental implications unless strictly controlled.
There is a range of regulations and strategies in place to control environmental pollution and emissions from most major industries.
Implementation of pollution control regulations is primarily the responsibility of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and local authorities.
SEPA is responsible for a range of activities to ensure
emissions are prevented, minimised or rendered harmless
Local Authorities are responsible for addressing a
number of local environmental issues, for example, air
quality, contaminated land, noise and litter
A great deal of polluted land has been inherited from
past generations when little or no consideration was given
to the impact of industrial activities on the
environment
The main controls on industrial pollution are through
Integrated Pollution Control and Pollution Prevention and
Control regulations
Action on the treatment and disposal of waste, to safeguard the environment and human health, is set out in Scotland's National Waste Strategy and National Waste Plan - and regulated by SEPA.
Policies and initiatives to improve air quality and
reduce risks to human health
Drinking water quality, marine and fresh water quality
are allied to conservation and provision of adequate water
and sewerage services
Measures being taken to control noise, light and odour
pollution