Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) services

Good air quality is essential for a good quality of life and for achieving the goal of sustainable development. The quality of the air we breathe can be altered by substances released through human activity and natural processes. These include oxides of nitrogen (NOX), sulphur dioxide (SO2), particulates (PM10and PM2.5), ground level ozone (O3), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ammonia (NH3). When released to the air in sufficient quantities, these substances can cause deterioration in human health, acidification and eutrophication of habitats, oxidative damage and nuisance.

SEPA’s role is to reduce emissions of pollutants and to prevent and minimise harm to the environment and human health. We protect communities by regulating activities that can cause harmful pollution. Through regulation SEPA aims to help business and industry to understand their environmental responsibilities, enable our customers to comply with legislation and good practice and to realise the many economic benefits of good environmental practice.