New environmental quality standard (EQS) for emamectin benzoate (EmBz): consultation on the implementation timescales

Closed 24 Jul 2023

Opened 24 Apr 2023

Contact

Water Environment Team

waterenvironment@gov.scot

Feedback updated 24 Jun 2024

We asked

The Department for Environment and Forestry has published a consultation seeking views on the implementation timescales for the new Environmental Quality Standard (EQS) related to emamectin benzoate (EmBz).

You said

Twenty-five responses were submitted during the consultation process, representing a diverse range of stakeholders, including industry professionals, regulators, environmental interest groups, and individuals. Notably, these responses often diverged, highlighting the varying perspectives within discussions about aquaculture.

We did

The Department carefully reviewed all the comments submitted during the consultation, which ran from April 2023 to July 24, 2023. This high-level consultation aimed to assist SEPA in shaping the direction of travel during the period leading to the implementation of the new during the period leading to the implementation of the new during the period leading to the implementation of the new Environmental Quality Standards (EQS). While firm conclusions were not always possible based on the responses, the feedback received was invaluable in determining appropriate timelines.

Taking into account sector concerns and the need to safeguard the environment, Scottish Ministers will direct SEPA to implement the EQS within a 48-month timeframe. SEPA will work with fish farm operators to implement necessary improvements or mitigate any operational effects.

Published responses

View submitted responses where consent has been given to publish the response.

Overview

This paper sets out Scottish Government's directions to the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) on the application of a new EQS for EmBz. This ensures that SEPA exercise its regulatory and river basin management planning functions. Emamectin benzoate is widely used in the fish farm industry to control sea lice in marine finfish farming.

The new standard for EmBz is lower than the standard SEPA has used previously to set discharge limits for marine finfish farms. We are seeking views on the timescale SEPA should implement the new standard reducing the discharge limits for these farms. This will enable consistency of the standard levels  across all regulated farms in order to achieve improved environmental quality.

We expect SEPA to apply the new standard immediately to all Controlled Activities Regulations Licence variations and new applications to protect the water environment from deterioration. However, we need to consider the implementation timescale before deciding when action to reduce discharge limits at existing farms should be taken.

Read the consultation paper 

Why your views matter

Fish production cycles at sea can last up to around 24 months. In identifying the appropriate timescale for applying the new EQS to existing discharges, we consider basing the implementation timescale on a production cycle, or multiple thereof. This is likely to be the best fit with planning and investment horizons across multiple operators.

We would like your feedback on what would be the appropriate timetable that provides marine finfish farm operators with a reasonable period to make any required adjustments to meet the new standards whilst not unduly delaying improvement in the quality of Scotland’s coastal waters.

What happens next

Following the closing date, all responses will be analysed and considered along with any  other available evidence. Responses will be published where we have been given permission to do so. An analysis report will also be made available.

Interests

  • Marine and Fisheries
  • Main hub