Impact in Scotland of UK and EC Sewage Legislation

The EC Directive (91/271/EEC) concerning urban waste water treatment has far-reaching financial and technological implications for local authorities in Scotland which are responsible for sewerage. Increased capital consent limits and additional financial assistance from central government are essential if the requirements of the legislation are to be met.
Although the Directive is welcomed in general terms, the sections of the legislation dealing with the identification of sensitive waters and the provision of primary treatment for coastal discharges to less sensitive waters are of limited environmental significance in Scotland.
The elimination of sewage sludge disposal at sea will create severe difficulties for Scottish authorities as a high percentage of sewage sludge is currently disposed of at sea. Each of the main alternative disposal options presents environmental, financial and technical problems and, in the case of incineration, the certainty of widespread unpopularity with the public.