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Ministerial Foreword
I am pleased to present this third report to Parliament on our progress in implementing the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003.
We have achieved a great deal during 2005, setting an excellent foundation for the delivery of the Water Framework Directive and protection of the water environment in Scotland.
Key achievements during 2005 include:
- Implementation of the Controlled Activities Regulations, which were approved by Parliament in June 2005. These Regulations are the result of extensive collaboration with a wide range of organisations and individuals, and we are very grateful for the constructive contributions made throughout this process. This open dialogue has resulted in a proportionate set of controls that will allow us to deliver our environmental objectives while balancing the diverse needs of the many different water users.
- Publication of a consultation 'Diffuse water pollution from rural land use' in December 2005. This is an important step in addressing this pressure on the water environment, building on collaboration with the agricultural sector.
- Publication of SEPA's strategy for River Basin Management Planning in the Scotland River Basin District in December 2005.
These are key steps in our implementation programme in Scotland and provide a framework for us to ensure that protection of the water environment is balanced with sustainable use of water resources.
I look forward to the next stages in delivering our environmental objectives, and the continuation of this active involvement from water users in the development of the Executive's water policy.
Rhona Brankin MSP
Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development
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