The Scottish Government

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5. Baseline

5.1 Introduction

SEA legislation requires 'the relevant aspects of the current state of the environment' to be identified in the Environmental Report. This 'environmental baseline' information or data provides the basis for predicting and evaluating the significance of environmental effects. Analysis of this has also informed the identification of environmental problems (Section 4). High level information about the State of Scotland's environment can be sourced from SEPA's 2006 report, Change Tomorrow Today which can be accessed from the following website: www.sepa.org.uk/changetomorrowtoday/report/index.html

5.2 Noise

Strategic Noise Maps have been developed which detail noise levels throughout the study areas in 5dB contour bands. A prioritisation matrix was then developed to identify where people are most likely to be annoyed by noise ( CNMA). Also, using land use classification, information on geographical extent predicted noise levels, areas within agglomerations which could potentially be considered as quiet were also identified ( CQA). More information on the process for noise mapping and the maps can be found on the following website: www.scottishnoisemapping.org/

5.3 Biodiversity

There are a series of protected areas and species within the study area which may need to be taken into account when undertaking specific projects relating to noise management areas and action plans. A detail of each including relevant legislation is given below:

5.3.1. Special Protected Areas ( SPA)

SPAs are designated under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended by the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004, enabling the UK to meet obligations set under the EC Birds Directive (79/409/EEC). SPAs are designated as their habitats support rare (listed on Annex 1of the directive) and migratory birds within the European Union.

5.3.2. Special Area of Conservation ( SAC)

SACs are designated under the EC Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora, known as the Habitats Directive. In the UK, sites are protected under The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994, due to the presence of one or more habitats or species listed in the Directive and management plans are written to ensure 'favourable conservation status'.

5.3.3. Site of Special Scientific Interest ( SSSI)

SSSIs have been designated in order to protect the best examples of the UK's flora, fauna or geological or physiographical features. Sites are also used to underpin other national and international designations. SSSIs are notified under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as amended by the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004.

5.3.4. European Protected Species

European Protected Species ( EPS) including otters, bats and great crested newts are protected under the Habitats Directive and Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2004. Under the legislation, it is an offence to intentionally or recklessly capture, kill, injure or disturb any protected animal. This includes taking or destroying eggs or causing damage to their breeding sites or resting places. For plant species, it is an offence to pick, collect, cut, uproot or destroy the species named in the legislation.

5.3.5. National Nature Reserves ( NNRs)

NNRs are designated under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 for the protection of habitats, communities and species and provide opportunities for scientific study.

5.3.6. Local Nature Reserves ( LNRs)

These LNRs are designated under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. They are designated and managed for nature conservation and are seen to provide opportunities for education and research.

5.3.7. Wildlife Sites

Local authorities may designate certain areas as Wildlife Sites. Sometimes these are referred to as Sites of Importance to Nature Conservation or SINCs They have no statutory protection and do not necessarily support protected species however they are considered important at a local level.

5.4 Landscape Designations

5.4.1. National Scenic Areas ( NSAs)

NSAs are areas identified by the Scottish Ministers as having nationally important landscapes. These areas are afforded protection thought development control measures introduced by the Development Department's SDD Circular No 20/1980. Regulations are also outlined in the National Planning policy for NSAs is set out in NPPG 14 on Natural Heritage.

5.4.2. National Parks

National Parks in Scotland are designated under the National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000 with the aim of promoting sustainable use of natural resources within an area and sustainable social and economic development within the community.

5.4.3. Areas of Great Landscape Value ( AGLVs)

AGLVs are designated by Local Authorities and protect areas of high scenic value. They are afforded protection within Structure and Local Plans.

5.4.4. Country Parks

Country Parks are designated primarily for recreation and leisure under the Countryside (Scotland) Act 1967 and are managed by the local authorities.

5.4.5. Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes

Identified by Scottish Natural Heritage and Historic Scotland these are noted for their natural heritage and cultural importance and are subject to the Town and Country Planning (General Development Procedure)(Scotland) Order 1992 ( GDPO) and SDD Circular No 6/1992.

5.4.6. Landscape Character Areas

Landscape types within Scotland are classified though Scotland's Landscape Character Assessments ( LCAs) ( SNH 2002) under a variety of Landscape Character Areas. These give an indication of distinctive features within an area, allowing developments to apply appropriate enhancement and mitigation suitable to its surroundings.

5.5 Air Quality

5..1. Air Quality Management Areas

Where air quality falls below certain standards, the relevant local authority is responsible for the improvement of air quality within that area. This is done through the designation of Air Quality Management Areas ( AQMAs). Air quality action plans are developed improve the situation for the AQMAs. Those designated within the Glasgow and Edinburgh agglomerations are set out in Table 5.1 and 5.2. AQMAs designated in areas highlighted as CNMAs for transportation (outwith agglomerations) are shown in Table 5.3.

Table 5.1 Air Quality Management Areas - Glasgow Agglomeration

Table 5.2 Air Quality Management Areas - Edinburgh Agglomeration

Table 5.3 Air Quality Management Areas - Transportation (outwith Agglomerations)

5.6 Climatic Factors

In 2005 Scotland was responsible for emitting 14.9MtC (million tonnes of carbon equivalent), 8.3% of the UK net total. Amongst the highest industry emitters were energy supply, transport and business. Although emissions in total have decreased and energy supply and business emissions have fallen by 10% and 22% respectively since 1990, transport emissions have risen by 11%.

At present, the Scottish Government is drafting a Climate Change Bill for Scotland which will outline areas for improvement and provide targets and objectives for the reduction in CO2 emissions in Scotland.

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