The Scottish Government

KEY DATES

• 2000 Water Framework Directive (WFD) comes into force.
• 2003 WFD transposed into Scots Law by the Water Environment and Water Services Act (WEWS) 2003. SEPA is identified as the competent Authority for Scotland empowered to implement the WFD.
• 2004 Initial characterisation of (RBDs)/pressures and impacts analysis produced. A register of protected areas in each RBD established.
• 2006 Environmental Monitoring Programmes established and operational work programme published for first River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) for Scotland and Solway Tweed RBDs.
• 2007 Overview of the significant water management issues in each RBD published.
• 2008 Full draft RBMPs published for consultation on Dec 22.
• 2009 Finalise and publish RBMPs. Establish the programme of measures to meet the objectives.
• 2012 Programmes of Measures to be fully operational. Publish timetable and work programme for second RBMPs.
• 2014 Publish second draft RBMP
• 2015 End of first planning cycle. Finalise and publish second RBMP with revised Programme of Measures.
• 2021 End of second planning cycle. Finalise and publish third RBMP with revised Programme of Measures.
• 2027 End of third planning cycle, and achievement of environmental objectives.