Water and Drainage
Topic Goal
To encourage the adequate provision of water supplies and
drainage for all new developments and to protect and enhance the quality of
Shetland's marine and freshwater resources
5.1 Provision of water and drainage services are basic
infrastructure requirements for any development. The Council will work closely
with bodies, including NoSWA, to ensure that safe, affordable and suitable
water and drainage facilities can be provided for new developments, where
possible using existing infrastructure.
5.2 The protection of Shetland's freshwater and marine
environment is crucially important to protect public health, conserve important
wildlife habitats - maintaining the Islands' Biodiversity - and creating the
right conditions for a sustainable fishing and fish farming industry.
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Policy WD SP1
Development which is likely to have an
adverse effect on Shetland's marine and freshwater resources will not be
approved. |
5.3 The North of Scotland Water Authority (NoSWA) is
responsible for providing public water and sewerage services, while pollution
is regulated by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and water
supply by the Scottish Executive.
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Policy WD SP2
Development proposals which connect to
existing drainage schemes, with spare capacity, will be considered favourably
where they conform with other relevant Structure and Local Plan policies
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Water Treatment and Supply
5.4 The Council is committed to protecting and enhancing
the Shetland environment and working in partnership with NoSWA and SEPA to
ensure that water supplies and drainage meet at least the minimum requirements
set out in European Community regulations and legislation. Water treatment
capacity is adequate to meet development needs in Shetland, over the plan
period. However, NoSWA is committed to a number of improvements over the next 5
years, identified in conjunction with the Scottish Executive, which will be
confirmed in the company's approved Investment Plan. The largest confirmed
water supply scheme is a £1.5 million link from Sandy Loch to Sumburgh.
Waste Water Treatment
5.5 NoSWA is investing a considerable amount in
upgrading waste water treatment works and installing new pumping stations in
Lerwick. Planning permission has been granted for a waste water treatment works
at Greenhead, including a sludge treatment plant, in order to meet the
requirements of the EC Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive. Other projects
include the proposed new waste water treatment plant for Hillswick, which has
been brought forward in NoSWA's Investment Plan.
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Policy WD SP3
Development Proposals set out in the
North of Scotland Water Authority's Investment Plan will be considered
favourably where they comply with the environmental and other provisions of the
Structure and Local Plan. |
Pumping Station and mosaic, Victoria Pier, Lerwick. NoSWA is
investing a considerable amount in upgrading waste water treatment works and
installing new pumping stations in Lerwick. (Photograph: SIC)
Partners
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Shetland Islands Council |
North of Scotland Water Authority (NoSWA) |
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Scottish Environment Protection Agency |
European Union |
Strategies
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European Community Directives |
NoSWA Infrastructure Projects/Investment
Plan |
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SEPA Environmental Strategy |
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Plan Performance Indicators
- Improvements to water quality to meet EC waste water
regulations.
- SEPA and Healthboard statistics on water quality.
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