NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Use 19 January 2010 SEPA BLOCKING TAYSIDE FARMERS TRYING TO TACKLE FUTURE FLOODING If the SNP Government and SEPA block Tayside farmers from trying to prevent potential future flooding then SEPA should provide compensation to farmers and land managers who are then adversely affected: that is the demand from MSP Murdo Fraser. In a parliamentary question, Mid-Scotland and Fife Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser asked the SNP Government whether it will instruct SEPA to provide compensation to farmers and land managers affected by flooding in cases where the primary reason for the flooding was related to SEPA prohibiting a land manager from carrying out activities aimed at preventing flooding. An example would be SEPA banning a farmer from clearing out a drainage ditch due to the presence of a particular aquatic species, such as mussels. In response to the parliamentary question, the Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham stated: “SEPA will authorise applications made under the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Act 2005 (CAR) for activities which clearly demonstrate improvements in flood risk management. “When considering CAR licence applications, SEPA takes into account the social, economic and environmental impacts of such works, including impacts on protected species, aiming to strike a balance between all these factors. There is no provision for compensation to be paid by either SEPA or the Scottish Government for farmers and land managers affected by flooding.” Murdo believes that if the SNP Government and SEPA are blocking farmers from trying to prevent flooding then there should be mechanisms in place for compensation. Commenting, Murdo said: “Flooding is an issue that affects many communities across Tayside and it is a particular concern for farmers. I regularly meet with farmers in Angus and Perthshire and many outline their fears regarding the threat of flooding as this could lead to their fields being ruined and damaging their livelihoods. “It is frustrating for farmers and land managers who try to prepare for potential future flooding when their hands are being tied by the SNP Government and its agency SEPA. Farmers have told me of situations where SEPA have blocked them from clearing drainage ditches and then they have to watch their fields be flooded. In these circumstances then I believe that the SNP Government and SEPA must provide compensation to our Tayside farmers. “I will continue to pursue this matter as flooding in Angus and Perthshire is becoming more commonplace and therefore we must see the SNP Government and SEPA working with farmers to do everything possible to prevent future flooding. Flooding is one of the most serious issues affecting many communities in the Tayside area and we must get to grips with this issue as it can devastate communities, farmland, properties and businesses.” ENDS   back to top of page