Strategic Environmental Assessment
Section 6.13 of LAQM.PG(S)(16) outlines that during the development of an air quality action plan, local authorities must consider if it falls within the scope of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 (http://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2005/15/contents and therefore whether a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is required.
Download a Basic Introduction to the SEA prcess (PDF).
It is important to consider whether the implementation of the action plan is likely to have a significant environmental impact, and in many cases it is recommended that the authority prepares a Screening Report (a template for which is available to download (DOC)) and submits this to the Consultation Authorities (Scottish Natural Heritage, SEPA and Historic Scotland) via the SEA Gateway.
Further guidance on the SEA process and contact details for the SEA Gateway can be found at: http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Environment/environmental-assessment/sea
