(1)SEPA must, by 22nd December 2004, carry out a characterisation of each river basin district.
(2)In this section “characterisation”, in relation to a river basin district, means—
(a)an analysis of the characteristics of the water environment,
(b)a review of the impact of human activity on the status of the water environment, and
(c)an economic analysis of water use.
(3)SEPA must review and, where necessary, update each characterisation carried out under subsection (1) by 22nd December 2013 and by the end of each period of 6 years thereafter.
(4)A characterisation under subsection (1) and a review under subsection (3) must be carried out in accordance with the technical specifications set out in Annexes II and III to the Directive.
(5)The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make further provision as to the characterisations and reviews to be carried out under this section, including provision as to—
(a)the criteria by reference to which characterisations and reviews are to be carried out, including criteria for designating bodies of surface water as artificial or heavily modified,
(b)the methods and procedures to be followed in carrying out characterisations and reviews.
Commencement Information
I1S. 5 in force at 15.12.2003 by S.S.I. 2003/562, art. 2(a)