A REPORT highlighting the threats to Scotland’s water from user demands has been welcomed by the fisheries manager of Scotland’s largest river system, writes Ken Bell, angling correspondent.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is urging hydro-electric companies to review a water consultation report with the potential to influence the way water is used to generate electricity.

David Summers, fisheries manager of the Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board, was one of the first to react.

He said, “We are very pleased that a real opportunity is now afforded to rectify the excessive damage caused by some of Scotland’s earlier hydro schemes, such as the River Garry which has been completely dried out since the 1950s.”

The recently released document, Significant Water Management Issues Report, identifies the impacts upon the water environment of abstractions and dams, and proposes actions for sustaining the water environment.

These could affect the hydro-electric sector, so it is important for the industry to have its say, SEPA claim.

Scotland’s rivers support 23 major hydro schemes and a further 74 small, privately owned schemes.

In line with the Scottish Government’s renewable energy policy, SEPA regularly receives applications for new schemes —mainly run of the river projects, many of which propose diverting water to power turbines.

Chris Spray, SEPA’s director of environmental science, said, “Hydro-power is an important source of renewable energy which helps to tackle greenhouse gas emissions in Scotland.

“Its impact on our rivers and lochs, however, is significant, affecting freshwater plant and animal life, as well as recreational uses such as fishing and canoeing.

“We are now at a stage when more than 15% of rivers and 40% of lochs are at risk of failing to meet the necessary environmental objectives because of hydro-power.

“This is a very difficult balance to strike.

“Scotland needs renewable energy supplies, but not at any price.

“We need to get the balance right in the development of new hydro-power schemes, and in considering how to apply good environmental practice to existing schemes.

“We want to increase renewable energy generation whilst minimising the harm to the water environment itself and to other users of the water environment.

“The outcome of this consultation will help shape the way the water environment is regulated, cared for and monitored.”

A number of organisations worked together in the preparation of this report.

Renewable generation manager Peter Donaldson said, “Scottish and Southern Energy own and operate the majority of hydro in Scotland.

“We are confident that, when further work is carried out, the majority of our installations will not be included in the ‘at risk’ list, and that by working together with SEPA and other stakeholders, significant progress will be achieved towards reducing the impact of the remaining sites without reducing the output of renewable energy.

“We feel any reduction in renewable energy from existing hydro power stations would be contrary to the Scottish Government’s renewable energy policy and to common sense.

“The case study on the River Garry—which is published alongside this report—is an excellent example of what could be achieved, through constructive dialogue, and we look forward to our continuing involvement with the consultation process.”