What assessment it has made of the potential impact of pumped storage hydro developments on wild Atlantic salmon populations and how this i…

The potential impacts of pumped-storage hydro developments on wild Atlantic salmon populations are assessed and considered as part of the statutory consenting and environmental assessment processes for individual proposals, including section 36 (Electricity Act 1989) consenting for projects over 50 mega-watts, Environmental Impact Assessment, Habitats Regulations Appraisal where required, and SEPA’s environmental authorisation process.In determining section 36 applications, Scottish Ministers must, so far as possible, avoid causing injury to fisheries or fish stocks and obtain SEPA’s advice where regulated water activities are involved. Where an appropriate assessment is required under regulation 48 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994, the Scottish Ministers must consult NatureScot and have regard to its representations.Where relevant, decision-makers will also have regard to National Planning Framework 4 policies on biodiversity, natural places and renewable energy development alongside the statutory consenting and environmental assessment processes.Separately, pumped-storage hydro schemes require environmental authorisation from SEPA for activities affecting the water environment. SEPA assesses impacts, including those on wild fish stocks, hydrology and morphology, and may impose conditions requiring mitigation and monitoring. These processes support delivery of the Wild Salmon Strategy by helping to avoid or reduce additional pressures on freshwater habitats, migration routes and wild smolt production, including cumulative effects. SEPA is also consulting on draft guidance setting out the environmental information, assessment and mitigation expected for storage and pumped-storage hydropower schemes.