The Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004 came into effect on 1st January 2005 at the same time as the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002. The Scottish Government has issued a Code of Practice to cover these regulations.
The regulations established arrangements to allow people to request environmental information from public authorities and those bodies carrying out a public function. The Scottish Information Commissioner enforces these regulations.
The definition of environmental information is very broad and includes information in written, visual, audio-taped or database form about:
- elements of the environment – such as air, water, soil, land, landscape and natural sites, plants and animals, crops, genetically modified organisms (usually called “GM”), wildlife and biological diversity – and it includes any interaction between them…
- human health and safety, conditions of human life, the food chain, cultural sites and built structures, which are or likely to be affected by the state of the elements of the environment and the interaction between them…
- substances, energy, noise, radiation or waste, emissions, discharges and other releases affecting the environment ...
- measures and activities affecting or intended to protect the environment. This includes administrative measures, policies, legislation, plans, programmes and environmental agreements…
- cost benefit and other economic analysis used in decision making about the environment…
How to make a request for environmental information
You can use the Freedom of Information (FoISA) online form or email lacd.foi@leisureandculturedundee.com. Unlike a FoISA request, your request for environmental information does not need to be in writing. It would be helpful if you could provide as many details as possible to help us find the information you are asking for. You do not need to explain why you want to see the information. We do require your name and address or your e-mail address. This is so that we can contact you with any queries about your request, and provide the information to you.
Leisure and Culture Dundee may charge a fee as allowed by Section 8 of the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004. You will be informed as soon as possible after your request if a fee is to be charged, the fee amount and asked whether you wish to proceed.
Information will not be released until any fee has been paid.
Further information on fees and charges can be viewed in Section 9 of the Guide to Information.