An application has been made to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) by Loch Duart PLC to vary an existing water use licence authorising the carrying on of controlled activities at, near or in connection with Caolas Loch Portain MPFF, Loch Maddy, Isle of North Uist, as follows:

SEPA considers that the proposals contained in the application may have an impact on the water environment and/or on the interests of other users of the water environment. The application may be viewed on SEPA’s website at:

https://consultation.sepa.org.uk/permits/car-regulations-aquaculture-applications (please note that you must use this address as written. Please do not use www. at the start)

If you are unable to access the website you can email SEPA at registry@sepa.org.uk or call 03000 99 66 99 to request a copy of the application.

Any person affected or likely to be affected by, or having an interest in, the application may make representations to SEPA in writing within 28 days beginning with the date of this advertisement, either by email to registry@sepa.org.uk, online at AQUA: https://consultation.sepa.org.uk/permits/car-regulations-aquaculture-applicationsEND or by sending a letter to FAO: Registry, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Angus Smith Building, 6 Parklands Avenue, Eurocentral, Holytown, North Lanarkshire, ML1 4WQ, quoting reference number: CAR/L/1002994.

Written representations received by SEPA within 28 days of this advertisement will be taken into consideration in determining the application. Any such representations will be placed in a public register unless the person making them requests that they should not be. Where such a request is made SEPA will include a statement in the register indicating that representations have been made which have been the subject of such a request

Before determining the application, SEPA will:

• assess the risk to the water environment posed by the carrying on ofthe activities;

• assess the indirect effects of that impact on any other aspects of theenvironment likely to be significantly affected;

• consider any likely adverse social and economic effects of that impactand of any indirect environmental effects that have been identified;

• consider the likely environmental, social and economic benefits of theactivity;

• assess the impact of the controlled activity or activities on the interestsof other users of the water environment;

• assess what steps may be taken to ensure ‘efficient and sustainablewater use’; and

• apply and have regard to relevant legislation.

SEPA will then either grant or refuse to grant the application.