Rural Sustainable Drainage Systems – Retention Pond
This is an old version of the page
This is an old version of the page
Date published: 5 January, 2016
Date superseded: 11 March, 2016
To see recent changes to this guidance, check the bottom of this page.
Aim
The aim of this item is to improve water quality by creating a pond to intercept and treat run-off that currently discharges direct to a watercourse or freshwater drain. Ponds can improve water quality through natural processes including filtration, retention and biological breakdown.
Eligibility
Any land is eligible, provided that it meets all of the requirements set out below.
This option must be combined with:
Spatial targeting
You can check if this item is available on your holding here.
Application requirements
You must prepare a plan that must include a map of the relevant fields / steading, identifying the location of the rural sustainable drainage system feature.
Requirements
- run-off must first enter a sediment trap prior to pond
- only run-off which does not fall within the definition of slurry may be conveyed to a pond
- run-off from pesticide handling or washdown areas must not be conveyed to a retention pond
- fencing should be provided to protect people and livestock
- existing ponds must not be used
- you must obtain planning permission, or have confirmation that planning permission is not required for your proposed pond
Payment
You can claim £15.00 per square metre (excluding fencing).
Inspections
The inspectors will check:
- the location and extent of the retention pond
- run-off first enters a sediment trap prior to pond
- only run-off which does not fall within the definition of slurry is conveyed to a pond
- run-off from pesticide handling or wash-down areas is not conveyed to a retention pond
- fencing should be provided to protect people and livestock
- existing ponds are not used
Additional guidance
Recent changes
| Section | Change | Previous text | New text |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Amendment to eligibility criteria. | The land must be within a diffuse pollution priority catchment or focus area (unless an endorsement has been obtained from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency) or a flooding target area. | Any land is eligible, provided that it meets all of the requirements set out below. |
| Spatial targeting | Updated target area map. | - | - |
| Sentence removed from caption below the PDF. | It may be possible to apply for this option outside this area where there is strong justification as endorsed by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. | - | |
| Requirements | Bullet point removed. | • length-to-width ratio must be between 3:1 and 5:1 | - |
| Inspections | Bullet point removed | • length-to-width ratio is between 3:1 and 5:1 | - |
Previous guidance
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