According to the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004, environmental information is defined as “any information on the state of the elements of the environment, such as air and atmosphere, water, soil, land, landscape and natural sites including wetlands, coastal and marine areas, biological diversity and its components, including genetically modified organisms, and the interaction among these elements; factors likely to affect the environment; measures to protect it; reports on environmental legislation; and any other matter which directly affects the environment”.
The rules for requesting environmental information differ from those of Freedom of Information requests. They can be in writing or can be verbal. If making a request for environmental information, you should follow the same process as Freedom of Information requests (using the same request form), however it would be very helpful if it was stated that the request was being made under Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations.
The information request form can be found at here.
Environmental information requests will be dealt with in 20 working days, or 40 working days dependent on circumstances.
Fees may be applicable. The first £100 cost is free; if the cost is between £400-600 then the requester may be required to pay a 10% charge. If the cost amounts to £600 or more, then the requester will be charged for the whole amount.