As part of the process to reach a Final Decision on the Grangemouth Flood Protection Scheme (GFPS), Falkirk Council must, under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (referred to as the Habitats Regulations), carry out an assessment to understand whether the Scheme will, or will be likely to have, any adverse effects on certain sites and species that are given additional protections under law.

 

These sites are known as “Special Protection Areas” or “SPAs” (which are designated for certain bird species) and “Special Areas of Conservation” or “SACs” (which are designated for other protected flora and fauna). This process is referred to as a Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA).