46.Subsection (1) provides that SEPA must publish a statement about its preparation of the plan, including what consultation measures it proposes to take in that respect, a minimum of 3 years before the plan is to become effective.
47.Subsection (2) provides that SEPA must publish a summary of the significant water management issues for the relevant river basin district a minimum of 2 years before the plan is to become effective.
48.Subsection (3) provides that SEPA must publish a draft of the plan a minimum of 1 year before the plain is to become effective.
49.SEPA must consult on the statement, summary and draft plan and publicise the publication of these documents, the arrangements for making them publicly available, and the opportunity to make representations about them. Anyone may make representations to SEPA about them (subsection (7)). Subsections (8) and (9) require SEPA to take into account any views or representations received about the statement, summary or draft plan.
50.Subsection (10) provides that where SEPA is required by section 11, 12 or 13 to publicise any matter in connection with a river basin management plan, it must do so by means of a notice published in at least one national newspaper circulating in Scotland, such local newspapers in the river basin district (or part thereof) as it thinks fit, and may further publicise the matter by such electronic means as it thinks fit.