Permit compliance checklist

Self-auditing is an important part of environmental compliance. Use our checklist to identify any shortcomings in arrangements. Complete an action plan that details how you will address any issues.

Watchful eye

When the Environment Agency (EA) issues an environmental permit, its involvement in your operations doesn’t end there. From the point the permit is issued, the EA has an obligation to ensure that you’re a “competent operator”. In effect, are you doing what’s required to comply with the explicit terms of the permit? The EA will monitor your efforts in a number of ways.

Up to scratch?

In most instances monitoring will be carried out remotely. However, inspectors may visit your site to complete a compliance assessment report. This will involve them picking apart your operations, looking at what steps you’re taking to comply with the permit and to prevent any potential environmental damage. If the inspector believes you’re not doing what you should be, you will be under greater scrutiny until you convince them that you’re on top of things.

Get prepared

To reduce the risk of being caught out, complete regular self-audits. To help you pick up on everything an inspector will look at, use our new Permit Compliance Checklist.

What’s on the list?

Our form covers the points that an inspector is likely to check. These include having systems in place for: (1) prevention of pollution; (2) ensuring staff are trained and competent; (3) effective incident management; and (4) monitoring of noise, dust and emissions. In short, it’s a comprehensive document that covers pretty much all aspects of environmental compliance. If you identify any shortcomings in your arrangements, add these to the “Action plan”. Identify someone to deal with the action point and specify by when they must be addressed.