Consider the following questions when determining what pollutants your organisation might release into the environment:
- What materials are brought onto your site (for production, admin, etc.)?
- Do you create by-products which are released directly or packaged for removal? (Mass balance can be useful here - see emissions to air.)
- What materials are released into the environment off-site on your behalf? (e.g. CO2 from the power station that supplies you with electricity.)
- Do any of the processes happening on your site require a permit from the Environment Agency or your local council’s environmental health department?
- What materials are released directly to the atmosphere from chimneys and ventilation systems?
- What materials are released to the atmosphere as ‘fugitive emissions’ from open doors or windows? (e.g. solvents from cleaning operations or from the use of paint.)
- What liquid wastes leave your site via pipes connected to surface water drains (controlled by the Environment Agency EA) or sewerage system (controlled by your local sewerage undertaker) You may need consent to discharge (see emissions to water).
- What types of solid or liquid wastes are packaged and removed by road or rail? Commonly referred to as ‘solid’ waste, even though this category actually includes liquid materials. You have a legal duty of care for this material.
- Do any of your ‘solid‘ wastes have hazardous properties? If so, you’ll need to register your site with the EA and consign the material correctly.