EnvDip QAs

EnvDip Q&A
Examiners Reports
Dec 2005
June 2006
Dec 2006
June 2007
Dec 2007
June 2008
Dec 2008
June 2009
Dec 2009
June 2010
Dec 2010
June 2011
Elements
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Principles of environmental risk management

Environmental risk evaluation
Control strategies for environmental risks
Monitoring, review and audit
Developments in environmental legislation
Environmental legislative framework and methods of enforcement
Public access to environmental information
Civil liability in relation to environmental pollution
Solid and liquid wastes
Gaseous and particulate releases to atmosphere
Water resources management
Control of environmental nuisance
Hazardous substances
14
15
Environmental implications of development and land use

Energy use and efficiency
Principles of environmental risk management
Learning
Outcome
1.1
Explain the earths

natural cycles and how
the principles of
sustainability are being
adopted
Date
/ No
Question
Answer
Dec
2010
Q6
Outline EACH of the

following natural cycles
AND describe how
human activity may
cause changes to these
cycles.
(a)
Carbon Cycle:
Carbon Dioxide in the atmosphere
Uptake by plants and effect of photosynthesis and
passing through the food chain with respiration
back into the atmosphere
Atmospheric gas dissolving in rain water to form
carbonic acid
Death/decay resulting in release of carbon dioxide
back to the atmosphere
Tying up carbon in sinks, such as the formation of
fossil fuels and carbonate rocks
(a) The carbon cycle.

(10)
(b) The nitrogen cycle.
(10)
Human activity:
Excavation and use of fossil fuels releasing carbon
dioxide to atmosphere
Use of carbonate rocks for cement leading to release
of carbon dioxide to atmosphere
De-vegetation leading to reduced uptake of carbon
dioxide
(b)
Nitrogen Cycle:
Nitrogen gas in atmosphere
Ref
Dissolving in rainfall to form nitrous/nitric acid

Deposition onto land
Oxidation by lightening to nitrogen oxide / nitrogen
dioxide
Fixation by nitrifying bacteria in legumes nodules
Uptake by plants
Decay of plants and excretion by animals to
soil/water
Release of nitrogen gas by denitrifying bacteria
Human activity:
Making and using nitrogen based fertilisers and
runoff into water
High temperature processes causing oxidation of
nitrogen gas to nitrogen oxide / nitrogen dioxide
Discharge of sewage effluent containing nitrogen
compounds into rivers.
1.2
Explain the reasons for

managing
environmental risk
June Explain the reasons why

2010 environmental risk
Q5
should be managed. (20)
Moral reasons
General duty of care
Societys attitude to environmental issues
Need for sustainable development
Ethical issues
Legal reasons
Effect of preventative measures (enforcement
notices, permits etc)

Punitive measures through criminal sanctions
Compensatory effects of environmental law
Economic reasons
Direct costs associated with environmental pollution
Indirect costs associated with environmental pollution
Environmental taxation
Supply chain pressures
Ethical investment
Importance of relations with regulatory bodies
Importance of relations with local communities.
Additional information need for marks expand
headings with suitable examples.
1.3
Explain the principles of

environmental hazard
identification, risk
assessment, and risk
control.
Dec
2005
Q4
&
Dec
2009
Q7
Identify and describe the

different pathways
through which
contaminated land may
affect human and other
environmental receptors.
(20)
OR
Describe the different
pathways through which
contaminated land
may affect human and
Leaching and washing into surface waters giving rise

to pollution in rivers, streams and other surface water
bodies and possible subsequent abstraction for
drinking water
Vertical migration into groundwater and subsequent
recharge into surface waters or exposure following
abstraction
Migration of flammable, toxic and asphyxiant gases
through soils and natural fissures leading to
inhalation or explosion risk.
Migration through soils and into drinking water supply
systems through plastic pipes and mastics
Direct uptake of contaminants by crops and
other environmental
receptors. (20)
1.3

control.
Dec
2007
Q5
&
Dec
2010
Q1
A manufacturing
company intends to
include environmental
awareness issues in the
company's induction
training programme.
(a) Outline the
environmental content
that should be included
in the induction training
programme. (12)
(b) Explain ways in
subsequent ingestion by animals and people

Direct contact with contaminated soils and possible
ingestion, particularly by children and site workers
Dust blow from the surface containing hazardous
substances leading to inhalation or deposit on food or
land
Migration through and into building materials leading
to their degradation.
Escape of gases and vapours from the land leading
to odour nuisance.
Land stability effects leading to subsidence and
landslip
Exposure to radiation
Combustion of flammable materials in the ground
leading to a range of potentially serious
environmental and safety risks.
(a)
Company policies and commitments
Important environmental issues affecting the
organisation
Specific aspects and impacts arising from relevant
activities
Specific legal requirements
Benefits arising from high standards of environmental
management
Relevant company procedures
Possible disciplinary sanctions for failing to follow
procedures
Organisational reporting and responsibilities
which all employees

might be encouraged to
adhere to the company's
environmental
procedures. (8)
OR
A manufacturing
company intends to
include environmental
awareness issues in the
companys induction
training programme.
(a) Outline the
environmental content
that should be included
in the induction training
programme. (12)
Reference to any key accreditations, such as ISO

14001
(b)
Demonstrating top-level commitment and leading by
example
Making sure procedures were well
presented/structured and communicated
Establishing and promoting a culture where
environmental issues are given due priority
Promulgating involvement through activities, events
etc.
Where needed, enforcing adherence through
disciplinary sanction.
Additional information need for marks
additional headings needed
(b) Describe ways in

which all employees
might be encouraged
to adhere to the
companys
environmental
procedures. (8)
1.3

June An organisation is in the

2010 process of inviting
Q1
tenders for a contract for
Need to have an environmental management system

Need to have an environmental policy, preferably
certified to ISO14001 or similar standards

control.
the servicing and

maintenance of air
conditioning and
refrigeration systems for
its offices and
manufacturing facility.
Amongst other
requirements, the
contract will include the
removal of waste
refrigerant gases and
oils.
Describe the
environmental issues the
organisation should
consider when selecting
a contractor. (20)
1.3

control.
June (a) Outline the types of

2009 environmental impact
Q1
that are likely to
arise from a major fire
&
at a chemical products
storage warehouse
June and distribution facility.
2011 (8)
Q2
(b) Describe typical
emergency response
Evidence of previous trade experience via references

Details of any previous enforcement action or
environmental incidents
Evidence of waste carrier registration or permits
Arrangements for reducing environmental impacts
arising from transport and servicing equipment
Contractors awareness of legislative requirements,
particularly those concerning hazardous waste
Training and competence of staff for dealing with air
conditioning and refrigeration systems, under the
o Ozone Depleting Substances (recognized by
the Montreal Protocol)
o F Gas Regulations (covered by the Kyoto
Protocol)
Contractors awareness for requirements applying to
issuing test certificates.

Question link Buncefield

(a)
Release of
Harmful substances to the atmosphere and their
potential human health effects
Eco toxic substances to the atmosphere and their
potential impact upon plant and animal
communities
Global warming gases
Ozone depleting substances
arrangements that
should be in place to
minimise environmental
harm arising from
the incident described
in (a) above. (12)
OR
(a) Outline the types of

environmental impact
that are likely to
arise from a major fire
at a warehouse and
distribution
facility containing
hazardous substances.
(8)
(b) Describe typical

emergency response
arrangements that
should be in place to
minimise environmental
harm arising from a fire
at the warehouse
facility. (12)
Acid gases
Substances which can create nuisance effects,
including smoke and odour
Fallout of polluting substances onto land, water,
crops or buildings
Impact upon water resources through escape of
polluting substances to surface water or groundwater
Potential to generate large amounts of contaminated
waste that would require disposal after the fire
Potential for polluting substances to enter foul sewers
and their impact on sewage treatment systems
Distinction between escaped substances and the
overall cocktail of substances that are associated
with fire fighting water runoff
Potential impact upon adjoining properties through
damage caused by explosion or radiant heat
(b)
Fire and firewater runoff risk assessment
Development and maintenance of emergency
response plans
Arrangements for fire detection, response and fire
fighting
Command and control arrangements
Provision of emergency response equipment,
including fire fighting, drain covers, booms,
absorbents and allowance for firewater containment
Off-site emergency plans
Arrangements for notifying relevant organisations
Arrangements for practising emergency plans
through desktop rehearsals or simulated incidents

The need for regular training of staff and contractors
in emergency response procedures
Control of Major Accident Hazards 1999.
2
2.1
Environmental risk evaluation

Evaluate risks to the
environment arising
from workplace activities
and substances
released to the
environment
Dec
2007
Q1
Your organisation is
revising its purchasing
procedures in order that
they should better reflect
health, safety and
environmental
considerations. In the
form of a memorandum
to the Purchasing
Manager, outline the
environmental issues
that should be addressed
when purchasing new
equipment and materials.
(20)
Memorandum
To Purchasing Manager
From Environmental Manager
Date ____
The following environmental issues that should be
addressed when purchasing new equipment and
materials would include:
Consideration of the need to undertake life cycle

assessments of products where appropriate and vet
the supply chain
Understanding the environment effects of product
manufacturing,
o Use of non- renewable resources
o Secondary materials
o Sustainability
Transport impacts, such as emissions and noise
Assessing the effects of any waste likely to be
produced during the use of products or at the end of
their life, their recyclability and any likely regulatory
requirements
Energy used during use of the products/equipment
Atmospheric emissions arising from use of the
products/equipment
Packaging required and its disposal
Restricting or avoiding products or equipment
containing hazardous substances mercury,

cadmium, persistent chlorinated hydrocarbons,
pesticides etc.
Licensing or authorisation requirements for use or
storage of substances
Hazardous properties associated with the substances
and its degradation products, including such
properties as flammability, toxicity, carcinogenicity
etc.
Effluents produced during use and their effects
Potential to cause nuisance through noise or smell.
By addressing the above it will be possible to revise the

current pruchaisng procedures of our organisation to
better reflect health, safety and environmental
considerations.
2.1

environment arising
and substances
released to the
environment
Dec
2008
Q3
&
Dec
2009
Q1
(a) Identify how

manufacturing activities
may contribute to
causing the
phenomenon known as
the Greenhouse Effect.
(14)
(b) Explain how the
technique of life cycle
analysis may be used
(a)
Direct effects
Release of greenhouse gases (GGs) to the
atmosphere; including carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide,
methane, water vapour, F gases etc.
Emission of GGs from on-site energy generation from
fossil fuels
Emission of GGs from transportation systems,
including both haulage and employee work related
transport
Process emissions of GGs
to understand the
extent to which a
manufactured product
contributes to the
Greenhouse Effect. (6)
OR
(a) Identify how
manufacturing activities
may contribute to
causing the
phenomenon known as
(14)
(b) Explain how the
technique of life cycle
analysis may be used
to understand the
extent to which a
manufactured
product contributes to
(6)
Services emissions of GGs including leakages from

refrigeration/cooling systems
Changes to GG sinks
Indirect effects
Use of electrical energy generated from fossil fuels at
powers stations Methane emissions from degradation
of biodegradable wastes
Emissions caused by others in making products used
in manufacturing
Emissions from cement manufacture for buildings
etc.
Removal of environmental sinks; forests, peat and
soil
(b)
Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) is a powerful technique that
traces burdens of emissions arising from a product
from cradle to grave
The preparation of an inventory analysis includes
quantifying releases of GGs at each stage in this life
cycle
By interpreting the inventory, the magnitude of total
contributions of releases at stage of the product life
cycle can be understood.
Details regarding preparation and use of detailed
carbon footprints with reference to the LCA.
2.1

environment arising
and substances
released to the
environment
June Describe how

2011 environmental modelling
Q5
can be used to assess
risk arising from the
release of a pollutant
substance into the
environment. (20)
Source-pathway-receptor relationship
The role of models to predict how the substance
disperses through the environment using a dispersion
model or similar
Source
Establish, through prediction or measurement, the
rate of release of the pollutant into the environment.
Eference to the role of efflux velocity and
concentrations to gain mass emission rates
Pathway
Factors that affect dispersion:
o Weather
o Wind speed
o River flow
o Turbulence
o Buildings/structures
o Surface roughness
Factors that may affect the concentration of the
original pollutant and its chemical or physical form
o Chemical reactions
o Sedimentation
o Adsorption
o Biodegradation
expand headings with suitable examples
2.2
Identify when an
environmental
assessment is required
and understand the
processes underlying
preparation and
submission of a formal
Environmental
Statement.
Dec
2005
Q1
(a) With reference to

relevant standards,
outline the meaning and
purpose of life cycle
assessment (life cycle
analysis). (6)
(b) By using a suitable
example, describe the
stages of a life cycle
assessment. (14)
Establishing existing background levels of the

pollutant in the environment was also creditworthy
against the predicted dispersion then allows the
dose to vulnerable receptors to be predicted
Establish levels above which the receptors would be
harmed through dose-response relationships, such
as the relevance of environmental assessment levels
(EAL), environmental quality standards and the
concept of predicted no effect concentration (PNEC)
Using modelling results to estimate additional
exposure due to release over existing levels and
compare against Environmental Assessment
Levels/PNEC would then allow the extent of risk to be
estimated
Identifying potential for bioaccumulation and the
importance of understanding potential for
persistence.
(a)
International Standards Organisation ISO 14040
series (14040; 14041; 14042; 14043) contains the
specifications and requirements applying to life cycle
analysis
The technique is often used for assessing
environmental aspects and potential impacts of a
product and may be used to compare impacts of a
range of products in order to identify those with least
adverse impact on the environment
1
(b)
Life Cycle Analysis is a specialist method for examining
the costs and burdens that activities or products place on
the environment:
Stage 1 definition of goal and scope
Stage 2 inventory analysis
Stage 3 impact assessment
Stage 4 interpretation
2.2
Identify when an
environmental
assessment is required
and understand the
processes underlying
preparation and
submission of a formal
Environmental
Statement.
June (a) Outline the

2006 legislation and guidance
Q2
relevant to the need for
an environmental
assessment. (5)
(b) Describe the
principal matters that
should be considered in
the preparation of an
environmental
assessment for a
proposed new plant
manufacturing chemical
fertilisers. (14)
The Town and Country Planning (Environment

Impact Assessment) Regulations 1999
o Require that environmental assessment be
undertaken by a developer for specified forms
of development
o Identified in Schedule I and Schedule II to the
Regulations
o Developments listed under Schedule l
requires an environmental assessment and
the submission of an environmental statement
to the relevant planning authority
o Developments listed under Schedule II, the
relevant planning authority may require an
environmental assessment or the developer
themselves may opt to submit such an
assessment, irrespective of whether the
authority requires one
10
(b)
Integrated Pollution Control or Pollution Prevention

and Control
Role of Planning Policy Guidance Notes
Screening and scoping stages

Responses and issued raised by statutory consultees
Findings of baseline surveys
Characterisation of the development during
construction, operation and decommissioning
Location of processes and possible alternatives
Materials (storage, use of resources etc)
Topography, geology and hydrogeology
Socio-economic factors (incl. neighbours /
demographics / size)
SSSIs, wildlife, etc
Emission and mitigation techniques in relation to air,
water and land pollution
Land use, archaeology, visual aspects
Emergency procedures
Security
Transport effects
Energy emissions (noise, vibration, heat, light,
radiation)
Drainage and surface water pollution
Preparation of technical and non-technical reports.

3
3.1
3.2
Control strategies for environmental risks

Describe appropriate
risk control measures
Explain a systematic
approach to
environmental risk
management
June BS ISO EN 14001: 2004

2006 requires that an
Q5
organisation establishes
objectives and targets for
&
assessing environmental
management
June performance. Using
2009 suitable examples to
Q7
illustrate your answer,
explain:
(i) the difference
between an objective
and a target (8)
(ii) how an organisation
should proceed in setting
its objectives and targets
(6)
(i)
Objectives
Are longer term goals based on company policy and
the issues identified in their aspects/impacts analysis
Each significant aspects/impact should have an
objective, such as provision of waste training to all
staff
Targets
Are measurable performance requirement linked to
each objective, such as training 25% of employees
by the end of the year.
Targets should be SMART (Specific, Measurable,
Achievable, Realistic, Time bound)
OR
(ii)
Objectives should reflect findings of initial
environmental review and the policy requirements
Information should be gathered on existing
performance
Identification of improvements that could be made
and quantification of effect of those improvements
Setting targets based on what can be realistically
achieved within resource and financial constraints
BS EN ISO 14001:2004
(iii)
(iii) actions that should

be considered if a target
is not likely to be
achieved within the
specified time period. (6)
requires organisations to
establish objectives and
targets for assessing
environmental
management
performance. Using
suitable examples to
illustrate your answer:
(a) explain the
difference between an
objective and a target;
(8)
Review data on performance to establish any areas

of weakness, trends etc
Consider additional measures to improve
performance corrective measures Project the effect
of any changes implemented to determine likely
future performance
Consider revising the target either to reduce
performance improvement or extend timeframe.

(b) explain how an

organisation should
proceed in setting its
objectives and targets;
(6)
(c) describe actions that
should be considered if a
target is unlikely to be
achieved within the
specified time period. (6)
3.2
approach to
environmental risk
management
Dec
2006
Q4
Describe the benefits

and possible drawbacks
to an organisation of
integrating its currently
separate systems for
health and safety
management and
Benefits
Potential cost savings
Reduced administration
Avoiding duplication of information in areas of overlap
(eg hazardous substances control, risk assessment,
storage standards)
Documented control systems that cover both
environmental
management. (20)
disciplines would avoid additional paperwork

Control systems could be designed to minimise
conflicts, such as design of ventilation systems
transferring pollutants from the workplace to the
outside atmosphere
Integration of emergency responses
Decreased time taken for decision-making
Systems that work to maximise benefit for the
organisation, rather than pulling against each other
Integrated training
Potential for combined auditing
Potential for further integration with other areas of
management control, such as quality
Drawbacks
More complex documentation systems
Possible reduction in sense of ownership of the
system
More complex certification process where external
certification was sought
Larger, more complex systems may be more difficult
to change and slower to respond to pressure for
change
Harder for the regulator to identify relevant aspects of
the system
Potential for role conflicts between managers.
3.2
approach to
environmental risk
Dec
2006
Q3
ISO 14001:2004, on
environmental
management systems,
Those areas of activities, products or services which

can directly or indirectly cause change in the
management
&
requires an organisation
to identify its 'significant
environmental aspects'.
June
2007 Explain what is meant
Q2
by this phrase and how
significant aspects may
be identified, Use
appropriate examples to
illustrate your answers.
(20)
=
environment over which an organisation has some

influence or can control
Significant aspects may be identified in
o Sector Application Guides or may be
distinguished through risk assessment
example
o Significant aspects may be identified in
legislation example
o Life cycle analysis in assessing product and
services
Examples could included

Products and by- products
Resources (energy, water, raw materials)
Releases to environment from normal activities
Wastes and effluents
Noise
Vibration
Development of land
Including visual
Landscaping, drainage
Pest control
Natural habitats
Abnormal circumstances
Identifying such aspects is essential if an
organisation is to control its environmental effects
All other parts of ISO 14001 relate back to the
aspects register which documents the various
environmental interactions.

3.3
Describe the
requirements of
emergency plans for
their organisation,
including their
development,
monitoring and
maintenance.
4
4.1
Monitoring, review and audit

indicators that may
reflect an organisations
environmental
management
performance
Dec
2009
Q6
&
Dec
2010
Q4
performance indicators
that may be used
to measure an
organisations
environmental
management
performance illustrating
your answer with suitable
examples. (20)
OR
indicators that may be
used to measure
an organisations
environmental
management
performance. (20)
4.2
monitoring techniques
and differentiate
between active (proactive) monitoring and
reactive monitoring.
Dec
2006
Q5
(a) In relation to stack

emissions, explain what
is meant by:
(I) 'in-situ and 'extractive'
monitoring (4)
(ii) 'continuous' and
'periodic' monitoring. (4)
Incident frequencies
Near miss frequencies
Emissions to atmosphere
Waste generation and recycling rates
Water use
Discharges to surface water or sewer
Energy use
Noise emissions
Transport/travel emissions
Carbon dioxide emissions
Raw material use
Complaints
Enforcement actions
Adherence to compliance standards
Audit findings, particularly where scoring systems are
in place.

(a) (i)
In-situ monitoring is where measurement takes place
in the stack without removing a sample whereas
Extractive monitoring a sample is removed from the
stack and either concentrated for analysis or
analysed directly
(ii)

(b) Describe THREE
quantitative methods that
can be used to monitor
stack emissions,
identifying the types of
pollutant and monitoring
regimes for which each
may be appropriate. (12)
Continuous monitoring is generally a fixed installation

that gives a continuous measurement of stack gas
concentrations
Continuous monitoring is generally a preferred
method as it provides a continuous data stream.
Periodic monitoring takes a short- term sample at
regular intervals (eg six-monthly)
Periodic monitoring does not pick up short-term
fluctuations and is slow to identify failure of control
systems.
Both methods may be in-situ or extractive
(b)
Answer required: basic description of the method,
examples of pollutants that the method is
appropriate for and identifying whether it is an insitu or extractive and a continuous or periodic
monitoring method.
4.2
and differentiate
June (a) Identify the aims and

2008 objectives of an
Q5
environmental audit. (4)
(b) Describe the specific
issues that should be
addressed by an
environmental audit. (16)
(a)
Aims and objectives
Compliance with legal requirements
Company policies and management system
requirements
Checking the efficiency and effectiveness of control
systems and procedures
Identifying areas where they are inadequate and
justify improvement
Generating awareness of environmental matters
amongst management and employees
Identifying areas where resources could be used
(b)
more effectively
Identifying areas where resources, including money,
are being wasted
Waste management systems and costs

Effluent management systems
Compliance standards
Controls over atmospheric emissions
Energy efficiency of plant and systems
Transportation effects and controls
Management of nuisances such as noise
Resource usage
Extent and relevance of aspects registers
Correct identification of legal requirements
Emergency preparedness
Staff training
Handling of communications and information.

4.2
and differentiate
Dec
2005
Q6
&
Describe the main

features and
requirements of the EcoManagement and Audit
Scheme (EMAS). (20)
June =
Initial environmental review

Environmental policy with provision for legal
compliance and commitment to continual
improvement of environmental performance
Planning covering all elements identified in the
environmental review
Implementation including employee involvement,
2010
Q3
4.2
and differentiate
June As the Environmental

2011 Adviser to a large
Q1
organisation, you have
decided to develop an inhouse auditing
programme to assess the
effectiveness of the
organisations
environmental
arrangements.
Describe the
compliance by suppliers and contractors

Checking and corrective action including an audit
cycle of 3 years or less covering environmental
performance
Management review
Certification under an approved accreditation scheme
Publicly available environmental statement meeting
the requirements of Annex III to the EMAS
Regulation
Independent validation of the environmental
statement.
Differences between ISO 14001 and EMAS
example
EMAS participation opened in April 1995 as a
voluntary scheme established by a EU Regulation
which aims to bring all business and authorities to
improving their environmental performance
It is open to all EU based organisations in private and
public sectors.
The need to gain support and commitment from
senior managers and other key parties.
Requirement to brief managers and employers on the
audit process and expected outcomes
Consideration of logistics and resources that maybe
required to support an audit programme, including
equipment required, time taken and staff resources
Developing an audit programme that reflects the
degree of risk posed
Establishing the most appropriate scale and
frequency of auditing.
organisational and
planning issues to be
addressed in
the development of the
audit programme. You
do not need to consider
the specific factors to
be audited. (20)
Defining the standards to be audited against which

may have included legal compliance, good practice
or published management system standards.
Definition of a clear structure for audit example
Covering the options to examine either vertical and
horizontal slices or comprehensive audits
Consideration given to the option to break audits
down into specific elements of management system
standard requirements.
Establishing defined methodologies covering the key
elements of an audit process:
o Initial planning
o Gathering evidence through interviews,
documentation reviews and verification
checks
o Feedback on audit findings
o Reporting
o Corrective action and follow-up
Auditing guides to be considered

o Development of specific audit
protocols/questionnaires/checklists
o use of proprietary software systems and
questions
Role of scoring systems to help evaluate

performance and identify best practice and to the
value of undertaking pilot audits to test
methodologies
Developing an in-house audit team with defined roles
Defining competence for each role and provision of

training
Need to maintain independence from areas being
audited
Value of local knowledge.
5
5.1
Developments in environmental legislation

Describe the factors
which have influenced
the development of
environmental law in the
UK during the second
half of the 20th century
and the first part of the
21st century
June Using suitable examples,

2009 describe the key factors
Q2
that have influenced the
development of
&
environmental law in the
UK since the second half
June of the 20th century. (20)
2011
Q7
OR
Outline factors that have
influenced the
development of
environmental law in
the UK since the second
half of the 20th century
AND give examples to
support your answer.
(20)
Development of prescriptive legislation

Response to specific local environmental problems
Driven largely by public concerns
Examples
o Alkali Act
o Clean Air Act
o Public Health Act
o Deposit of Poisonous Waste Act
Tendency towards greater use of framework Acts
Develop general pollution control/prevention
principles
Examples
o Control of Pollution Act
o Environmental Protection Act
o Water Resources Act
o Wildlife and Countryside Act
Greater importance given to global and trans-boundary
issues
Driven by greater scientific understanding of
environmental pressures
The role of international treaties, conventions and
protocols where issues affect global commons
Examples
o Montreal Protocol
o Berne Convention
o Kyoto Protocol
o
European Unions influence

Through its thematic strategies on waste, water, soil,
or wildlife
Associated Directives and Regulations is
Examples
o
o
o
o
Advances in communication
The role of increased public and political awareness
Through improved public education, prominence of
coverage in the media / documentaries would
certainly be a relevant factor
Special role played by environmental pressure /
special interest groups.
5.2
5.3
5.4
Describe the status and

procedures for the
creation of UK Acts and
Regulations
Describe the
arrangements for
implementing EC
Directives in UK law
Identify foreseeable
changes in UK
environmental law
arising from proposed
and draft EC Directives.
6
6.1
Environmental legislative framework and methods of enforcement

Explain the statutory
obligations imposed on
the organisation by the
Pollution Prevention
and Control Act 1999
and its associated
regulations
June A chemical
2007 manufacturing
Q1
organisation operates
under a permit issued by
&
the Environment Agency
for a Part A (1) process
June under the Pollution
2010 Prevention and Control
Q6
Regulations 2000,
&
(a) Explain the

enforcement options
June open to the Environment
2011 Agency in the case of
Q4
non-compliance with the
conditions of the permit,
(15)
(b) Explain the
procedure to be followed
by the organisation if
they wish to surrender
their permit. (5)
OR
A chemical
manufacturing
(a)
Environment Agency/SERA can serve notices in the
case of non-compliance:
o Enforcement notice
o Suspension notice
o Revocation notice
Enforcement notice
Are issued in case of non-compliance with permit
conditions
states the potential contravention, remedial steps to
be taken and the period within which they must be
taken
Might include advice
It will state the potential contravention
Remedial steps to be taken and the timescaies for
compliance
Continuing with the process does not become an
offence until the time limit is exceeded
Suspension notices
Issued where there is a serious risk of (or actual)
pollution occurring.
states the potential contravention, remedial steps to
be taken and the period within which they must be
taken
permit ceases to authorise the stated activity until
remedial steps are taken and the notice is

under Regulations made
under the Pollution
Prevention and Control
Act 1999.
(a) In the case of noncompliance with the
conditions of the
permit identify the
enforcement options
open to the Regulator
AND describe the
implications of EACH
enforcement option. (15)
(b) Explain the
by the organisation if
they want to surrender
their permit. (5)
OR
A chemical
manufacturing
withdrawn
Continuation of the process is an offence unless the
notice is withdrawn
Revocation notice
Cannot take effect until at least 28 days after the
notice is issued
Specify the steps to be taken to return the site to
satisfactory condition
The Environment Agency/SERA has the power to

remedy the pollution and recover the costs from the
operator
Environment Agency/SERA may also prosecute the
organisation if they are in breach of their permit
conditions, or for failing to comply with a notice
As a last resort
Regulators can bring a prosecution for operating
without a permit or in breach of conditions or failing
to comply with a notice.
Criminal penalties being up to 50,000 and/or 12
months imprisonment upon summary conviction
or an unlimited fine and/or 5 years imprisonment
following conviction upon indictment
under Regulations made

under the Pollution
Act 1999.
(a) Outline the
enforcement options
open to the Regulator in
the case of noncompliance with the
conditions of the permit.
(15)
(b) Explain the
by the organisation if they
wish to surrender their
permit. (5)
6.1

and its associated
regulations
Dec
2007
Q6
&
Dec
2008
Q7
The potential liabilities

arising from noncompliance with
environmental regulatory
controls can be
significant.
Identify AND illustrate
the ways in which such
non-compliance may
adversely affect a
business. (20)
(b)
Apply to the Regulator for surrender of permit

Process includes paying a fee
Application must be supported by the site report
The site report must identify any changes in
condition of the site from those reported at the time
of the application
Environment Agency/SEPA has 3 months to
consider
o If they are satisfied then they will issue a
notice to allow surrender
o If they are not satisfied the notice states the
steps to be taken to return the site to a
satisfactory condition prior to surrender.
Adverse effects arising from:

Criminal prosecutions by the enforcing authorities or
through private prosecutions
Significant fines that can be given for serious
breaches of the law
Potential for prison sentences and for personal
prosecution for directors and managers
Administrative sanctions including serving notices
such as revocation notices, suspension notices and
enforcement notices
Orders requiring works to be undertaken to prevent
pollution

OR
The potential liabilities
arising from noncompliance with
environmental regulatory
controls can be
significant.
Outline the ways in
which such noncompliance may
adversely affect
a business. (20)
Award of clean-up costs for rectifying environmental

damage
Loss of value of property, land or a business
Civil liability, resulting in claims for damages or
injunctions
Adverse publicity and its effect on relations with key
stakeholders, including shareholders, neighbours,
insurers, banks etc.
Insurance issues making reference to the fact that
most standard business policies exclude liability for
environmental damage unless sudden and
unforeseen

Examples to include:
Reference to the scale of fines awarded
Potential costs of cleaning up after serious
pollution incidents.
6.1

and its associated
regulations
June Under Part IIA of the

2008 Environmental Protection
Q1
Act 1990, local authorities
have powers to serve
notice requiring the
investigation and
remediation of
contaminated land.
(a)
Definition
Any land which appears to the local authority in
whose area it is situated to be in such a condition,
by reason of substances in, on or under the land,
that:
Significant harm is being caused or

There is a significant possibility of such harm being
(a) State the criteria that

must be met before a
local authority
can classify an area as
contaminated land. (7)
(b) Explain how a local
authority may determine
an appropriate person in
respect of liability for
remediation. (13)
caused; or
Pollution of controlled waters is being or is likely to
be caused.
The local authority would have to establish that
harm or pollution of the type identified in the above
definition is occurring or is likely to occur
This would depend on whether or not a significant
pollutant linkage could be established between a
source, pathway and receptor
Pollution due to any radioactivity possessed by a
substance is now treated as being contaminated in
certain circumstances
(b)
Appropriate persons under the Act are identified

through two liability groups: Class A and Class B
Class A person
is one who caused or knowingly permitted the
substance(s) to be in, on or under the land in
question and that that person is the appropriate
person for one or more significant pollution linkages
Class B person
Only be relevant if no Class A person could be
found after reasonable enquiry for that particular

significant pollutant linkage
Would be the owner or occupier for the time being of
the land in question
Reference to statutory guidance 02:2006 issued by
DEFRA to assist local authorities in deciding who is
liable and under what circumstances
Where the harm is pollution of a controlled water,
and no class A person can be found, no-one is an
appropriate person and the linkage becomes an
orphan linkage
In cases where there are more than one
appropriate persons for a significant pollutant
linkage, a liability group may be identified with
members of the group being apportioned liability for
that pollutant linkage
Class A or Class B person may be exempted from
liability through the application of exclusion tests.
These include:
o
o
o
Class A person excluded from liability for

water pollution from an abandoned mine
Class B person excluded from liability
arising from the escape of pollutants from
one piece of land to another
A person exempted from liability by virtue of
being a person acting in a relevant capacity,
such as a bank, liquidators or consultants)
Investigation methods (such as historical record

searches) that may be used to identify persons who
may fall into either liability class.
6.1

and its associated
regulations
Dec
2008
Q1
A chemical
manufacturing
under a Pollution
permit as a Part A(1)
installation. It also
operates a waste sorting
and treatment process
under a Waste
Management Licence.
Under the Environmental
Permitting (England and
Wales) Regulations 2007
both the permit and the
licence have been
modified to become
Environmental Permits.
Write a memorandum to
site management to
advise them of the
key features of the new
Environmental Permitting
Memorandum
To Site Management
Date ____
The following the Better Regulation Initiative, the

Government is developing a simplified and
streamlined approach to regulation of activities
subject to prior consent
The new Environmental Permitting system that was
introduced in April 2008 that made administrative
changes introduced by the new system.
The Environmental Permitting regime combines
over 40 separate pieces of regulation into the single
new regulation thereby taking away uncertainty as
to what type of permits are required and what the
standards to be achieved are
There is no change to what is regulated, who the
regulator are and the standards that are applied
(BAT)
The process for applying for permits, variations,
regime including
reference to any benefits
that the site may gain.
(20)
transfers and surrenders is streamlined and where

possible has been simplified through the use of a
common application form
A partial surrender is now possible under the new
system
The potential for on-line completion of application
forms would be a welcome simplification of the
application process
These changes mean that many sites will benefit
from reduced costs both in applying for and
maintaining permits
In the future, both the sites PP Permit and Waste
Management License would be combined into a
single site permit either at the next review date or if
substantial changes are requested
A single permit means that the site management
requirements and standards are common across the
whole site, which simplifies both management
systems and reporting
There is opportunity to apply for standard permits,
covering waste operations now with the aim of
covering other activities in the future.
Government intend extending the new regime to
cover other environmental consents, including the
Waste Resources Act 1991 and the Radioactive
Substances Act 1993
There have been changes to the way that operator
competence is demonstrated with a new system of
competency testing and requirements for continuous
professional development
Finally non compliance may lead to newly
increased fines of up to 50,000 and or 12 months
imprisonment on summary conviction and or

unlimited fine and or 5 years imprisonment following
conviction on indictment.
6.1

and its associated
regulations
June A manufacturing
2011 company has received a
Q3
cautionary letter from its
waste disposal contractor
advising that several
partly empty cans of
highly flammable,
solvent-based floor paint
have been found in a
non- hazardous waste
skip at the manufacturing
site.
Prepare a brief for
managers of the
company in order to raise
awareness of the main
regulatory controls
applying to flammable
solvent waste and the
implications of noncompliance. (20)
Management Brief
To Site Management
Date ____
Introduction
In response to letter from its waste disposal contractor
advising that several partly empty cans of highly
flammable, solvent-based floor paint have been found in
a non- hazardous waste skip at the manufacturing site,
the following factors
Hazards and risks of material
These include include environmental pollution, harm
to health and the obvious safety hazards arising
from fire and explosion
Legislation applicable
Environmental Protection (Duty of Care)
Regulations 1991 requires to company
Moral,
legal and
financial
impactions
o
o
o
o
To prevent the escape of waste

to use only authorised carriers
to provide written descriptions and transfer
notes, and
to report offences
Hazardous Waste Regulations includes

o Definitions together with codes and
categories of waste
o Instructions to set out the consignment
procedures
o Requirement for the segregation of
hazardous/special from other waste
Implications include
Failure to comply with the requirements of these
Regulations may expose the company to the risk of
prosecution
Non compliance may lead to newly increased
fines of up to 50,000 and or 12 months
imprisonment on summary conviction and or
unlimited fine and or 5 years imprisonment following
conviction on indictment
Their will be higher costs of disposing of waste
where hazardous waste is mixed with other waste
Adverse publicity that could follow a prosecution, the
clean up costs and the loss of accreditation under
environmental management schemes
There is a potential for a wider impact on business if
there was to be a further breach of the regulations.
6.2
Describe the powers of

inspectors, different
types of enforcement
action and their
implications.
June A factory discharges an

2008 effluent into a nearby
Q4
stream. The Environment
Agency has issued a
&
consent under the Water
Resources Act 1991.
June
2009 (a) Explain the
Q4
management controls
that you would expect to
be in place to ensure
that the organisation
meets the
consent conditions. (15)
(b) Outline the actions
that the Environment
Agency could take if
the organisation were to
breach the consent
conditions. (5)
OR
A factory discharges an
effluent into a nearby
stream. The Environment
Agency has issued a
consent for this activity
under the Water
Resources Act 1991.
Monitoring
- Regular sampling and analysis for parameters listed
in the consent
- Comparison of analytical results against limits to
identify trends and potential breaches
Control of discharges
- Knowledge of drainage systems drain plan
- Control over discharges into site drains to prevent
unauthorized releases
- Maintenance of control systems and drains
- Marking of drains/discharge points
Responsibilities
- Clearly defined authority and accountabilities for
monitoring, control etc
Training/Information
- Sufficient so that all staff and contractors
understand systems and controls
Emergency responses
- Site emergency plan for spillages, leaks etc
- Rehearsals and tests
- Adequate response equipment
(b)
Issuing informal advice or a cautionary letter to the
Company

(a) Describe the
management controls
that should be in place
to ensure that the
factory meets the consent
conditions. (15)
6.2
Describe the powers of

inspectors, different
types of enforcement
action and their
implications.
Dec
2008
Q8
Issuing of an enforcement notice specifying

measures to be taken to ensure compliance
Prosecution against the Company or its
Directors/Managers
Revocation of consent in extreme cases
Requirement for the payment of costs arising from
clean up actions and other associated costs.
(b) Outline the range of

actions that the
Environment Agency
could take if the factory
were to breach the
consent conditions. (5)

A local resident has

complained that a small
stream is being polluted
by oil from a companys
manufacturing site.
(a)
Undertake a structured investigation to establish
whether the complaint was valid and if so to confirm
the source of the pollution.
(a) Outline the actions

that the company should
take to investigate the
complaint. (10)
The investigation would involve

Confirming whether the reports were accurate by
sampling, inspection and talking to the resident
By obtaining samples of any oils found to be present
in the stream, these could then be submitted for
analysis to build- up a fingerprint of the oil and its
components
By identifying all oils used on site and obtaining
samples of them for analysis, it may be possible to
match fingerprints to resolve the source of pollution
(b) Describe the

statutory offences that
may apply if the oil
was found to have
originated from the
manufacturing site. (10)
The investigation should also include examining

records and plans, including drainage plans,
inspecting oil stores for leaks and checking
inventories to identify any unaccounted losses
Consideration should also be given to identifying
any potential off-site sources, such as oil users
further upstream or contamination arising from land
contaminated by oil
Need to consider other possible targets, not only the
stream, as if pollution was present these may be
vulnerable to adverse effect
Examples of other targets would include drinking
water abstractions, groundwater and potential
effects on services etc
Informing the Environment Agency
(b)
Water Resources Act 1991 and associated
Regulations
Control Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations 2001
Environmental Protection Act 1990 if the source was
a waste
Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999
Environmental Permitting Regulations 2007 if the oil
originated from a prescribed process or activity
Anti-Pollution Works Notices Regulations 1999
potential for breaches of a works notice and the
potential for action
Groundwater Regulations 1998 if the pollution arose
from a disposal to land.
7
7.1
Public access to environmental information

Explain the format and
content of information
that is available to the
public that is relevant to
an organisations
environmental
performance
June Many organisations

2007 produce publicly
Q3
available corporate
environmental reports
(a) Identify FOUR
drivers behind
organisations publishing
reports on their
environmental
performance. (4)
(b) Outline the typical
content of what should
be included within
an annual
environmental
performance report. (16)
(a)
Government pressure for disclosure
Environmental Management Systems which require
public statements, eg EMAS
NGOs and environmental pressure groups
Corporate governance requiring transparency
Supply chain pressure
The organisation might use the opportunity to
promote their environmental image
In some countries such as Denmark and Norway it is
a legal requirement
(b)
Statement acknowledging responsibility for
environmental /sustainable development
Clear definition of boundaries of the company to
which the report applies
Sets targets
Concept of sustainable development and how it
applies to the organisation
Organisation's procurement policy and efforts to
manage the impacts of its supply chains and
products
Existence and description of an externally certified (or
other) environmental management system
External validation of report and consideration of
product design issues
Emissions to air, water and land and resource use
7.2
Describe the activities of

Non-governmental
organisations in making
information available to
the public
Dec
2006
Q6
Non-governmental
organisations (NG0s)
play an important role in
protecting the
environment.
Describe:
(a) the advantages; and
(10)
(b) limitations (10)
of non-governmental
organisations in this role.
Recycling rates
Methods for measuring impacts of company activity
on biodiversity
Environmental fines and expenditures
Any environmental awards gained
Comparisons to like organisations.
(a)
NGOs are independent of Government influence and
so may command higher levels of public
confidence/trust
They may have an international role and so may
bring with tern experience of practices elsewhere in
the world
They can more easily confront polluters and expose
unacceptable activities
Many have active and extensive membership at
'grass root level and are well-placed to promote
participatory approaches to environmental
management
They tend to have considerable experience in
practical environmental management and field-based
work
NGOs may innovate and may be more flexible in their
approach than Governmental bodies and agencies
They often promulgate practices that demonstrate
sustainability across all areas of their work
Ability to raise funding through charitable activities
may mean that they provide solutions that are more
cost effective
22
(b)
Smaller NGOs may be constrained by limited
managerial experience and lack of appreciation of
large organisations problems/costs
Reliance on donations may mean that they are less
financially stable unless long-term funding is secured
There may be a tendency for less effective interorganisational coordination, particularly where their
work involves complex schemes with other
organisations
They may be answerable to funding bodies, which
may lead to conflicts in principles
Interventions may be small-scale and localised.
7.3
Review methods of
presenting information
on environmental
management
performance in publicly
available reports.
8
8.1
Civil liability in relation to environmental pollution

Identify the duties owed
in common law by
organisations and
occupiers of land in
respect of
environmental pollution
Dec
2006
Q7
&
Dec
2009
Q8
Residents living close to

a factory have been
complaining both of an
intermittent pungent
smell and of a dust that
appears to have a
corrosive action on the
bodywork of their cars.
Describe the legal
remedies under civil law
that might be available to
the residents. (20)
OR
Residents claim that dust
emanating from a nearby
waste transfer station is
damaging their property.
Describe the main

grounds for action under
civil law that might
be available to the
residents. (20)
The main routes through which redress could be sought:

These concern the civil torts of negligence, nuisance, the
rule in Rylands and Fletcher and breach of statutory
duty.
Negligence
The plaintiffs (residents) would need to establish
proof of causation and proof of harm
They would then need to demonstrate that they were
owed:
o A duty of care (as neighbours)
o That the duty had been breached in that the
factory owner had not done all that was
reasonably practicable to prevent foreseeable
harm
o That the breach led directly to harm
Nuisance
Comprises both public and private nuisance
the need to demonstrate that there had been
unreasonable interference with the use and
enjoyment of land
Taking into account issues such as
o Sensitivity and
o The general character of the neighbourhood
Claim for damages under the tort
For a breach of statutory duty:
o Where it must be shown that a statutory
breach had led to damage
o
o
The statute does not specifically disallow such

an action
In using this action many plaintiffs would
pursue a double-barrelled action of
negligence and breach of statutory duty
Common law
Rylands and Fletcher imposes strict liability for the
escape of things likely to cause foreseeable harm
Trespass
Require deliberateness and directness i.e. the
damage caused was deliberate to the neighbours
property
Remedies sought by the above actions
Injunctions and court orders to prevent further harm
Compensation for harm already caused
Compensation could be in the form of special
damages for calculable harm (eg damage to cars or
property) and/or
General damages to compensate for pain, suffering
and loss of amenity.
8.1
Identify the duties owed

in common law by
organisations and
occupiers of land in
respect of
Dec
2005
Q7
&
Compare and contrast

the common law torts of
private nuisance and
public nuisance,
illustrating your answer
with examples of typical
(a)
Nuisance is one of the fundamental principles of tort
law
Common law nuisance has developed through two
branches, private nuisance and public nuisance
June situations that may give

2008 rise to an action under
Q3
the tort of nuisance and
referring to the possible
or
defences and remedies
available. (20)
Dec
2010 OR
Q7
Explain the meaning of
the common law torts of
private nuisance
and public nuisance,
illustrating your answer
with examples of
situations that may give
rise to an action under
these torts, with
reference to the
possible defences and
remedies available. (20)
OR
(a) Explain the meaning
of the common law torts
of private nuisance
and public nuisance.
(14)
(b) Identify the possible
defences and remedies
Private nuisance
Private nuisance is basically an unreasonable
interference with a persons use or enjoyment of land,
or some right over or in connection with it
To be liable under the tort, it should be foreseeable
that actions would be likely to give rise to a nuisance
Typical activities actionable under private nuisance
include:
o Encroachment (eg landslide)
o Physical damage to land (eg migrating landfill
gases killing vegetation)
o Interference with enjoyment of property (eg
noise or smells)
Private nuisance is actionable by individuals with a
direct proprietary interest in the land in question
Liability for an unreasonable interference or nuisance
depends on a range of factors; such as:
o
o
o
o
Duration of the interference

Sensitivity of the claimant
Any malice
Character of the neighbourhood
Public nuisance
Public nuisance is a crime as well as a tort. In
essence it is similar to private nuisance,
except that it is well established that there is no need
to have an interest in land affected and prescription is
not a defence
Persons affected are the public, or a section of it,
which suffer damage at large
Typical examples of public nuisance would be:
available for private

nuisance and public
nuisance. (6)
o
o
o
Wide scale fallout of dust over a large number

of properties
Blasting noise and fly rocks from a quarry
An offensive smell affecting a town centre
(b)
The possible defences and remedies available
for private nuisance and public nuisance:
Defenses against a nuisance claim:
Prescription continuing a nuisance for 20 years
may legalise it by prescription
Statutory authority
Act of God or a stranger
Remedies under nuisance include:
An injunction
Right to take action to abate the nuisance, where
notice is given to defendant, no unnecessary damage
is caused
Abatement is that course of action that represents
least cost to the defendant; and/or damages.
Appropriate references to leading case law ....
8.2
Explain the legal

principles of decided
cases and civil action.
June In the civil law case of

2006 Cambridge Water
Q7
Company v Eastern
(i)
Origin and principles of:
Rylands v Fletcher in 1868
Counties Leather plc

(1994), the House of
Lords unanimously found
that the defendant was
not liable under the rule
of Rylands v Fletcher
for contamination of a
water supply borehole.
(i) Describe the origin

and principles of, and to,
the rule of Rylands v
Fletcher. (15)
(ii)Comment on the
implications of the House
of Lords decision in
Cambridge Water
Company v Eastern
Counties Leather plc that
foreseeability of damage
is necessary in
establishing liability
under the Rylands v
Fletcher rule. (5)
Following the act by Fletcher of building a reservoir

on his land
Subsequently water escaped from the reservoir and
flooded a mine owned by Rylands
Fletcher had not been negligent as he did not know
that the mine shafts passed beneath the land in
question
The Courts established the judgement that a person
who for his own purposes brings onto, collects or
keeps on land something which can do mischief if it
escapes must keep it in at his peril, and if he does
not do so, he is prima facie answerable for all the
damage which is a natural consequence of its escape
This has become known as the principle of strict
liability in that no fault is required to establish liability
Subsequent to the original case, the concept has
been modified by the concept that liability rests on
the non-natural use of the land from which the
escape has occurred there must be a special use
bringing with it increased danger
the mischievous thing must escape from land and
that any resulting claim must arise from damage
done to land owned by another. In this respect
Rylands v Fletcher is a natural extension of the law of
nuisance applying to isolated escapes
Possible defences
The Plaintiff consented to the matter in hand
the activity was specifically authorised by statute
The damage was due to an Act of God
(ii)
The Lords ruled that foreseeability of damage was
necessary in establishing liability under Rylands v
Fletcher
The consequences for this ruling are that claims for
historic contamination, where the state of knowledge
at the time was less, would be less likely to succeed,
except where the risks arising from the activity were
well known at the time
Furthermore, in cases where there is a complex
relationship between the historic escape of the
dangerous thing and damage to remote receptor via
an indirect route
a claim would be less likely to succeed as knowledge
of source-pathway-receptor relationships is relatively
recent and still embryonic
The application of the new Contaminated Land
regime statutory law now imposes liability in cases
of pollution arising from escapes of pollutants from
land.
9
9.1
Solid and liquid wastes

Describe wastes and
effluents and determine
their category
Dec
2007
Q8
Prepare a brief to advise

senior managers of a
computer printer
manufacturer of how the
&
Waste Electrical and
Electronic Equipment
June (WEEE) Regulations
2010 2006 may apply to the
Q8
company. (20)
Management Brief
To Senior Management
Date ____
OR
Prepare a brief to advise

senior managers of a
computer printer
manufacturer of how the
Waste Electrical and
Electronic Equipment
(WEEE) Regulations
2006 may apply to the
company. (20)
As computer printer manufacturer the Waste

Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
Regulations 2006 are likely to apply
The Regulations transpose the EU Directive or waste
electrical and electronic equipment into UK law.
They apply, with certain exceptions, to the categories
of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE)
specified in Schedules to the Regulations.
All producers who put EEE on the market in the
United Kingdom in a compliance period will be
responsible for financing the costs of the:
o Collection
o Treatment
o Recovery and
o Environmentally sound disposal of:
WEEE from private households that is deposited at
designated collection facilities (DCFs); or returned
under an in-store take back service
The first compliance period which runs from 1 July
2007 to 31 December 2007
All producers must join an approved compliance
scheme and charges must be paid to the EA or
SEPA for registration of a scheme

A producer must provide a declaration of compliance,
together with supporting evidence, to the
Environment Agency(ies)
A producer must
o Mark EEE with the crossed out wheeled bin
symbol, a producer identification mark and a
date mark
o Provide information on reuse and
environmentally sound treatment for each
new type of EEE put on the market by that
producer
Approved compliance schemes must register or
notify each producer who is a member of that
scheme with the Environment Agency
An operator of a scheme has reporting, compliance
and record keeping obligations
There are special provisions relating to the financing
obligation on users of business WEEE that arises
from EEE that was put on the market in the United
Kingdom before 13 August 2005
A person who collects or transports WEEE must
ensure that reuse and recycling of that equipment, or
its components, is optimised and they may refuse to
handle contaminated WEEE
A person who treats WEEE must be an authorised
treatment facility (ATF) or an exporter for the purpose
of issuing evidence of compliance under these
Regulations through 'evidence notes' which may be
sold to producer compliance scheme
New exemptions for storing or treating WEEE for the
purposes of reuse, recovery or recycling were
introduced under the Waste Electrical and Electronic

Equipment (Waste Management Licensing)
Regulations 2006.
9.1
Describe wastes and

their category
June Under the Landfill

2008 Directive, all nonQ8
hazardous waste
consigned for landfill
disposal must be pretreated.
(a) Outline the options
that could be considered
for pre-treatment
of waste. (12)
(b) Describe practical
measures that could be
taken to
minimise generation of
waste in a commercial
office premises. (8)
(a)
The need for pre-treatment, where possible, for all
waste consigned to landfill was established in autumn
2007
Physical treatments
o Sorting to separate recyclable components
o Thermal treatment
o Reuse of waste
o Crushing/screening
o Use of waste as fuel including biofuels
o Solidification
Biological treatments
o Composting
o Anaerobic digestion
Chemical treatments
o Neutralisation
o Sterilisation
o Leaching, and
Chemical reaction

(b)
Requiring suppliers to use returnable delivery
packaging
9.1
Describe wastes and

their category
Dec
2008
Q2
Describe the key

requirements of the Site
Waste Management
Plans Regulations
2008. (20)
Provision for use of double sided printing

Adoption of paperless office practices
Use of washable cups/plates
Use of refillable printer cartridges
Re-use of surplus paper/card for packaging
Provision of washable towels
Reuse of surplus items of equipment, often through
charities
Purchase of equipment with long design life
Order control systems to avoid over-purchasing
The Site Waste Management Plans Regulations were
introduced in England from April 2008
Requires the preparation and maintenance of a Site
Waste Management
Plan for certain specified construction and demolition
projects
Regulations apply to construction and demolition
projects above 300,000 project cost (materials and
labour)
Construction also covers new build, maintenance,
alteration or installation/removal of services such as
sewerage or water.
Projects above this threshold must have a Site Waste
Management Plan (SWMP)
Responsibility for the plan is shared between the
Client and Principal Contractor (if one is appointed)
The Plan should be written at design stage then
updated throughout the project.
Projects above 500,000 project cost, a detailed plan
is required and that there is a requirement that this is
reviewed at least every 6 months
The purpose of the Plan is to ensure that:

o Building materials are managed efficiently
o Waste is disposed of legally
o Material recycling, reuse and recovery is
maximised.
If a project was planned before 6 April 2008 and

construction work begins before 1 July 2008 there is
no need to produce a SWMP
if work is within a site already subject to an
Environmental Permit as a Part A activity, again there
is no requirement to produce a plan under the
Regulations
Plan should include records and all waste taken from

the site to show:
o The types of waste removed
o The identity of the person who removed the
o
o
o
9.3
Describe strategies for

monitoring waste and
effluents
Dec
2006
Q2
A company is proposing
development of a new
facility for the chemical
treatment of hazardous
waste. The proposed
system will involve
neutralisation of acidic
waste prior to its
discharge to a foul
sewer.
(a) Identify the
notification, licensing or
permitting requirements
that may apply to the
waste and their waste carrier registration

number
A description of the waste
The site that the waste was taken to and the
environmental permit or exemption held by
the site where the material was taken
Waste data table setting targets for each
waste stream and actual performance
At end of project, the Plan must be reviewed to learn

lessons for any future plan that may be prepared.
The Plan must be is kept for two years
Local authorities and the Environment Agency jointly
regulate site Waste Management Plans Regulations.
(a)
Waste Management License under the Waste
Management Licensing Regulations 1994 requires a
license to treat/dispose of hazardous waste
Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations 2000
may require a permit instead of a licence where
treatment exceeded 10 tonnes per day.
The Control of Major Accident Hazard Regulations
1999 may also apply if the quantities of hazardous
substances exceed threshold quantities of hazardous
substances
Town and Country Planning Act 1990 requires
planning permission
Water Industry Act 1991 requirement is to obtain
consent from the sewerage undertaker to cover the
treatment of hazardous
waste in this situation.
(10)
(b) Outline the
environmental factors
that should be
considered in selecting
a suitable site for the
new facility. (10)
disposal of trade effluent to foul sewer
Need to submit an Environmental Statement in

support of the planning application
(b)
Proximity to waste generators
Proximity to SSSIs
Whether protected flora/fauna could be present on or
near to the site
Sensitivity of local surface or groundwater resources
to pollution
Accessibility and local transport impacts
Location of sensitive land uses such as housing
Existence of contaminated land
Provision for energy and services
Capacity of sewerage systems and local facilities for
disposal of solid process wastes
Potential constraints due to noise sensitivity
Need to consider land use zoning in local plans
Need to consider flooding risk
Need to consider landform stability issues.
9.3

monitoring waste and
effluents
June Incineration is a waste

2007 treatment technology
Q6
that involves the
combustion of waste at
high temperatures.
(a) Outline THREE of
the main groups of air
pollutants that may be
released by the
incineration process. (6)
(b) Comment on the:
(i) advantages; and (7)
(ii) disadvantages (7)
that incinerators have
over other forms of
waste treatment.
(a)
Acidic gases - hydrogen chloride, sulphur oxides, and
nitrogen oxides
Metals - cadmium, mercury, arsenic
Organic substances where combustion has not been
complete - dioxins
Oxides of carbon - carbon monoxide and dioxide
Particulate matter - silica.
(b)
(i) Advantages
An overall reduction in volume of waste
Destruction of hazardous components, eg
incineration of medical waste products
An end product ash that is sterile and non-hazardous
which can be recycled eg in road building
Generation of electricity and steam that can be sold
to the regional electric grid and industrial customers
and thus replaces fossil fuel for energy generation
Destruction of organic components of biodegradable
waste that may generate landfill gases
(i) Disadvantages
The concerns about the health effects of dioxin and
furan emissions into the atmosphere
Odour
Public perceptions
Increased road activity
High capital costs
Stringent monitoring requirements

High fuel costs on start up
Inputs need to be carefully controlled
It is not suitable for all wastes, for instance aqueous
Difficulty in obtaining sites
Poor maintenance can lead to performance
deterioration.

9.4

minimising waste and
effluents
June (a) Outline the principles

2009 of the waste hierarchy.
Q3
(8)
(b) Using suitable
examples, describe how
the waste hierarchy
could be applied to
minimising waste in an
office environment. (12)
(a)
The waste hierarchy derives from the EU Waste
Framework Directive and is specifically expressed
through the Environment Act 1995 as an important
guiding principle underpinning the National Waste
Strategies
The hierarchy encompasses, in priority order
o Prevention of waste
o Reuse
o Recycling and composting
o Recovery of value from waste through for
example energy recovery; and finally
o Disposal.
The principle relies on the preferential order of
priority, with reduction of waste through preventing it
being the best option and disposal being the least
favourable option.
59
(b)
Importance of establishing waste policies and formal
procedures for cutting down on waste and the critical
importance of staff training and awareness.
Preventing waste
Returnable packaging
Paperless offices
Washable plates
Refillable printer cartridges
Re-using by reuse of
Packaging
Note paper
Office equipment etc
Recycling or composting waste through
Segregated collection for
Recycling paper, card, cans, plastics, printer
supplies, food waste or old electrical equipment
This is not really minimisation and it is preferable to
find of ways of preventing something becoming waste
in the first place
Recovering energy from
Combustible waste, plastics, paper, card, wood
Finally landfill or incineration of residual waste
9.4

minimising waste and
effluents
Dec
2009
Q2
&
Dec
2010
Q3
Outline reasons why

many waste producers
are seeking to minimise
the use of landfill as a
disposal route for their
industrial and
commercial waste
streams. (20)
=
this is well down the waste hierarchy and should only

be considered for waste that cannot be dealt with
higher up the hierarchy.
The effect that landfilling may have on the environment:

Impact on global warming due to the emission of
methane and CO2
Local and global air pollution effects of landfill gases,
cfcs etc
Health and safety concerns, particularly migration of
methane gases
Potential for nuisance, including odour, litter, vermin
and scavengers
Water pollution, particularly groundwater
contamination from leachates
Natural resource concerns:
Burying materials that could be recovered or recycled
Land required for landfilling and restrictions on what
completed sites can be used for
Restricting development of land due to concerns
about health, safety and environmental issues for
buildings near to landfill sites
Environmental and local protest groups
Other factors:
Landfill tax is progressively making landfill less
competitive to its alternatives
High operational costs due to tighter regulation of
landfills have increased prices for landfilling waste
9.5
Identify appropriate
control strategies and
measures for solid and
Dec
2007
Q4
As a disposal option,
landfill is coming under
increasing pressure and
its future as the main
The pattern of consolidation into fewer, larger sites

means greater transport distances to reach sites
Recycling/reuse can yield income or significantly
reduced costs compared to landfill.
For some wastes, there are restrictions on disposal
(liquids, hazardous wastes etc)
The development of new sites is limited due to the
difficulties in obtaining planning permissions
Producers of waste have concerns over the longer
term liability issues where waste is incorrectly
disposed of
Organisations holding ISO14001, there is pressure to
seek low waste systems, greater recovery of waste,
recycling and other disposal options (such as
anaerobic digestion), energy recovery, etc
Many organisations are affected by producer
responsibility schemes that favour recovery of waste
rather than disposal
The effect of the Landfill Directive in restricting
biodegradable waste disposal and requiring that
waste to landfill must be subject to pre- treatment in
many cases
Requirements for construction and demolition waste
must now be dealt with by recycling/recovery where
possible under the Site Waste Management Plan
Regulations.
Outline of presentation:
Introduction
The decline in landfill capacity, particularly for
liquid wastes.
disposal method for

household, commercial
and industrial waste is
limited.
Prepare outline notes
that will enable you to
give an authoritative
presentation on the
reasons for this
assertion. (20)
hazardous wastes, and the rapid rise of disposal

costs is a topical issue for environmental managers
Notes covering the following major factors:
Environmental concerns
o the impact of methane emissions on
global warming
o local air pollution arising from gaseous
emissions
o potential safety risks from gas migration
o nuisance from odours and pests
o water pollution, particularly groundwater
contamination from leachates
Natural resource concerns
o including burying materials that could
otherwise be recovered or recycled
Land take and the restriction on development of land
due to concerns about health, safety and
environmental issues for buildings on or near landfill
sites
Difficulties in obtaining permission for new sites and
the effect of environmental and local protest groups
Economic costs including progressive rises in Landfill
Tax making landfill less competitive to its alternatives
and rising operational costs due to tighter regulation
under the Pollution Prevention and Control permit
system
Tighter restrictions on disposal of some waste types
under the Landfill Directive, particularly hazardous
wastes
shortage of capacity and number of sites capable of

dealing with hazardous wastes
Therefore need for pre-treatment of all wastes prior to
landfill disposal
Concerns over liability for future environmental costs
arising from landfilied waste
levels of financial provision required to ensure sites
are maintained and restored
Trends in many companies towards greater
minimization and recovery of waste which are
reducing requirements for disposal facilities
Effect of such measures as the Packaging Waste
Regulations in encouraging higher rates of recovery
Summary
Q&A.
10
10.1
Gaseous and particulate releases to atmosphere

Describe the
characteristics of
emissions to the
atmosphere and assess
whether emissions are
likely to be subject to
specific legal
requirements
Dec
2006
Q1
A large manufacturing
company wishes to
minimise the extent to
which its activities
&
contribute directly and
indirectly to global
June warming throughout the
2009 emission of greenhouse
Q6
gases.
(a) Identify activities that
may lead to release of
greenhouse
gas emissions into the
atmosphere. (10)
(b) Explain how the
company could minimise
greenhouse
gas emissions arising
from distribution
activities. (10)
OR
A large manufacturing
company wishes to
minimise the extent to
which its activities
contribute directly and
(a)
Combustion of fossil fuels (oil, LPG, gas and coal)
leading to release of carbon dioxide and other
relevant gases through heating systems
Transportation emissions
Consumption of electricity generated from fossil
sources
Process use of fossil fuels
Use of cement and bricks in construction leading to
release of carbon dioxide from calcium carbonate in
cement manufacture
Greenhouse gases from energy used in manufacture
Use of chemicals deriving from fossil fuel sources
Disposal of waste to landfill leading to methane
emissions
Emission of VOCs used as process solvents or from
fuels
Emission of HFCs and chlorinated/fluorinated
hydrocarbons
Removal of greenhouse sinks leading to reduced
capacity to absorb carbon dioxide through peat
consumption and deforestation
Direct contributions through use of resources and
removal of sinks / the effect of removal of green
house sinks leading to reduced capacity to absorb
carbon dioxide through peat consumption or
deforestation
(b)
indirectly to global
warming through the
emission of greenhouse
gases.
(a) Identify activities of

the company that may
lead to release
of greenhouse gas
emissions into the
atmosphere. (10)
Use of alternative fuel sources (biodiesel, bioethanol)

Promotion of fuel efficiency measures including
o Driver training
o Maintenance of vehicles
o Reducing transport mileage by load planning,
larger loads, and location in proximity to
suppliers/customers
o Timing of deliveries to avoid congestion
o Alternative transport modes (rail as opposed
to road etc)
o Procurement of fuel efficient vehicles
Target setting and benchmarking.
(b) Describe how the

company could minimise
greenhouse
gas emissions arising
from distribution
activities. (10)
10.2
Explain the relevant

legal requirements for
the management of
emissions to
atmosphere
10.3

monitoring atmospheric
emissions
Dec
2007
Q7
&
A company is planning to
construct a new 'energy
from waste facility that
will be a Part A (1)
installation under the
(a)
-
Establishing the probable mass emission rates of key

pollutants from the process under different operating
conditions using data from existing plants, theory or
Dec
2005
Q8
Pollution Prevention and

Control Regulations
2000. In preparing its
application for a permit,
the company needs to
undertake an
assessment to determine
the likely effect of
emissions of exhaust
gases from a proposed
chimney at the facility.
mass balance calculations, etc.

Establishing the likely efflux velocity from the
chimney based on stack gas velocity and stack
cross-sectional area and then a calculation of the
effective stack height, taking account of plume rise
due to velocity and buoyancy
Gathering and reviewing meteorological information
to determine prevailing wind directional frequency
and velocities, stability profiles etc.
Applying a diffusion model to predict dispersion of
emissions via the atmosphere taking account of
meteorology, ground terrain, surface roughness etc.
Establishing existing background concentrations for
the key pollutants
Predicting the net increase in ground level
concentrations above background arising from the
stack emissions for each pollutant and then
comparison of resultant predictions against relevant
air quality standards and objectives
(a) Describe the key

stages and information
that would be needed to
allow the company to
use an air pollution
diffusion model to predict
the likely effect of
emissions from the
chimney on ground level
air quality. (11)
(b) Describe, with the

aid of diagrams, ONE
method that could be
used to quantify ambient
levels of EACH of the
following Air pollutants
downwind of such a
chimney, AND explain
the principles of
(i) nitrogen dioxide
(b)
(ii) sulphur dioxide

(iii) particulate matter as PM10
labeled diagram needed
operation of EACH
method:
(i) nitrogen dioxide; (3)
(ii) sulphur dioxide: (3)
(iii) particulate matter as
PM10. (3)

=
10.3

emissions
June Explain the causes,

2006 principles of formation
Q4
and consequences of the
following air pollution
&
effects:
June (i) greenhouse effect (5)
2008 (ii) stratospheric ozone
Q2
depletion (5)
(iii) acid rain (5)
(iv) photochemical smog
(5)
=
Greenhouse effect
Caused by emission of and increase in atmospheric
levels of specific pollutants such as carbon dioxide,
methane, refrigerant gases
Green house gases trap long wave thermal radiation
causing a warming effect upon the atmosphere
As concentrations increase, this warming effect
increases to the point where there is imbalance
between incoming short wave radiation and outgoing
long wave radiation leading to net global warming of
the atmosphere
The consequences of this warming include climate
change, possible sea level rises, effects on
agricultural and natural ecosystems etc.
Stratospheric ozone depletion
Caused by emissions of volatile organic compounds
containing halogens which have a long half life in the
atmosphere such as refrigerants, carbon
tetrachloride, halons and other chlorinated solvents
The Earth is protected by natural layer of ozone
which absorbs incoming UV radiation

Natural ozone formation is by the process of photodissociation of oxygen molecules and reformation as
ozone
Chlorine (and other Halogen) atoms catalyse the
destruction of ozone back to oxygen molecules and
are not consumed in the reaction.
Therefore one atom of chlorine can destroy many
ozone molecules.
The main consequence is increased level of cell and
genetic damage, ultimately leading to skin cancer,
crop damage etc.
Acid rain
Caused by emission of gases which form acidic
compounds in the presence of water/water vapour
(such as sulphur dioxide, hydrogen chloride, nitrogen
dioxide)
These acid forming gases dissolve in water in the
atmosphere to produce acids such as
sulphurous/sulphuric acid which cause a lowering in
pH due to increase in hydrogen ion concentrations
When the acidic water forms raindrops or mist and
reaches the ground, this affects the pH balance in
upland ecosystems leading to release of toxic metals
into surface runoff, toxic effects of vegetation, aquatic
invertebrates and fish
Acid rain can also damage materials such as
limestone in buildings, and corrode metals such as
galvanised steel
Photochemical smog
Associated with the emission of volatile organic
compounds such as solvents, petrol vapour and other
compounds into a warm atmosphere in the presence
of sunlight
The emissions react with each other in the presence
of UV radiation and reactive gases such as nitrogen
dioxide to create complex mixtures of secondary
pollutants and ozone, many of which are irritant to
respiratory systems and degrade materials such as
rubber
On a warm day levels of photochemical air pollutants
accumulate in the atmosphere around larger cities to
create a brown photochemical haze.
10.3
Dec
2008
Q4
(a)
(i) With the aid of a
labelled sketch,
identify TWO methods
that could be used to
measure emissions of
dust from a cement
works. (6)
(a)
(i)
(ii) Outline the principles

of the TWO methods
shown in (i). (8)
Sketch
Particle charge transfer probe (in-stack)
Transmissometers (in-stack)
Light reflectance (in-stack)
Light modulation beam transmissometers
Beta attenuation (extractive)
BCURA or CEGB probe or similar (extractive or
grab);
Deposition gauges
(b) Describe why

isokinetic sampling

conditions are important

when monitoring
particulate emissions. (6)
(ii)

headings with principles required
(b)
Particles have inertia when travelling at high
velocities found in stack conditions
Large particles tend to have greater inertia which
means that they tend to resist rapid changes in
direction when encountering an obstruction in their
path, such as a sample probe
Ensuring that sampling conditions achieve an equal
velocity with stack gas velocity is important to avoid
over- or under- sampling of large particles
Where sample velocity is too slow, over-sampling of
large particles occurs and conversely where it is too
fast, under-sampling occurs.
10.3

emissions
June (a) Describe the main

2007 effects that may be
Q4
caused by emissions of
nitrogen oxides to the
&
atmosphere. (14)
(a)
Ground level air pollution
Exceeding air quality standards
Harming human health through respiratory effects /
damage
Harming animal health through respiratory effects /
June (b) Describe, with the

2009 aid of diagrams, TWO
Q5
methods that could be
used to quantify
emissions of nitrogen
oxides. (6)
OR
(a) Describe the main
environmental effects
that may be caused
by emission of oxides of
nitrogen (NOx) into the
atmosphere. (14)
(b) Describe TWO
methods that could be
used to quantify NOx
emissions from
chimneys. (6)
10.3

emissions
Dec
2009
Q3
A manufacturing
organisation uses large
quantities of organic
solvents for degreasing
metal products.
Outline the range of
(b)
damage
Odour nuisance
Damage to vegetation by air pollution or deposition
Wet and dry acid deposition leading to damage to
materials used in construction such as metal and
stone
Acidification of rainfall leading to harm to upland
ecosystems, trees, plants and freshwater
environments
Chemical reactions giving rise to other harmful
substances e.g. photochemical smog
Chemi-luminescence
Infrared spectrometry (in-stack or extractive)
Colorimetry
Ion-chromatography

Elimination and substitution of organic solvents to the

atmosphere should be the first and second choice
Technical measures that may be used in design of

process to ensure minimisation through
o Process temperature control

adopted to
minimise emission of
organic solvents to the
atmosphere. (20)
o
o
Physical containment to limit evaporative

losses
Minimising air flows
Process temperature control
Technical measures, by means of emission control

devices:
o Adsorption
o Absorption
o Thermal treatment/incineration
o Biological treatment
o Condensation
Behavioural measures
o Training/education
Procedural measures
o Maintenance
o Systems for handling solvents.

10.4
measures for releases
June Explain the principles of

2008 operation of the following
Q6
types of air pollution
(a) bag filter
to atmosphere.
&
Dec
2010
Q8
control device, making

reference to the
categories of pollutant
and types of plant on
which they would be
used:
Sketch
(b) electrostatic precipitator

Sketch
(a) bag filter; (5)

(b) electrostatic
precipitator; (5)
(c) wet scrubber; (5)
(d) activated carbon
adsorption device. (5)
(c) wet scrubber

Sketch
OR
(d) activated carbon adsorption device
Describe the principles

of operation of the
following types of air
pollution control device,
including the categories
of pollutant and types of
plant on which they
would be used.
Sketch
(a) Bag filter. (5)

(b) Electrostatic
precipitator. (5)
(c) Wet scrubber. (5)
(d) Activated carbon
adsorption device. (5)

The principles of filtration of dusts, electrostatic
attraction of dusts, absorption of gases and particles
into liquids and adsorption of gases and vapours
(principally organic) onto a solid media were given
for each device in turn with varying degrees of detail.
Reference to the types of plant upon which each
device would typically be used
10.4
measures for releases
to atmosphere.
June Describe the air

2011 pollution control
Q8
hierarchy AND give
suitable
practical examples for
EACH stage. (20)
Elimination by
Contracting out to specialists
Stopping processes
Changing processes
Changing materials
Examples
o Eliminating solvent in paint
o Buying in power or dip coating rather than
spraying
Substitution
Replacement of one substance with another that is
less damaging in its effects
Using substances less prone to causing emissions
Processes could also be changed for ones with less
potential for pollution
Examples:
o Changing fuel
o Using less volatile solvent
o Using pellets rather powdered raw materials
Reduction
Reducing quantities used/emitted
Reducing length of process times or running process
less frequently
Through better process management e.g.
Temperature, ventilation rate.
Examples
o
o
o
Lowering process temperature to reduce

vapour emissions,
Reduce LEV extraction rates
Putting lids of containers
Finally, air emissions that can not be avoided or reduced

to acceptable levels using the above
Could be controlled through the use of emission
control devices
Or by ensuring adequate dispersal in the
environment by ensuring adequate stack gas
velocities, chimney height etc.
Examples
o Bag filters
o Scrubbers.
11
11.1
Water resources management

Describe the framework
in which water is
managed within the UK
June (a) Explain what is

2006 meant by the terms
Q1
'water quality standard'
and 'water quality
&
objective'. (8)
Dec
2009
Q5
(b) By using a suitable

example, explain how a
company can
use biological indicators
to determine whether an
effluent discharge into a
river could have a
deleterious effect on the
ecological balance of
the receiving water. (12)
OR
(a) Explain what is
meant by the terms:
(i) water quality
standard; (4)
(ii) water quality
objective. (4)
(b) Using a suitable
example, explain how a
company can
use biological indicators
(a)
Water quality standards (WQS)
Derive from the EC Directive on pollution caused by
certain dangerous substances
Commonly referred to as Black List and Grey List, or
List I and List II substances
They set down limits in concentration of specified
dangerous substances allowed in discharges to
controlled waters
A company wishing to discharge effluent containing
such substances will face considerable hurdles in
gaining consent
Tight limits on the amounts that can be released to
ensure that the WOS limits are not exceeded
Water quality objectives (WOO)
Are a system for classifying waters according to their
actual or potential use
deriving from a range of EU Directives
They set down limits or relevant substances or quality
criteria based on the use that water is to be put to
There are EU Directives specifying what objectives
should apply for specified uses such as bathing
water, shellfish, drinking water etc.
(b)
Biological indicators refer to a range of techniques
that use living organisms with known susceptibility to
to determine whether an
effluent discharge into a
river could have a
deleterious effect on the
ecological balance
within the receiving
water. (12)
11.1

in which water is
Dec
2007
Q3
The Groundwater
Regulations 1998
regulate the discharge of
listed substances to
groundwater. Explain
the main provisions of
the Regulations. (20)
the effects caused by a polluting activity or condition

Exposure of organisms to harmful concentrations
results in changes in the indicator organism or
population of organisms
This can be measured and used to assess the likely
impact that a discharge may have upon the aquatic
environment in a receiving water
The principle is used in direct toxicity testing of
complex effluents to determine whether their overall
toxicity is such as to harm biological quality of
receiving water
There are a number of different test organisms that
are commonly used, such as oyster embryos, fish,
algae etc.
Making use of naturally occurring populations of
organisms in a river environment
By tracking the numbers and distribution of species
over time to detect possible deleterious effects.
The Groundwater Regulations have their origins in

the EU Groundwater\Directive
They are an important aspect of the regulation of
discharges to land or directly to an aquifer
The Regulations which are enforced by the
Environment Agency (EA) through authorisations
authorisations are granted for discharges which may
contain listed substances as defined under List I and
List II of the Regulations
EA cannot grant an authorisation in relation to any
substance in List I in the following circumstances
o Direct discharge to groundwater; or
disposal or tipping for the purpose of

disposal or any activity
o Where this may lead to an indirect
discharge
o Unless subject to prior investigation that
confirms entry of the substance is not
possible
o Or where the groundwater is permanently
unsuitable for use
Discharge of list I substances is permitted where this
is as a result of re-injection into the same aquifer of
water abstracted for
o Geothermal purposes
o Water pumped from mines and quarries or
o Water pumped out for civil engineering
purposes
For List II substances, the EA require that a prior
investigation is undertaken before granting an
authorisation for:
o Any direct discharge of any substance in
List II or
o Any disposal or tipping or any other
activity on or in the ground which may
lead to an indirect discharge of List ll
substances.
An authorisation may only be granted if it requires
that all technical precautions are observed to
prevent groundwater pollution by a List II substance
Where an authorisation is granted, the EA must
ensure that authorised discharges are monitored
Authorisations must be reviewed every four years
The Regulations specify that applications are
11.1

in which water is
June Cadmium is included in

2010 the UK red list for
Q2
substances discharged
to controlled waters.
(a) Explain the reasons
why releases of
cadmium are strictly
controlled. (12)
(b) Describe the
procedures that must be
followed before an
organisation is given
submitted in prescribed format prior to discharge

and fees are charged
The EA have powers to service notices prohibiting
discharges and they maintain registers of
authorisations
There are provisions for appeals against
authorisation conditions or for refusal to grant
authorisation
Prior investigation includes examination of:
o The hydrogeological conditions
o The potential for soil and subsoil to purify
any potential List I or List ll substances
before they enter groundwater; and
o The risk of pollution or alteration of the
quality of the groundwater from the
discharge.
(a)
Cadmium emissions are tightly controlled due its
ecotoxic properties.
It can bioaccumulate through the food chain
It may be subject to biotransformation
Environmental risk is increased due to its persistence
and propensity to accumulate in sediments
(b)
Need for an application for consent/permitting to be
consent to discharge
cadmium to a controlled
water. (8)
submitted to the Environment Agency/Scottish

Environmental Protection Agency
The Regulator must consider the application and
ensure that any discharge will not cause pollution or
exceed water quality standards
Where a permit under the Pollution Prevention and
Control Act is required, the Regulator must also
ensure that BAT will be used in preventing or limiting
releases
Once consent is given, the applicant must ensure
that a discharge meets specified conditions.
Additional information needed
11.2
Describe the
characteristics of
polluting substances
released to water and
assess whether
releases are subject to
specific legal
requirements
Dec
2006
Q8
Describe the meaning,

causes and adverse
effects of the following
forms of water pollution:
(a) eutrophication (5)
(b) oxygen depletion (5)
(c) silt deposition (5)
(d) acidification. (5)
Eutrophication
Eutrophication is an excess of nutrients (mainly
nitrogen and phosphorous)
This is caused mainly by runoff of fertilizers and other
discharges containing nutrients, including sewage
The excess of nutrients leads to algal blooms and
excessive plant growth that limits light penetration,
depletes oxygen and smothers surfaces
The lack of oxygen may lead to fish deaths and the
decay of plant and animal matter then causes
anaerobic conditions to develop
This may lead to release toxic sulphides into the
water
Oxygen depletion
Oxygen depletion is a lowering of dissolved oxygen

which can be caused by discharges of effluents
containing high levels of BOD or COD or
through the decay of organic matter.
Example polluting potential of milk and orange juice
which both have high levels of BOD
The lowering of oxygen leads to death of
invertebrates and fish.
Oxygen depletion may be one of the effects arising
from the eutrophication
Silt deposition
Silt deposition is due to the settlement of fine solids
that are discharged or washed into a water course
from surrounding land
This occurs during disturbance associated with earth
works, or through the disturbance of natural fine silts
on the bed of water course
The consequent smothering of vegetation inhibits
photosynthesis, kills invertebrates and affects fish
and their spawning grounds
The accumulation of sifts may reduce channel depth
Acidification
Acidification is due to an increase in acidity of water
following discharge of acidic effluents or from the acid
rainfall
The acidity may mobilise toxic metals, such as
aluminium
It may adversely aquatic systems
11.2
Describe the
characteristics of
polluting substances
released to water and
assess whether
releases are subject to
specific legal
requirements
June (a) Identify the chemical,

2011 physical and biological
Q6
characteristics of water
pollutants. (6)
(b) Describe the main
effects caused by
discharge of
water pollutants into
surface waters. (14)
Fish and invertebrates may be harmed or die as a

consequence.
(a)
Chemical characteristics
Salinity
pH
Biochemical oxygen demand
Chemical oxygen demand
Nutrients
Odour
Taste
Physical characteristics
Turbidity due to suspended solids
Colour
Surface characteristics (floating films, foam, etc)
Temperature
Radiation
Biological characteristics
Presence of bacteria / viruses
(b)
Oxygen depletion
11.3
11.4
Explain the relevant

legal requirements for
the prevention or control
of discharges to, or
abstraction from,
controlled waters
Identify appropriate
controls for strategies
and methods for
prevention and control
of polluting matter to
controlled water.
Toxicity and ecotoxicity to plants, aquatic organisms,

animals/birds or man
Eutrophication associated with nutrients
Infection risks associated with pathogenic substances
Sedimentation leading to changes in flow
Reduce light penetration and harm to plants
Nuisance effects and the impact on downstream
users and
Coating of feathers on birds from floating
contaminants.
Potential effects arising from persistent pollutants
Potential for bioaccumulation and possible
interactions
Reactions with other pollutants.
12
12.1
Control of environmental nuisance

Describe the
characteristics of noise
and advise on
measurement and
assessment of
environmental noise
levels
June A householder is a
2009 resident in a new
Q8
housing estate located
close to an established
factory. The factory emits
a low frequency noise
that induces vibration in
the householders
property.
Outline how the
following law may be
applied to resolve this
issue:
(a) statute law; (7)
(b) common law. (13)
(a)
Noise could be considered to be a form of statutory

nuisance
The powers of a local authority Environmental Health
Officer (EHO) to take action under Part III of the
Environmental Protection Act 1990
EHO might serve notices to effect an abatement of
the nuisance
The existence of the defence of best practicable
means in abating the nuisance
Role of Environmental Permits for Part A(1) and Part
A(2)
activities and the possibility of breach of permit
conditions
(b)
Under nuisance, the unreasonable interference with
the enjoyment and use of land,
Distinction between public and private nuisance
Factors influencing the likelihood of success of any
actions under nuisance
o the conduct of the company, any abnormal
sensitivity of the residents in the house
o character of the neighbourhood.
Possibility of action under negligence or breach of
statutory duty
12.1
Describe the
characteristics of noise
and advise on
measurement and
assessment of
environmental noise
levels
June (a) In the context of

2010 environmental noise,
Q4
outline the meaning of
the following terms:
(i) 'a weighting' scale;
(3)
(ii) percentile sound
levels; (3)
(ii) equivalent continuous
sound pressure level. (3)
(b) Describe how the
potential for complaint
from environmental noise
should be assessed. (11)
(a)
(i)
'A weighting' scale takes into account sound pressure
levels for the lower frequency bands and high
frequency bands are reduced by certain amounts
before they are being combined together to give one
single sound pressure level value
This value is designated as dB(A)
The dB(A) is often used as it reflects more accurately
the frequency response of the human ear
(ii)
Percentile sound levels are used when measuring
environmental noise
They are expressed as Ln, where n may be anything
from 1 to 99, i.e. noise level exceeded for n% of the
measurement time
Commonly encountered percentiles are L10 and L90
(iii)
Expressed as Leq, the equivalent continuous sound
pressure level is a constant noise level that would
result in the same total sound energy being produced
over a given period
It can be measured in either A, C or Z (Linear) modes
76
(b)
Reference to BS 4142 as a method for rating
industrial noise
The first step is measurement of noise level from the
source to gain the specific noise level
This is measured at the assessment location,
normally outside a nearby residence.
The background noise level at the assessment
location is also measured at a time when the specific
noise source is not operating
If distinguishable acoustic features are present, in the
specific noise level, (hums, whistles, bangs, clicks,
clatters or thumps) or the noise is irregular enough to
attract attention, a 5 dB adjustment to the specific
noise level is made in order to obtain the rating level
As general guidance, if the rating level is more than
10 dB above the background level, this is an
indication that complaints are likely
If the rating level is 5 dB above the background, this
is of 'marginal significance' and complaints are
possible
Description of measurement methods that may be
used
Requirements applying to sound meters
12.2
Describe control
strategies and methods
for the control of
environmental nuisance
with reference to
relevant legal
Dec
2005
Q3
A commercial printing
company, situated in a
predominantly residential
area, currently operates
a day shift only. Having
secured new contracts
(i)
Works traffic and in particular employees cars, fork
lift trucks, delivery vehicles
Process machinery and equipment
Service equipment and in particular compressors and
fans
requirements.
for printing mail order

catalogues, it is now
proposing to introduce a
night shift. Describe:
(i) the various sources of

night time noise
disturbance that could
be caused by the
proposed change (8)

(ii) how the company

should assess whether
these sources of
noise disturbance could
cause complaints from
local residents. (12)
General factory noise escaping through open

doorways, vents etc
Other intermittent noise sources such as tannoys,
radios, employees shouting instructions etc.
(ii)
The Company should undertake an assessment
Using for example the structure and methods
established under British Standard BS 4142
BS 4142 sets out the methods for carrying out an
assessment of noise arising from an industrial source
Steps that would need to be taken such as:
o Measuring the existing background noise
levels
o Measuring the noise levels with the plant
operating at night
o Determining the changes in noise emission
due to the change in working times
o Assessing the actual increase against the
levels advised in the standard
An increase of more than 10dB(A), would be likely to
give rise to complaints
Adjustments may also be required to take account of
particular factors such as tonal characteristics and
impact noise
Evaluate the findings, taking into account any other
issues such as the prevalence of existing noise
nuisance problems and the sensitivity of local
residents.
12.2
Describe control
for the control of
with reference to
relevant legal
requirements.
June A company is planning to

2006 construct a new
Q6
warehouse facility
alongside its adjoining
factory. Residents living
near to the proposed site
have complained that
construction site noise
could be a nuisance for
them.
(I) Identify typical
sources of noise
emission that may occur
during
construction works. (8)
(II) Explain how section
60 and section 61 of the
Control of Pollution Act
1974 could be used to
give the company some
protection against action
taken by the local
authority under Statutory
Nuisance (12)
(a)
Site access
Site transport
Piling
Compaction (rollers, vibration etc)
Mechanical plant (excavators, mixers, etc)
Deliveries
Tools and equipment (drills, saws, riveting etc)
Personnel noise (shouting etc)
Concrete pumping
Impact noise
Vehicle reversing alarms
Tannoys, radios etc

(b)
Section 60 gives powers to local authorities to serve
notice imposing requirements as to how construction
works may be carried out and limits on noise
Complying with conditions of s.60 notice gives a
defence against further action
Section 61 allows for a company to apply in advance
for consent from the local authority as to methods by
which works can be advanced
Complying with the scheme proposed by a developer
12.2
Describe control
for the control of
with reference to
relevant legal
requirements.
Dec
2008
Q5
After complaints by local

residents, drivers of
heavy goods vehicles
have been instructed not
to leave their engines
running when making
warehouse deliveries at
night. Despite the
instruction, the problem
has persisted. One of the
residents has claimed
that the noise and
vibration caused them
nervous exhaustion,
gives a defence against further action

BS5228 Noise Control on Construction and Open
Sites provides guidance to enable compliance with
s.60
Part 1 and Part 2 establish guidance relevant to
construction activities. Part 4 covers piling.
BS5228 does not set down limits of noise emission
But specifies best practices which may establish a
best practicable means defence under nuisance
Control of Noise (Codes of Practice for Construction
and Open Sites) Order 2002 specifies the BS5228 as
being good practice
Individuals can apply to a Magistrates' Court to
determine that noise from a construction site
nevertheless amounts to a Statutory Nuisance, even
if the scheme adheres to section 60 notices or a
contractor's scheme.
Potential for noise and/or vibration to be regarded as
a statutory nuisance
Environmental Health Officer (EHO) have powers of
a local authority to take action under Part III of the
Potential for civil action under the common law tort of
nuisance
Distinction made between public and private
nuisance
Factors influencing the likelihood of success
o Conduct of the company
o Any abnormal sensitivity of the residents in
the house
o The character of the neighbourhood
preventing them from

working for several
weeks.
Describe the legal
actions that may be open
to the resident, what
would need to be
shown for the actions to
succeed and the
remedies that a court
may find. (20)
Possible negligence could be shown as

o The drivers or the warehouse owed a duty of
care
o It had breached that duty and
o That the harm suffered by the resident
Role and breach of a statutory duty
Remedies generally available in such cases include
injunctions/orders to constrain further activities giving
rise to disturbance and damages to compensate the
resident for any losses.
13
13.1
Hazardous substances
Dec
Describe the
2005
environmental aspects
Q5
of the legal
requirements affecting
supply, storage, use and
transport of hazardous
substances
Demonstrate your
understanding of each of
the following terms in the
context of environmental
hazardous substances.
Give TWO relevant
examples to illustrate
your answer in each
case.
(i) Persistence (4)
(ii) Bioaccumulation (4)
(iii) Ecotoxicity (4)
(iv) Biotransformation
(4)
(v) Half-life. (4)
Persistence
Persistence is when a substance is resistant to
breakdown by chemical, physical and biological
processes under normal environmental conditions.
Examples
o Toxic metals
o Chlorinated organic compounds
Bioaccumulation
Bioaccumulation is where a substance is likely to
accumulate within the tissues or organs of an
organism leading to an accumulation of concentration
above background levels and may then further
accumulate through the food chain. Again examples
could have referred to
Examples
o Mercury
o Cadmium
o pesticides
o Polychlorinated biphenyls
Ecotoxicity
Ecotoxicity is where a substance may exert toxic
effects upon one or more components of the
ecosystem.
Examples
o Any toxic substance
Biotransformation
Biotransformation is where a substance is changed
into another substance by the action of living

organisms, typically by microorganisms. The case of
methylation of mercury in Minimata Bay was cited by
some candidates as a suitable example
Half-life
Half-life is the time taken for the concentration of a
substance to be reduced to 50% of the original
starting concentration. Many candidates referred to
radioactivity as an example, although the concept
can be applied to any substance, irrespective of
radioactive properties.
13.1
Dec
Describe the
2005
Q2
of the legal
substances
Write a memorandum to
the facilities manager for
a large
commercial office
building explaining the
main requirements of the
Hazardous Waste
Regulations 2005.
Memorandum
To Facilities Manager
Your answer should

make reference to
examples of typical
types of wastes
produced at commercial
offices that could
be classified as

Date ____
The purpose of Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005

is to implement the EU Hazardous Waste Directive
Under the new system, producers of hazardous
waste must register with the Environment Agency as
a Producer unless exempt from the registration
requirement
Exemptions from registration include commercial
offices where less than 200 kgs of hazardous waste
are produced in any twelve month period
hazardous waste. (20)
Contractors producing waste at the premises may

also be registered as producers under special
arrangements for Mobile Service registrations
The producer is responsible for assessing
(characterising) whether a waste is a hazardous
waste by reference to those wastes which are listed
in the List of Wastes Regulations 2005 annotated by
a *.
The distinction between absolute entries and mirror
entries are
o For mirror entries, testing may be required
against the dangerous properties and
thresholds listed in the Regulations.
o Absolute entries are always hazardous waste
irrespective of any dangerous properties.
Mixing hazardous waste is not permitted
Hazardous waste must be segregated from other
wastes
There is a relaxation on the pre-notification
requirement
Consignment notes must bear producers registration
number and the six- digit code from the List of Waste
Regulations (or European Waste Catalogue)
There is a requirement that if waste is to be disposed
of to landfill, the producer must ensure that the waste
meets the Waste Acceptance Criteria for the landfill,
if necessary by pre-treatment.
Examples of hazardous wastes include
o Computer monitors
o Fluorescent tubes
o Oils
o Batteries
o
o
o
o
o
13.1
June As the Environmental

Describe the
2007 Manager to a
Q8
manufacturing
of the legal
organisation, you have
recently discovered
drums of flammable
solvent being stored on
substances
open land at the rear of
the factory
(a) Draft a memorandum
to the Production
Manager explaining
why storage in this
manner is inappropriate.
(12)
(b) Describe, with the
aid of sketches, the main
features of
an appropriate storage
facility for the drums. (8)
Paints
Solvents
Asbestos
Infectious waste from first aid treatment
Certain medicines.
(a)
Memorandum
To Facilities Manager
Date ____
As a result of the recently discovered drums of
flammable solvent i.e. inappropriate storage. This
manner is inappropriate for the following reasons:
The potential
Risk of ignition
Risk of leaks or spillage
Risk of prosecution or enforcement action
Adverse publicity and associated impact of business
reputation
Breach of
The Dangerous Substances and Explosive
Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR)
Water Resources Act 1991 if water pollution occurred
EPA Part IIA (remediation notice)
Permit conditions
Potential costs
Civil liability for damage or nuisance
Clean-up costs
Adverse publicity in the event of an accident
Breach of insurance conditions
Environmental accreditations
(b)
Bunding to contain spills

A facility for collection and disposal of rainwater or
spillages
An impermeable base
Design issues such as use of non- combustible, fire
resistant building materials
Security features such as locks, fencing, etc, warning
signs
Protection from sources of ignition, heat and sunlight
Adequate ventilation separation from buildings
Segregation of materials; and emergency provision
such as sprinklers, etc.

13.1
Describe the
of the legal
June A drain valve serving an

2006 above-ground oil storage
Q3
tank at a commercial
garage has been opened
&
by vandals allowing the
escape of several
A similar event led to the successful prosecution of

the Empress Car Company (Abertillary) Ltd in 1998.
Standards for such storage in the Control of Pollution
(Oil Storage)(England) Regulations 2001
11
substances
Dec
2007
Q2
thousand litres of oil,

some of which has
entered the site drainage
system that leads directly
to a nearby stream. The
tank was not protected
by a suitable bund wall
and was situated close to
a public thoroughfare,
across the forecourt of
the garage.
(a) Describe the steps
that should be taken to
minimize any
that may arise from the
incident (8)
(b) The company has
issued a statement to the
effect that the valve was
not opened by a
company employee and
therefore it is not liable
for the resulting pollution.
Comment on why, in
the circumstances, this
line of argument would
be unlikely to
provide an effective
defence against a
(a)
Isolating the leak, if possible, to prevent further
escape
Containing any spillage using bunds or absorbent
materials
Sealing any drains using suitable means to prevent
further entry of oil
Tracing drains and attempting to contain any oil
within them
Placement of booms across any receiving water
courses to absorb surface oil
Notifying the sewerage undertaker if oil has entered
sewers
Notifying the Environment Agency or SEPA of oil has
or is likely to enter a controlled water
Removing all contaminated materials, such as
absorbents or oil soaked ground for safe disposal
and attempts to decontaminate all other
contaminated surfaces
(b)
Under the Water Resources Act 1991, s.85, it is
offence to cause or knowingly permit polluting matter
to enter a controlled water
It has been established in case law that provision of
an oil storage tank is in itself a positive act that may
contribute to causation
Failure to foresee that vandalism, an all too common
occurrence, was a possibility in this situation, and to
neglect to guard against it, was an omission by the
Company that may increase the likelihood of a
successful prosecution under the Act.
prosecution brought by
the Environment
Agency for causing or
knowingly permitting
polluting matter to enter
a controlled water. (12)
OR
A drain valve serving an

above-ground oil storage
tank at a commercial
garage has been opened
by vandals allowing the
escape of several
thousand litres of oil,
some of which has
entered the site drainage
system that leads directly
to a nearby stream. The
tank was not protected
by a suitable bund wall
and was situated across
the forecourt of the
garage, close to a public
thoroughfare.
(a) Describe the steps

that should be taken to
minimise
any environmental
pollution that may arise
The fact that oil storage is a known risk activity, and

is the subject of specific guidance from the
Environment Agency
Pollution Prevention Guidelines and is now governed
by specific legal standards set down
These are within Control of Pollution (Oil
Storage)(England) Regulations 2001
which requires that oil storage tanks are protected by
adequate secondary containment.
Failure to provide adequate secondary containment
may be seen by the Courts to have further increased
the likelihood of conviction for the offence
It the vandal had been identified, they too would risk
prosecution for their part in jointly causing any
pollution.
from the incident. (8)

(b) The company has
issued a statement to the
effect that the valve was
not opened by a
company employee and
therefore it is not liable
for the resulting pollution.
Comment on why, in the
circumstances, this line
of argument would be
unlikely to provide an
effective defence against
a prosecution brought by
for causing or knowingly
permitting polluting
matter to enter a
controlled water. (12)
13.1
Dec
Describe the
2010
Q2
of the legal
substances
A construction company
has been employed to
build an extension to a
large manufacturing
facility. A serious leak
occurred from a bowser
(mobile storage tank) at
the construction site
resulting in the escape of
several hundred litres of
(a)
Isolating the leak to prevent further escape
Containing the spillage using bunds or absorbent
materials
Damming the ditch if possible and attempting to
contain any oil
Isolating and excavating any areas of contaminated
ground
Placing booms across any receiving water courses
Notifying EA/SEPA/NIEA
diesel oil, some of which

has flowed into a
drainage ditch.
(a) Outline the practical
actions that should be
taken to minimise
that may arise from the
incident. (8)
(b) Outline the actions
that could be taken
against the
construction company
or its client under statute
law. (12)
Vacuuming off any free oil from any affected surface

waters
Removing all other contaminated materials for safe
disposal
(b)
Environmental Permitting (England and Wales)
Regulations 2010 replaces former Water Resources
Act 1991 therefore the actions include
Actions are available under the Control of Pollution
(Oil Storage) Regulations actions include
Possibility that the construction project may have
been undertaken on an installation with an
Environmental Permit therefore the actions that
would be available to a regulator include
Scale of criminal penalties that apply under the
various statutes
Possibility of personal liability for directors and senior
managers
13.2
Identify the legislation

affecting use of
pesticides.
14
14.1
Environmental implications of development and land use

Explain the
of developing and
managing land
June Some rare species of

2007 flora and fauna have
Q7
recently been discovered
in an area of marshy
land adjacent to a
company's food
processing plant.
(a) Explain how the
company's activities
could adversely affect
the area. (10)
(b) Summarise the main
statutory controls that
could be used to protect
the rare species and
their habitat. (10)
(a)
Direct pressure damage due to access to area
Change in land management regime
Drainage or water abstraction lowering the water
table
Flooding due to increased storm water run-off,
blocking drains
Intentional, or unintentional, release of pollutants
Disturbance due to noise or vibration
Presence of food and food waste attracting pests
(b)
Scientific Interest under the Wildlife and Countryside
Act 1981 (as amended by Countryside & Rights of
Way Act 2000) applies to protected species and Sites
of Special Statutory Interest
Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations
1994 which allows the designation of sites of
European importance as a Special Area of
Conservation under the EC Habitats Directive
Groundwater Regulations 1998
The Pollution Prevention and Control (England and
Wales) Regulations 2000 (or Scotland)
Clean Air Act 1993
Water Resources Act 1991
expand headings with brief summary of Acts
14.1
Explain the
of developing and
managing land
June Describe the measures

2008 an organisation could
Q7
take to minimise adverse
impacts on plant and
&
animal communities
(biodiversity). (20)
Dec
2009 =
Q4
Possible measures
Purchasing timber from sustainably managed
sources - FSC certification was commonly mentioned
Purchasing supplies and raw materials from
accredited sources
Minimising disruption of habitats and species during
development of land and premises
Habitat creation in landscaping schemes and use of
native species of value to wildlife
Control of water abstraction activities to ensure that
water resources are maintained
Adoption of sustainable urban drainage system
practices to provide new aquatic and marginal
habitats
Provision of facilities to encourage wildlife (eg bird
boxes, bat roosts)
Control of releases to the environment (air, water or
land) that could impact upon wildlife;
Control of noise, light etc that may disturb wildlife
Avoiding release of non-native species (particularly
invasive species)
Appropriate use of pesticides, fertilisers etc
Containment of waste to prevent escape
Funding/participation in environmental projects
Education/information to increase awareness of
wildlife
Sustainable drainage systems to create new wetland
habitats
Provision of emergency response resources to
14.1
Explain the
of developing and
managing land
Dec
2008
Q6
A company has an oil

storage depot close to a
marshland area which is
a designated Site of
Special Scientific Interest
(SSSI).
(a) Outline the ways in
which the companys
activities may affect the
SSSI. (10)
(b) Explain the possible
consequences the
company may face if the
SSSI is adversely
affected by its
operations. (10)
minimise harm to wildlife from incidents

Development of a Biodiversity Action Plan
Monitoring the health of wildlife populations
Using bio indicators
The benefits to be gained by adoption of policies
would be to promote biodiversity
(a)
Atmospheric emissions of toxic substances,
deposition of pollutants and accumulation in soil and
sediments
Noise leading to disturbance of wildlife
Direct pressure damage due to access to area
(trampling, picking, cutting, litter)
Change in land management regime
Drainage or water abstraction leading to a lowering of
the water table
Flooding due to increased storm water run-off,
blocking drains
Escape of toxic pollutants into the area through site
drains, overland flow
Adding fertilisers to low nutrient environments
Disturbance due to noise, vibration
Presence of food/food waste attracting pests/pest
control activities;
Introducing non-native species to the area
Effects of non-routine or unplanned events, such as
fire or spillages
(b)
Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended by
Countryside & Rights of Way Act 2000)
This gives powers to English Nature and their
regional equivalents to designate a Site of Special
Scientific Interest (SSSI) and notify all owners and
occupiers of land of operations likely to damage the
area
A person is liable to a fine of up to 20,000 on
summary conviction or unlimited fine on indictment if
they carry out, without reasonable excuse, an
operation that damages the special features of an
SSSI
It is an offence under Wildlife & Countryside Act to
pick, uproot, injure and/or kill protected species or
damage their habitats
Some species have their own special protection
under separate legislation, such as badgers.
Other regulatory regimes which could give protection
through ensuring that pollutants did not do damage to
the area:
o Environmental Protection Act,
o Environmental Permitting Regulations
o Pollution Prevention and Control Act
o Water Resources Act
Breach of these provisions can expose the company
to the possibility of fines, prohibition notices,
revocation of permits and cost recovery for any
clean-up actions.
Potential adverse publicity and associated impact of

14.2
Identify hazards and

assess risks associated
with contamination of
soil and groundwater
and advise
management on the
options for remedial
treatment.
Dec
2010
Q5
A company has recently

discovered that an area
of land at the rear of its
factory is contaminated
by a wide range of
substances as a result of
tipping of laboratory
waste many years ago.
Some of the substances
are migrating to cause
pollution of a nearby
stream.
Advise management, in
the form of a briefing
note, of the different
types of remediation
techniques that could be
used in this situation.
(20)
business reputation
Financial consequences...
Briefing note
The flowing different types of remediation techniques
that could be used to address the pollution.
Source Reduction:
Excavation and disposal
Bioremediation both in-situ and ex-situ
In-situ or ex-situ physical treatment, including soil
washing
Thermal treatment
Pathway modification:
Cover or capping systems
Vertical/horizontal barrier systems
Runoff/leachate/groundwater interception and
extraction systems
Receptor protection:
Protection of any at risk receptors, in this case the
stream, through the use of oil absorbent booms.

develop description of above actions
15
15.1
Energy use and efficiency

Explain the
of and legal
requirements for
business use of energy
June Your organisation's

2006 water supply costs
Q8
appear to be excessive.
Describe the actions

that could be taken to
reduce water bills without

the need for heavy
capital expenditure. (20)
Engaging management and ensuring that they are

committed, possibly through a formal policy
statement
Monitoring water consumption and setting targets for
savings
Exploring current patterns of use to identify trends
and linkage with activities
Putting in place an action plan to achieve targets
Raising awareness through campaigns, suggestion
schemes, training and information
Controlling use of plant and equipment, for example
switching off equipment when not in use
Where cost effective, replacing equipment with more
efficient alternatives, eg controlled flushing of urinals
Re-use of 'grey water' and rainwater collection and
use Treatment and recycling of process waste water
rather than discharge off-site
Reducing process temperatures to reduce
evaporative losses
Abstraction of ground or surface water, under licence
Minimising water losses through leaks.

15.2
Describe strategies and

actions to reduce overall
energy use and manage
carbon emissions.
June An organisation is
2007 proposing to develop a
Q5
large new corporate
office building.
Using recycled build materials and aggregates in the

construction
Installation of rainwater harvesting for toilet flushing,
or grey-water reuse systems
&
Describe the practical
June measures that could be
2010 incorporated into
Q7
the design of the new
building to minimise its
impact upon the
environment. (20)
OR
An organisation is
proposing to develop a
large, new, corporate
office building.
Describe the practical
incorporated into
the design of the new
building to minimise its
impact upon the
environment. (20)
Consideration of water efficiency eg. Low flush

systems, sensors, spray taps
Management of solar gain, natural ventilation
Energy regeneration through photovoltaic, wind
power or other non-fossil systems
Incorporating energy efficient systems, lighting etc
Insulating to conserve heating energy, minimise
cooling energy
Provision of soakaways, balancing ponds
(sustainable urban drainage systems) for site
drainage control
Provision of cycle parking and showers etc to
encourage use of bicycles
Incorporating recycling facilities / waste management
to reduce site waste
Incorporating noise reduction measures during
construction and use
Including low impact external lighting to avoid light
pollution
Including semi-natural landscape planting to create
habitats.

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EnvDip Q&A

Principles of environmental risk management

Environmental implications of development and land use

Principles of environmental risk management

Explain the earths

Outline EACH of the

(a) The carbon cycle.

Dissolving in rainfall to form nitrous/nitric acid

Explain the reasons for

June Explain the reasons why

notices, permits etc)

Explain the principles of

Identify and describe the

Leaching and washing into surface waters giving rise

Explain the principles of

subsequent ingestion by animals and people

which all employees

Reference to any key accreditations, such as ISO

(b) Describe ways in

Explain the principles of

June An organisation is in the

Need to have an environmental management system

assessment, and risk

the servicing and

Explain the principles of

June (a) Outline the types of

Evidence of previous trade experience via references

Additional information need for marks

Question link Buncefield

(a) Outline the types of

(b) Describe typical

through desktop rehearsals or simulated incidents

Environmental risk evaluation

Consideration of the need to undertake life cycle

containing hazardous substances mercury,

By addressing the above it will be possible to revise the

Evaluate risks to the

(a) Identify how

Services emissions of GGs including leakages from

Evaluate risks to the

June Describe how

(a) With reference to

Establishing existing background levels of the

June (a) Outline the

The Town and Country Planning (Environment

Integrated Pollution Control or Pollution Prevention

Screening and scoping stages

Additional information need for marks

Control strategies for environmental risks

June BS ISO EN 14001: 2004

(iii) actions that should

Review data on performance to establish any areas

Additional information need for marks

(b) explain how an

Describe the benefits

disciplines would avoid additional paperwork

Those areas of activities, products or services which

environment over which an organisation has some

Examples could included

Additional information need for marks

Monitoring, review and audit

(a) In relation to stack

Additional information need for marks

Continuous monitoring is generally a fixed installation