If your business discharges water that contains hazardous chemicals or pollutants into surface water, chances are you’ll need a risk assessment as part of your permit application. Worry not, H Fraser Consulting can help! These risk assessments are essential for protecting the environment and ensuring your operations meet legal requirements.
The Environment Agency has been increasingly focused on requiring H1 risk assessments for both direct water discharge and discharge to sewers. This emphasis supports the UK’s environmental goals and reflects stricter regulations to protect surface water quality and biodiversity.
H Fraser Consulting can assist you in the screening and modelling process in support of your permit application/variation, including identifying and completing the relevant forms, determining the appropriate charges and providing H1 risk assessments
(EA and Defra guidance here).
When do you need a H1 risk assessment?
H1 risk assessments are required when applying for a bespoke environmental permit that includes discharging hazardous chemicals and elements to surface water. In legal terminology these “chemicals and elements” are “hazardous substances and non-hazardous pollutants” (if you’re applying for a “standard rules” permit the assessment is done by the Environment Agency).
Risk assessments are also required for discharging clean water or sewage effluent, outside certain limits. This involves evaluating and assessing any possible contaminants you may release into surface water. This includes discharge through sewage treatment systems.
H1 risk assessments aren’t just for hazardous chemicals. They’re also required for discharges of clean water or treated sewage effluent that go beyond certain limits. Here’s when you’ll need one:
- Applying for a new bespoke permit
- Changing your existing permit to cover an increase in hazardous chemicals or addition of a new hazardous chemical
- Applying for a permit variation for discharge of hazardous pollutants for another reason
How does the H1 risk assessment process work?
Screening Test:
The first task is to undertake a screening test of the discharge water against environmental Quality Standards (EQS) for each chemical to determine whether there are any risks to the receiving water and environment. If risks are identified, detailed tests that involve “modelling” (i.e. more complex calculations) should be undertaken using the Environment Agency’s H1 assessment tool.
Detailed Modelling:
If any risks crop up during screening, you’ll need to dig deeper. This means using the Environment Agency’s H1 assessment tool to run more complex calculations (aka modelling) to evaluate the risks properly.
Permits and Forms:
To apply, you’ll need to complete the EPB Part B6 form, which covers discharges into surface water, groundwater, and even sewers from permitted installations.
Why all the fuss about H1 risk assessments?
In recent years, the Environment Agency has been cracking down on water discharges to better manage pollution risks. The H1 risk assessment plays a big role in this, helping protect water quality and ecosystems by keeping pollutants under control.
Here’s why it matters:
- Tougher regulations: the UK is committed to higher environmental standards, aligning with the EU Water Framework Directive and global efforts to reduce pollution in rivers and streams.
- Pollution control: with more attention on water pollution (thanks to public pressure and awareness), the Environment Agency is stepping up its efforts to monitor and manage risks – especially for industrial wastewater. H1 assessments help identify, quantify, and control the risks of hazardous substances before they enter sewer systems, ultimately protecting natural water bodies from contaminants.
- Accountability: H1 assessments force businesses to take responsibility for potential environmental impacts. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about actively reducing risks. This proactive approach enables better reporting, documentation, and, if necessary, enforcement, ensuring compliance with discharge limits and pollution control measures.
- Better data, better decisions: the Environment Agency is now using more advanced tools and data to assess pollution risks. The standardised H1 approach helps them analyse and manage pollutants more effectively by providing a more standardised approach for use by different industries.
- Focus on water quality and biodiversity: there is a renewed focus on protecting ecosystems and maintaining high water quality to support biodiversity. As untreated or inadequately treated discharges can lead to harmful effects on aquatic life, requiring these risk assessments helps ensure discharges are within limits that do not pose risks to flora, fauna, and overall ecosystem health.
H Fraser Consulting has an outstanding track record in securing successful H1 risk assessments, demonstrating our expertise in navigating complex regulatory requirements. With years of experience, we’ve helped numerous clients achieve compliance by delivering accurate screening, detailed modelling, and comprehensive risk assessments tailored to their needs. Our in-depth knowledge of environmental regulations and commitment to excellence make us trusted leaders in managing water discharge permits efficiently and effectively.
So, whether you’re applying for a new permit or tweaking an existing one, let us help you keep your operations compliant and environmentally responsible. Together, we can protect water quality and meet today’s tougher standards – without the stress!
Please feel free to contact H Fraser Consulting regarding your H1 assessment needs by emailing info@hfraserconsulting.co.uk or calling 01743 352797. We have over 30+ years’ experience and welcome your enquiry.
