 |
Management and Quality Services |
 |
|---|
| |
| Index |
|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|---|
| |
|
Case Study 1: - Consultancy project for an International Food Company in their two Applications to obtain Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Permits.
Background
Because the organisation's two large UK food canneries exceed the qualifying processing threshold for the application of the Pollution Prevention Regulations (England & Wales) 2000, they needed to acquire and pay for IPPC permits from the Environment Agency. The process of applying for IPPC permits is a daunting task, involving the careful completion of a large application form that generally takes around 60 days to complete. Without these IPPC permits, these factories would not be allowed to continue producing, resulting in a catastrophic outcome for the organisation.
Project Summary
Carshaw assembled together a team of specialists to oversee every part of these projects. They drew up a project implementation plan detailing the key steps, timescale and estimated costs for the "essential" and "optional" components of the project.
First, we had to take a snapshot of exactly how the activities each factory affected the environment; this involved obtaining great quantities of data relating to raw materials usage and storage, processes, energy use, emissions to air, water and land, plus an assessment of the overall environmental management performance.
Then we had to produce a detailed gap analysis to identify and obtain the "missing" information. Once all the information had been gathered over many weeks, it was all assembled into the application form alongside a spreadsheet (EP OPRA) which was used to calculate the charges that the Client would have to pay to the Environment Agency for each permit. Concurrently, an environmental management system (EMS) designed to meet the requirements of ISO 14001:2004 was installed at each site, as were two new appointees to look after the EMS systems.
Each project was submitted by the due date, the costs of which fell within the budgeted range. The client was very happy with the outcomes and we received some very positive feedback on the projects.
Terms of Reference
Appointed by the Company Chief Engineer, Carshaw's goal was to provide qualified consultancy, guidance and training so that a team of specialists could ensure that the client met the deadline for their IPPC applications.
Project Aims & Objectives
The overall aims of the project were to obtain completed IPPC permit applications for the two sites on time and within budget.
Process of Delivery
In order to achieve the stated project objectives Carshaw had to:
- Determine the environmental historical perspective of the two sites
- Provide a detailed picture of how each factory impacted upon the environment
- Conduct a training needs analysis in relation to environmental knowledge, skills and understanding
- Deliver training workshops identified by the TNA, to include Environmental Legislation and Compliance, Waste Minimisation, ISO 14001 Overview and Environmental Risk Assessments
- Implement an environmental management system (EMS) for each site that would meet the prevailing ISO 14001:2004 standard (and possibly EMAS at a later date)
- Deliver training in EMS principles and practices, including internal system auditing to ISO 19011:2000 (which also encompassed auditing their BRC Quality Management System)
Data (qualitative and quantitative) on environmental performance were systematically gathered and entered into the application forms over time. These were supplemented by the inclusion of various site drawings depicting specific activities and functions. As the forms were being completed, the corresponding quantitative data were entered into the EP OPRA spreadsheet which automatically calculates the fees required. The completed Applications were then submitted for client approval prior to delivery to the EA SPG offices at Nottingham by the deadline date.
Project Outcomes
The IIPC Permit applications were completed on time and within budget. The applications were given the "duly made" status by the Environment Agency Special Projects Group at Nottingham.
Because effective EMS systems were installed at each site, the scores for the Operator Performance section of the EP OPRA spreadsheet were both raised from a grade D to a grade B which resulted in appreciable savings on the charges for the Permits.
Clarification was obtained regarding the function and location of all the site drains, resulting in each drain being appropriately colour-coded.
The environmental impacts and risk assessments at one site indicated the need to handle sodium hypochlorite solution (sanitiser) in ways other than using vulnerable IBC containers. A centralised tank and pumped distribution system were installed by the engineering department to reduce these risks to acceptable levels early in the project.
Almost 60 of the Client's staff were trained in six varied environmental topics (see above) and training records were submitted as part of the IPPC Permit applications.
Environmental awareness was raised for all staff using a newsletter and notice board schemes linked in to a PowerPoint presentation. Supporting this there were environmental bulletins and an Environmental booklet that were communicated widely to all stakeholders.
More information
|
| |
|
|
|