Guidance

Non-hazardous and inert waste treatment: examples for your adapting to climate change risk assessment

Updated 17 May 2023

Applies to England

Possible impacts and mitigation measures to consider when preparing your climate change risk assessment.

Summer daily maximum temperature

This may be around 7°C higher compared to average summer temperatures now, with the potential to reach extreme temperatures as high as over 40°C with increasing frequency based on today’s values.

Impact 1

Potential for increased waste reactions or fires involving heat sensitive or combustible waste.

The mitigation for this could include making sure:

• heat sensitive wastes for example gas cylinders and oily rags are stored in protected areas (such as in shaded buildings or under cover)
• there is suitable segregation and separation of combustible wastes
• there is regular monitoring of waste stockpiles to ensure they are not self-heating
• the fire prevention plan considers increased risk over time with focus on increased risk from self-heating and combustion due to extreme heat

Impact 2

Potential for fire if the temperature exceeds the heat rating of components in electrical equipment or components are subjected to intense and direct sunlight.

The mitigation for this could include:

• reviewing the heat rating of components that have high work loads or are likely to be exposed to direct sunlight and heat

• shading electrical equipment if it is subject to direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time

Impact 3

Potential increase in high temperature expansion and stress of plant, pipework and fittings. UV degradation of plastic pipes and hoses causing them to fail.

The mitigation for this could include:

• regular inspection and preventative maintenance of site, plant and equipment
• preventing prolonged UV exposure of plastic pipes and hoses by re-routing them in conduits or within buildings
• replacing exposed pipes and hoses with metal or other types of material less susceptible to photo-degradation

Impact 4

Potential increased dust emissions from processing areas, stockpiled material and site roads. Reduced availability of water for dust suppression.

The mitigation for this could include:

• regular site cleaning and use of dust suppression systems
• identifying other types of dust suppression that does not require large volumes of water, for example calcium magnesium acetate
• capturing, collecting and storing uncontaminated rain water from roofs and yard areas during high rainfall periods and store it for use in dust suppression systems

Impact 5

Long periods of hot and dry weather could lead to a drought and may have an impact on water supplies for:

• emergency water usage
• cooling systems
• fire fighting
• processes that require water as input for example aggregate and soil washing plants

The mitigation for this could include:

• reviewing the current level of water usage to determine whether this can be reduced and how it can be reduced for example re-circulation
• exploring options for water harvesting and storage at the site for use in onsite processes
• reviewing which systems and processes have a critical need for water and what the baseline requirements are
• discussions with water utilities about the supply of water and any likely drought restrictions
• reviewing fire suppression plans including water, and considering what alternative means of firefighting are when water is scarce

Impact 6

Potential increased risk of pests and scavengers from stockpiled waste such as food and drink containers, food contaminated wastes and ‘black bag’ type wastes.

The mitigation for this could include:

• robust waste acceptance procedures to prevent excessively odorous or insect-infested loads being deposited and stored
• treating waste with insecticides to reduce the risk of flies and pests
• enhanced housekeeping measures to sure waste is turned around rapidly on a first in first out basis
• regular cleaning and disinfection of storage areas and bays

Impact 7

Potential increased risk of wildfires impacting the site.

The mitigation for this could include:

• creating firebreaks around the boundary of the site by cutting back and managing vegetation
• clearing vegetation from around areas where combustible and flammable wastes or substances are stored
• monitoring vegetation surrounding the site during spells of hot and dry weather
• identifying areas of the site, wastes and equipment that are at greatest risk from wildfires and reviewing fire prevention plan to address these
• identifying processes and areas of the site where sparks and heat may be generated and potentially ignite dry vegetation and taking steps to prevent this

Winter daily temperatures

This could be 4°C more than the current average with the potential for more extreme temperatures, both warmer and colder than present.

Impact 1

Slightly higher winter maximums could generate regular odour complaints and pest infestations.

The mitigation for this could include:

• requiring submission of enhanced odour and pest management plans
• putting robust waste acceptance procedures in place to prevent excessively odorous or insect-infested loads being deposited at the site
• putting housekeeping measures in place to make waste is turned around rapidly, and that storage areas and bays are cleaned and washed down regularly
• treating waste with insecticides to reduce the risk of flies and pests, where appropriate
• greater public engagement

Impact 2

Lower winter temperatures could result in an increased risk of pipes (or similar) freezing.

The mitigation for this could be regular inspection and preventative maintenance of site, plant and equipment.

Daily extreme rainfall

Daily rainfall intensity could increase by up to 20% on today’s values.

Impact 1

Potential for increased site surface water and flooding.

The mitigation for this would be to prepare flood plan with reference to the guidance Preparing for flooding: A guide for sites regulated under EPR and COMAH.

Impact 2

There is potential for drainage systems and interceptors to be overwhelmed.

The mitigation for this could include making sure:

• suitable measures are in place for the management of anticipated surface water and flood waters
• drainage systems are inspected and maintained
• external areas where wastes are handled or stored are provided with contained drainage
• the site drainage system and effluent treatment plant has sufficient storage and treatment capacity
• position of electrics are reviewed and consider moving to above a reasonable flood level

Average winter rainfall

Average winter rainfall may increase by over 40% on today’s averages.

Impact 1

Potential for increased site surface water and flooding.

Mitigation for this would be to prepare flood plan with reference to the guidance Preparing for flooding: A guide for sites regulated under EPR and COMAH.

Impact 2

Potential for drainage systems and interceptors to be overwhelmed.

The mitigation for this could be to make sure:

• suitable measures are in place for the management of flood waters, where relevant
• drainage systems are inspected and maintained
• external areas where wastes are handled or stored are provided with contained drainage
• the site drainage system and effluent treatment plant has sufficient storage and treatment capacity
• position of electrics are reviewed and consider moving to above a reasonable flood level

Sea level rise

Sea level rise which could be as much as 0.6m higher compared to today’s level.

Impact 1

If a site is located near the coast there is potential increased risk of flooding.

The mitigation for this would be to review flood defences around coastal landfill sites and to produce a flood plan with reference to the guidance Preparing for flooding: A guide for sites regulated under EPR and COMAH.

Drier summers

Summers could see potentially up to 40% less rain than now.

Impact 1

Long periods of hot and dry weather could lead to a drought and may have an impact on water supplies for:

• emergency water usage
• cooling systems
• fire fighting
• processes that require water as input for example aggregate and soil washing plants

The mitigation for this could include:

• reviewing the current level of water usage to determine whether this can be reduced and if so how, for example re-circulation
• exploring options for water harvesting and storage at the site for use in onsite processes
• reviewing which systems and processes have a critical need for water and what the baseline requirements are
• discussion with water utilities about the supply of water and any likely drought restrictions
• reviewing fire suppression plans including water, and consideration of what alternative means of fire fighting there are when water is scarce
• reviewing what alternative measures there are available for dust suppression and cleaning to minimise water usage

Impact 2

There is potential increased impact of discharge to watercourse from on-site drainage systems where connected to water courses.

The mitigation would include:

• reviewing environmental risk assessment undertaken for discharge to water from on-site drainage
• checking existing environmental risk assessment to ensure low river flow used in assessment remains valid. If not, discuss further with Environment Agency (local site inspector and water quality team) and carry out updated environmental risk assessment
• if additional impact is predicated upon receiving watercourse, discharge parameters may need to be reviewed and improved

River flow

The flow in the watercourses could be 50% more than now at its peak, and 80% less than now at its lowest.

Impact 1

Increased impact from on-site drainage systems where they are connected to watercourses.

The mitigation for this could include checking the potential for high flows in receiving watercourse to cause:

• discharge problems
• surface water backing up and flooding the site

Storms

Storms could see a change in frequency and intensity. The unique combination of increased wind speeds, increased rainfall, and lightning during these events provides the potential for more extreme storm impacts

Impact 1

Potential for high winds to damage buildings and infrastructure and blow waste from the site.

The mitigation for this could include:

• reviewing buildings and infrastructure to identify vulnerable areas to high winds and measures to protect them and mitigate any impacts from damage
• reviewing prevailing winds to identify sensitive receptors downwind of the site
• identifying preventative measures such as wind breaks or alternative stockpile locations that will reduce the potential impact on downwind receptors
• enhancing housekeeping and cleaning measures to sure particulates on external surfaces are minimised
• being prepared for system failures during stormy weather and potential need for unplanned shutdown or mobile backup generators

Impact 2

Potential for high winds to cause problems with stability of above ground storage tanks on jacks. This poses a risk to staff, plant infrastructure and the potential to release the contents of the storage tank.

The mitigation for this could include:

• reviewing the dimensions and weight of tanks and the jacking arrangements to ensure maximum horizontal wind loading is considered in the design
• creating screens and windbreaks to reduce the speed and impact of wind on above ground tanks
• assessing the condition of the ground to determine if there is a need for additional support

Impact 3

Potential for lightning strikes to damage buildings and infrastructure.

The mitigation for this could include:

• assessing the potential and impact of lightning strikes on buildings, equipment and plant
• assessing the need to install lightning conductors