Statutory guidance

SR2022 No 1: generic risk assessment for treatment of waste to produce soil, soil substitutes and aggregates

Updated 19 December 2024

Applies to England

The Environment Agency produces the generic risk assessments for all standard rules permits. These list the potential risks and specify the measures required, to manage them.

Check this generic risk assessment to understand:

• the potential risks of storing and treating waste to produce soils, soil substitutes or aggregates
• how to manage the risks effectively

If your proposed activity has the same risks, you can apply for the standard rules permit.

Each risk comprises:

• information about the source, pathway and receptor – and the potential harm to that receptor
• a judgement of the level of risk and justification of that judgement
• actions for managing the risk (through permitting) and a residual risk rating after managing it

Risk management involves breaking or limiting the source-pathway-receptor linkage to reduce the risk. If we set minimum distances we explain the basis of the distance, for example by modelling.

We will control the residual risk (after risk management) when we assess compliance.

If you need to check the meaning of any terms we have used (in the context of this risk assessment), see the explanation of terms.

Risk assessment parameters

This generic risk assessment is based on the following parameters.

Parameter 1

The permitted activities are:

• accepting and storing waste before and after treatment (R13)
• sorting, separation, screening, crushing and blending of waste for recovery as a soil, soil substitute or aggregate (R3 and R5)

Parameter 2

The permitted waste types are restricted to those listed in Tables 2.3a, 2.3b and 2.3c of the permit.

Parameter 3

• up to 75,000 tonnes each year for wastes listed in Table 2.3b and Table 2.3c

• up to 250,000 tonnes each year in total for wastes listed in Table 2.3a and 2.3b

The total quantity of waste stored at any one time is restricted to 50,000 tonnes. The wastes from Table 2.3b listed in Table 2.3c are restricted to 10,000 tonnes at any one time.

Parameter 4

Wastes can be stored and handled on either:

• a hardstanding, or
• an impermeable surface with a sealed drainage system

When the site is located within a groundwater source protection zone (SPZ), wastes listed in Table 2.3c must be stored and handled on an impermeable surface with a sealed drainage system.

Parameter 5

The only point source discharges to controlled waters are clean surface water from the roofs of buildings and from areas of the facility not used for the storage or treatment of wastes. No other direct or indirect discharges are permitted.

Parameters 6 to 12

The activities shall not be carried out within:

• 500 metres of a European site, Ramsar, Site of Special Scientific Interest or Marine Conservation Zone
• 50 metres of a National Nature Reserve, Local Nature Reserve, Local Wildlife Site, Ancient woodland or Scheduled Ancient Monument
• 50 metres of a site that has species or habitats protected under the Biodiversity Action Plan that the Environment Agency considers at risk to this activity
• 250 metres within the presence of Great Crested Newts where it is linked to the breeding ponds of the newts by good habitat
• 10 metres of a watercourse
• a groundwater Source Protection Zone 1
• an Air Quality Management Area designated for PM₁₀

Parameter 13

There are no point source emissions to air.

Parameter 14

Treatment activities must be within a building or measures specified in condition 2.4.1 Technique 2 put in place.

Parameter 15

Secondary containment follows the recommendations of CIRIA C736 guidance.

1. Risk to local human population

1.1 Release of particulate matter (dust) and micro-organisms (bioaerosols)

Dust and bioaerosols travel through the air and can be:

• Inhaled or ingested
• deposited on garden fruit and vegetables and then ingested

There is a risk of dust and bioaerosols causing:

• respiratory irritation and illness
• gastro-intestinal illness

Judgement of risk

We have judged the:

• likelihood of the hazard affecting the receptor as medium
• overall severity of potential consequences as medium
• overall risk rating as medium

The reasons for giving the activity this rating are because:

• permitted waste types include soils and other wastes which are likely to result in particulates when transferred and treated
• there is a low potential to produce bioaerosols
• there is potential for exposure to anyone living or working close to the site (excluding operator and employees)
• there is potential for increased dust generation from permitted activities during prolonged dry periods for example summer months

Managing the risk

Treatment must be done within a building, or measures set out in condition 2.4.1 Technique 2 of the permit to manage and reduce risk must be put in place.

Permitted activities shall not be carried out in an Air Quality Management Area designated for PM₁₀.

The permit requires emissions of substances not controlled by emission limits (excluding odour) shall not cause pollution.

The following actions also need taking:

• all appropriate measures shall be followed as documented in the management system
• if required, an emissions management plan must be submitted and a risk assessment review done
• the emissions management plan is implemented if one is required

Taking these actions will control the risk and rate it as ‘low’.

1.2 Waste, litter and mud on local roads

Vehicles entering and leaving the site risk causing:

• nuisance
• loss of amenity
• road traffic accidents

Judgement of risk

We have judged the:

• likelihood of the hazard affecting the receptor as medium
• overall severity of potential consequences as medium
• overall risk rating as medium

The reasons for giving the activity this rating are because:

• there is a risk of creating unsafe road surfaces in wet weather
• local residents are often sensitive to mud on roads

Managing the risk

The permit requires emissions of substances not controlled by emission limits (excluding odour) shall not cause pollution.

• appropriate measures are required to prevent and minimise emissions, including mud tracking from site are documented in the management system
• if required, an emissions management plan must be submitted and a risk assessment review done
• the emissions management plan is implemented if one is required

Taking these actions will control the risk and rate it as ‘low’.

1.3 Odour

Odour travels through the air and can be inhaled. There is a risk of causing:

• nuisance
• loss of amenity

Judgement of risk

We have judged the:

• likelihood of the hazard affecting the receptor as low
• overall severity of potential consequences as low
• overall risk rating as low

The reason for giving the activity this rating is because the waste types accepted in accordance with this permit are unlikely to be odorous.

Managing the risk

To manage the risk the standard rules permit requires:

• emissions are free from odour at levels likely to cause pollution
• an odour management plan should be produced and implemented if required

Taking these actions will control the risk and rate it as ‘low’.

1.4 Noise and vibration

Noise travels through the air and vibration through the ground. There is a risk of causing:

• nuisance
• loss of amenity for local residents and workplaces
• loss of sleep

Judgement of risk

We have judged the:

• likelihood of the hazard affecting the receptor as medium
• overall severity of potential consequences as medium
• overall risk rating as medium

The reason for giving the activity this rating is because local residents are often sensitive to noise and vibration and the permit allows crushing and screening activities.

Managing the risk

To manage the risk the standard rules permit requires:

• emissions are free from noise and vibration at levels likely to cause pollution
• a noise and vibration management plan to be implemented if required

Taking these actions will control the risk and rate it as ‘low’.

1.5 Scavenging animals and birds

Animals and birds travel over land and through the air. There is a risk of causing:

• nuisance
• loss of amenity
• harm to human health from waste carried off-site and from faeces

Judgement of risk

We have judged the:

• likelihood of the hazard affecting the receptor as low
• overall severity of potential consequences as low
• overall risk rating as low

The reason for giving the activity this rating is because the permitted wastes are unlikely to attract scavenging animals and birds.

Managing the risk

To manage the risk the standard rules permit:

• allows only waste types that pose a low risk of attracting scavenging animals or birds
• can require changes to the management system to control pests

Taking these actions will control the risk and rate it as ‘low’.

1.6 Pests such as flies

Pests, such as flies can travel through the air or over land. There is a risk of causing:

• nuisance
• loss of amenity
• harm to human health

We have judged the:

• likelihood of the hazard affecting the receptor as low
• overall severity of potential consequences as low
• overall risk rating as low

The reason for giving the activity this rating is because the permitted wastes are unlikely to attract pests, such as flies.

Managing the risk

To manage the risk the standard rules permit:

• allows only waste types that pose a low risk of attracting pests or flies
• can require changes to the management system to control pests and flies

Taking these actions will control the risk and rate it as ‘low’.

2. Risk to local human population and local environment

2.1 Flooding of the site

Water can flood the site during heavy or persistent rainfall events.

There is a risk of waste washed off-site contaminating buildings, gardens and natural habitats downstream.

Judgement of risk

We have judged the:

• likelihood of the hazard affecting the receptor as low
• overall severity of potential consequences as medium
• overall risk rating as low

The reason for giving the activity this rating is because the permitted waste types are non-hazardous and therefore the risk of contamination is not high.

Managing the risk

Standard rules permits are not usually issued in flood risk areas.

To manage the risk the standard rules permit requires:

• compliance with the sensitive location exclusions
• a written management system that identifies and documents the process controls to minimise the risk of pollution – includes those arising from operations, maintenance, accidents, incidents and non-conformances

The accident management section of the management system covers:

• assessing the risk of flooding and measures to prevent or reduce the risk
• contingency plans for diversion of waste, if required
• emergency procedures that are clearly communicated to all site operatives

Taking these actions will control the risk and rate it as ‘low’.

2.2 Fire risk

There is a risk of fire on-site from:

• arson and, or vandalism
• spontaneous combustion from uncontrolled decomposition

Fire can cause:

• polluting materials (smoke or fumes) to travel through the air, water or over land
• spillages and contaminated firewater by direct run-off from the site and through surface water drains and ditches

We have assessed the potential harm as:

• respiratory irritation, illness and nuisance to the local population
• injury to staff, firefighters or arsonists and vandals
• air, water or land pollution

Judgement of risk

We have judged the:

• likelihood of the hazard affecting the receptor as medium
• overall severity of potential consequences as low
• overall risk rating as low

The reason for giving the activity this rating is because the only combustible waste types are wood and compost.

Managing the risk

To manage the risk the standard rules permit requires:

• a written management system that identifies and minimises risks of pollution, including those arising from operations, maintenance, accidents, incidents, non-conformances - therefore includes measures to avoid fire outbreak and to control fires, including containment of fire waters
• a robust waste acceptance procedure
• no burning of wastes

In addition, combustible wastes such as compost and wood are listed in Table 2.3b and Table 2.3c. The permit limits the combined quantity of waste listed in Table 2.3c to no more than 10,000 tonnes at any one time.

Taking these actions will control the risk and rate it as ‘low’.

3. Risk to local human population, livestock and wildlife

3.1 Litter on surrounding land and in final material

Litter can travel through the air and then be deposited on land. There is a risk of causing:

• nuisance
• loss of amenity
• harm to animal health
• reduction in land bank values due to contamination

Judgement of risk

We have judged the:

• likelihood of the hazard affecting the receptor as low
• overall severity of potential consequences as low
• overall risk rating as low

The reason for giving the activity this rating is because the waste types listed in this permit are not likely to produce litter.

Managing the risk

To manage the risk the standard rules permit requires:

• a management system with waste pre-acceptance and acceptance procedures that reduce the risk of accepting unpermitted waste
• compliance with the ‘emissions of substances not controlled by emission limits’ rule, submitting an emissions management plan, if necessary
• operators to follow appropriate measures guidance

Taking this action will control the risk and rate it as ‘low’.

3.2 Gaining unauthorised access to site

There is a risk of direct physical contact with all on-site hazards such as wastes, machinery and vehicles.

There is a risk of causing injury to humans or livestock.

Judgement of risk

We have judged the:

• likelihood of the hazard affecting the receptor as low
• overall severity of potential consequences as low
• overall risk rating as low

The reasons for giving the activity this rating are because the:

• permitted wastes are non-hazardous
• management system includes procedures for worker and visitor safety

Managing the risk

To manage the risk the standard rules permit requires:

• activities shall be managed and operated in accordance with all appropriate measures and a documented and implemented management system that stipulates all preventative measures and emergency responses should accidents occur (including site security measures to prevent unauthorised access)
• emergency contact details shall be displayed at the site entrance
• visitors should receive a health and safety induction when visiting and must follow the site operator’s instructions

Taking this action will control the risk and rate it as ‘low’.

4. Risk to surface waters close to and downstream of site

4.1 Risk of pollution causing acute effects

There is a risk of pollution from spillage of liquids, leachate from waste, contaminated rainwater run-off from waste with high organic and ammonia content and suspended solids.

Contamination can travel through direct run-off from site over the land, surface water drains and ditches.

We have assessed the acute effects as follows:

• oxygen depletion
• fish kill
• algal blooms

Judgement of risk

We have judged the:

• likelihood of the hazard affecting the receptor as low
• overall severity of potential consequences as low
• overall risk rating as low

The reason for giving the activity this rating is because:

• there is potential for contaminated rainwater run-off from waste operations, especially during heavy rain
• leachate may contain suspended solids
• the permitted waste types are non-hazardous

Managing the risk

To manage the risk the standard rules permit requires:

• all operations shall be more than 10 metres from a watercourse and are excluded from taking place in an SPZ1
• a written management system that identifies and documents the process controls to minimise the risk of pollution – includes those arising from operations, maintenance, accidents, incidents and non-conformances
• all liquids must be in containers with secondary containment
• all secondary containment must meet CIRIA C736 guidance
• storage and treatment of wastes in schedule 3 must take place on an impermeable surface with sealed drainage in an SPZ2
• run-off is restricted by the ‘emissions of substances not controlled by emissions limits’ rule
• appropriate measures guidance to be followed
• emergency procedures and contingency plans to be clearly communicated to all site operatives

Taking these actions will control the risk and rate it as ‘low’.

4.2 Risk of pollution causing chronic effects

There is a risk of pollution from:

• liquid spills
• leachate from waste
• contaminated rainwater run-off from waste

Contamination can travel by:

• direct run-off from site over the land, through surface water drains and ditches
• indirect run-off through soil

We have assessed the chronic effect as deterioration to water quality.

Judgement of risk

We have judged the:

• likelihood of the hazard affecting the receptor as low
• overall severity of potential consequences as low
• overall risk rating as low

The reason for giving the activity this rating is because pollution is likely to be detected quickly and the effects are temporary and reversible.

Managing the risk

To manage the risk, take the actions for risk 4.1 along with:

• all liquids must be in containers with secondary containment
• run-off is restricted by the ‘emissions of substances not controlled by emission limits’ rule
• using drainage plans to separate clean and dirty water
• considering this risk in an accident management plan

Taking these actions will control the risk and rate it as ‘low’.

5. Risk to water abstracted from a watercourse

These risks relate to watercourses downstream of a facility and to water for agricultural or potable use.

This receptor is at risk from:

• liquid spills
• leachate from waste
• contaminated rainwater run-off from waste

There is a risk of contaminants travelling through direct run-off from the site across ground surface, via surface water drains and ditches and finally through abstraction. This could have acute effects and cause the closure of abstraction intakes.

Judgement of risk

We have judged the:

• likelihood of the hazard affecting the receptor as low
• overall severity of potential consequences as low
• overall risk rating as low

The reason for giving this rating is due to the potential for contaminated rainwater run-off from waste operations carried out in the open, especially during heavy rain.

Managing the risk

To manage this risk, take the actions set out in risks 4.1 and 4.2.

Taking these actions will control the risk and rate it as ‘low’.

6. Risk to groundwater

Groundwater is at risk from:

• liquid spills
• leachate from waste
• contaminated rainwater run-off from waste

There is a risk of contaminants travelling through soil and groundwater which can then be abstracted from a borehole. This could have a chronic effect resulting in the groundwater requiring treatment or causing closure of a borehole.

Judgement of risk

We have judged the:

• likelihood of the hazard affecting the receptor as low
• overall severity of potential consequences as low
• overall risk rating as low

We have given this rating because of the potential for contaminated rainwater run-off or leachate from waste operations, especially during heavy rain. The consequence is based on the possibility of pollution not being detected for a long time.

Managing the risk

To manage the risk the following actions must be taken:

• the activities shall not be carried out within a groundwater SPZ1
• specified wastes in Table 2.3c must be stored and handled on an impermeable surface with sealed drainage system in an SPZ2 to prevent contaminated run-off
• where secondary containment is required it meets CIRIA 736 standards

Taking these actions will control the risk and rate it as ‘low’.

7. Risk to protected sites

Protected sites include:

• National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• Marine Conservation Zones
• Sites of Special Scientific Interest
• Special Areas of Conservation
• Special Protection Areas
• Ramsar wetland sites

Protected sites can be at risk from any source and by any pathway.

The risk of harm to protected sites include (but are not limited to) the following:

• nutrient enrichment
• leachate
• contaminated surface water run off
• smothering
• disturbance
• predation

Judgement of risk

We have judged the:

• likelihood of the hazard affecting the receptor as low
• overall severity of potential consequences as low
• overall risk rating as low

The reason for giving the activity this rating is because treating waste to produce soils, soil substitutes or aggregates, may cause harm to and deterioration of nature conservation sites.

Managing the risk

To manage the risk we require compliance with the standard rules permit, including the exclusion distances.

Taking this action will control the risk and rate it as ‘low’.

Explanation of terms

Receptor

The things at risk and that need protecting.

Receptors considered include atmosphere, land, surface waters, groundwater, humans, wildlife and their habitats.

A single receptor may be at risk from several different sources and all must be addressed.

Source

The agent or process that has the potential to cause harm.

A contaminant or pollutant (a hazard) that has the potential to cause harm. For example, the activity or operation taking place for which a particular hazard may arise.

Harm

The harmful consequence to the receptor if the hazard is realised.

Pathways

The route or means by which a defined hazard may affect a receptor.

Source-pathway-receptor linkage

There has to be a link between the source, pathway and receptor for there to be a risk.

Likelihood of exposure

This is the likelihood of the receptors being exposed to the hazard. The meaning of the definitions are:

• high – exposure is probable – direct exposure is likely with no or few barriers between the hazard source and the receptor
• medium – exposure is fairly probable - feasible exposure is possible as the barriers to exposure are less controllable
• low – exposure is unlikely – several barriers exist between the hazard source and receptor to reduce exposure
• very low – exposure is very unlikely – effective, multiple barriers are in place to reduce exposure

Overall magnitude of potential consequence

This is the severity of the consequence if the hazard is realised and may cause actual or potential harm.

This will have a high, medium, low or very low rating using attributes and scaling to consider ‘harm’.

Risk rating

We work out the risk rating by combining the likelihood of exposure with the magnitude of the potential consequences.

We assign these ratings:

• high risk – requires additional assessment and active management
• medium risk – requires additional assessment and may need active management and, or monitoring (or both)
• low and very low risks – require a periodic review