The Challenge
Arthian was appointed to support a recycling, waste transfer and treatment facility in the Midlands through a substantial variation of its Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPR) permit. The project required the coordination of multiple technical workstreams to satisfy regulatory requirements, demonstrate environmental compliance and support the site’s continued operation and future expansion.
A key challenge was establishing robust baseline environmental conditions across both the existing and proposed permit areas while assessing the potential presence of Relevant Hazardous Substances (RHS). Historical site activities and the potential for previous releases of contaminants required further investigation, with all assessments needing to meet Environment Agency requirements and withstand regulatory scrutiny. In addition, intrusive investigations and ongoing permitting activities had to be carefully managed alongside live site operations to minimise disruption to the client’s business.
The Solution
Drawing on expertise from across its environmental and geosciences teams, Arthian delivered a comprehensive package of permitting support, including Site Condition Reports (SCRs), environmental risk assessments, drainage investigations, permit application management and compliance planning.
The project commenced with the preparation of a Site Condition Report in accordance with Environment Agency guidance, establishing baseline environmental conditions and assessing the potential presence of Relevant Hazardous Substances within the facility. Following identification of potential historical releases, Arthian developed a detailed intrusive investigation strategy covering drilling locations, sampling methodologies, laboratory analysis requirements and reporting protocols. Both the SCR and investigation scope received Environment Agency approval without the need for additional consultation.
Arthian subsequently undertook targeted soil and groundwater investigations across the site, carefully coordinating works to minimise operational disruption. The findings were compiled into a Factual Site Investigation Report, providing the evidence required to support an updated Site Condition Report and the permit variation application.
Following permit approval, Arthian prepared a Surface Integrity Risk Assessment (SIRA) and Soil and Groundwater Monitoring Plan (SGMP) to satisfy permit improvement conditions and provide a framework for ongoing environmental compliance. Working closely with the client and regulators throughout, Arthian secured prompt approval of all submissions, reducing regulatory risk, streamlining the permitting process and supporting the continued operation and future growth of the facility.
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