Environmental and Waste Management Flashcards

Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, what is the 'duty of care' regarding waste management on a construction site?

Answer: All persons involved in producing, storing, transporting or disposing of waste must ensure it is managed properly and does not cause environmental harm

Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 places a duty of care on anyone who imports, produces, carries, keeps, treats or disposes of controlled waste. They must take all reasonable steps to ensure waste is managed lawfully, is only transferred to authorised persons, and is accompanied by adequate documentation.

What document must accompany non-hazardous waste when it is transferred from a construction site to a waste carrier?

Answer: A waste transfer note

A waste transfer note must accompany non-hazardous controlled waste when it is transferred between parties. It must describe the waste, state the quantity, identify the transferor and transferee, and include details of their waste carrier registration or exemption. These records must be kept for 2 years.

Under the Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005, what special documentation is required when hazardous waste leaves a construction site?

Answer: A hazardous waste consignment note

Hazardous waste must be accompanied by a hazardous waste consignment note when it is moved from the site. This provides a detailed audit trail including the waste code (EWC/LoW code), the quantity, the process producing it, and the destination. Consignment notes must be retained for 3 years.

A construction project generates contaminated soil during excavation. Under the waste hierarchy, what should the manager consider first?

Answer: Explore whether the soil can be treated and reused on site or on another development

The waste hierarchy (from the Waste Framework Directive, implemented through the Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011) prioritises: prevention, preparation for reuse, recycling, other recovery, and disposal as the last resort. Treating contaminated soil for reuse is preferred over landfill disposal where technically and economically viable.

What is the correct order of the waste hierarchy as established by the Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011?

Answer: Prevent, prepare for reuse, recycle, other recovery, disposal

The waste hierarchy, in descending order of preference, is: (1) Prevention, (2) Preparing for reuse, (3) Recycling, (4) Other recovery (e.g., energy recovery), (5) Disposal. This hierarchy must be applied by all businesses producing waste, including construction sites.

Under the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001, what is required for storing oil (including diesel) on a construction site?

Answer: Oil must be stored in a container with secondary containment (bund) capable of holding 110% of the largest container's volume

The Oil Storage Regulations require that oil (above 200 litres) must be stored in a container within secondary containment (a bund) capable of holding at least 110% of the largest container's volume. The bund must be impermeable and have no drainage valve. This prevents oil spills from contaminating land and watercourses.