Case study – Environmental Permitting Application

Background

Our client, a major pharmaceutical company, required an Environmental Permit for their production facility in South East England. The site was discharging cooling water into a nearby stream and due to a change of ownership in 2010 were now required to hold a Discharge Consent for these activities. First Environment was commissioned to research and evaluate the site and surrounding areas and complete an Environmental Permit Application.

Scope

To attend site, evaluate the factory processes and environmental risks to the surrounding area with the aim of gaining an Environmental Permit for discharging cooling water.

Core Tasks

• Inspection and research of the site and surrounding areas
• Liaison with the Environment Agency and site to accurately complete an Environmental Permit Application
• Set up sampling schedule of cooling water discharge for a range of organic and physical parameters
• Gain Environmental Permit for discharge of cooling water to a nearby stream.

Outcome

By a combination of knowledge and experience, First Environment was able to alleviate some of the pressures such a process can place on a company. As a result of a detailed and accurate application, the Environment Agency awarded our client an Environmental Permit for discharging cooling water. First Environment will continue to undertake monitoring of the discharge and offer advice to ensure site continue to meet the permit's criteria.