Significant environmental impact evaluation: a proposed methodology

As companies install and develop environmental management systems they realize that a crucial stage is the correct identification of significant environmental impacts. The aim of this paper is to propose and appraise a method for identifying significant environmental impacts. The method was developed and a case study exercise performed at Three Valleys Water. The proposed method follows a risk based approach, facilitated by staff groups to gain staff ownership of the ultimate decisions. Criteria for assessing significance are proposed and a weighting system is tested that produces a simple score. The purpose of the score is to aid decision making rather than make the decision. The results of the case study indicate that the method is comprehensive enough to satisfy the requirements of ISO 14001. Furthermore, the method's inclusive approach brings more staff into contact with the process and its flexibility allows staff to guide the process.