1. Environmental Bulletin
30 March 2011
Environment Agency (EA) construction Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP) inspections
It has come to our attention that the EA is increasing the number of unannounced site inspections on SWMP.
These inspections are based on the legal SWMP requirements in the construction industry and can look for:
• A copy of the site specific SWMP is held on site
• The SWMP is signed by the Project Manager as the client and signed by the Principal Contractor’s
representative
• Fully completed copies of Waste Transfer notes and Consignment notes
• Accurate waste descriptions and European Waste Codes on transfer or consignment notes
• Available Waste Carriers licenses and related Environmental Permits or exemptions
• SWMP is updated when waste is removed from site or used under an EA exemption or permit
• The SWMP is communicated to sub-contractors.
An example of the EA’s inspection form is shown on the following pages of this bulletin.
Background to SWMP
In England it is a legal requirement to complete a SWMP for construction projects over £300,000 (ex VAT).
It is the client’s responsibility to ensure a SWMP is written although for many projects it may be more
appropriate for the designer to write the SWMP on behalf of the client.
The client should then pass the SWMP to the principal contractor, who must update it as work progresses.
The principal contractor should ensure site workers are aware of the plan, including via induction and training.
Contractors need to ensure that their staff and sub-contractors understand and achieve waste management
objectives of the SWMP.
To comply with legislation and work with the EA on their inspections it is recommended that:
• A SWMP is developed for your project if required
• Each section of the SWMP is completed, including accurate waste forecasts, as well as actual waste
produced on site
• The SWMP is regularly updated at least every 6 months.
Construction projects in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales do not legally require an SWMP, but it is good
practice to produce one.
For detailed guidance, please visit:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/waste/topics/construction/pdf/swmp-guidance.pdf
Or for a simple guide visit:
http://www.netregs.gov.uk/static/documents/NetRegs/SWMP_Simple_Guide_Feb_2011.pdf
For more information on Site Waste Management Plans or an informal discussion on how DIEM Ltd can help
your organization with site waste management, including the new EA exemptions, or any other
environmental services, such as ISO 14001 development or training, please contact me at the details below.
David Inman BSc (Hons) MRICS AIEMA TechIOA
Director DIEM Ltd, 30 March 2011
davidinman@diemltd.co.uk
Tel 07737 194 686
Twitter @DIEMLtd
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Environmental Bulletin, 30 March 2011

2. Environmental Bulletin
30 March 2011
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3. Environmental Bulletin
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4. Environmental Bulletin
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5. Environmental Bulletin
30 March 2011
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Environmental Bulletin, 30 March 2011