1.0 Purpose

To protect natural waters

2.0 Scope

All business locations under HSC control, where there is a risk of ecological-harmful materials entering controlled waters.

3.0 Definitions

Controlled Waters: All surface, estuarial, coastal and ground waters subject to regulatory control

Discharge Consent: Discharge consents outline the terms and conditions under which industrial effluent may be discharged into controlled waters.

Storm Water: Water that originates during precipitation events i.e. rain, melting snow etc.

Unplanned Discharge: Any release to controlled water or a discharge exceeding the limits of a consent condition or legal limit, either knowingly or accidentally.

Waste water: Any water that has been adversely affected in quality as a result of HSC business activities

Water Pollution: Causing or knowingly permitting polluting matter (substances or energy) to enter controlled water or to cause harm to the “water environment”.

4.0 Responsibilities

4.1 Site Manager

The Site Manager must ensure that a detailed knowledge of the functioning of the site's storm water and wastewater drainage systems is gained. This is to ensure that foul and surface waters are discharged correctly to the right drainage system.

4.2 Site HSE Representative

Monitor implementation of this procedure

Co-ordination of emergency response in the event of a spillage iii. Ensure that any environmental incidents are reported

5.0 Process

5.1 Site Drainage

5.1.1 The locations of any Site water discharge points must be identified before any work is undertaken.

This will involve:

Mapping of the wastewater and storm water networks on site, including the sources of all discharges and the discharge points

Identification of discharge points for these networks

5.1.2 Drains must be identified as to whether they are storm (surface) water drains or foul (wastewater) drains to aid identification of where a spill will leave the site.

5.2 Consented Discharges to Controlled Waters

5.2.1 For all water discharges to controlled waters, it must be ensured that:

No water is discharged without consent.

Discharge is monitored and recorded, taking samples where necessary.

All conditions of the consent are met / none of the conditions are breached.

If conditions are breached, the breach must be reported firstly to the regulatory authority and secondly, internally using the Accident / Incident reporting procedure

5.2.2 Storm water that is essentially "clean" water can be allowed to enter controlled watercourses without the need for Consent.

5.3 Planning for Spill Emergencies

An emergency plan must exist for the control of spills. This plan will be simulated at least annually to ensure its effectiveness.

An adequate number of personnel will be trained in spill containment. This could be all site personnel but may be a dedicated emergency response team.

Spill kits must be inspected weekly to ensure completeness of the inventory and to ensure that the location of the spill kit is appropriate to the site activities such as storage, offloading and use of materials.

Arrangements must also be in place to ensure that spill kits are replenished if items have been used in the event of a spillage

Outfalls and interceptor pits will be inspected daily as part of the daily site as inspection system.

5.4 Unplanned Discharges and Spillages

5.4.1 Identification of Substance

All unplanned discharges or spillages must be reported to the site HSE Representative, who will evaluate the spillage or release and determine the required response.

5.4.2 Clean-up Protocol

Non-Harmful

Where the spillage/release is not a harmful substance and has no potential for causing harm to the environment, a general cleanup operation will be initiated with the source of the spillage/release being identified and stopped.

Harmful

Where the spillage/release is a harmful substance and/or has the potential for causing harm to the environment the following procedure is to be followed:

Clear the area of all non-essential personnel. ii. Inform the HSC Site HSE Representative who will organize assistance and determine whether the Regulatory Authorities should be informed and asked for assistance if needed.

Obtain and distribute suitable protective clothing (if required) to those dealing with the spillage (reference must be made to the appropriate Material Safety Data Sheet).

Take appropriate action to localize the spillage if possible and locate the source of the spillage/release and take appropriate action to stop or minimize the release.

Surround the spillage with absorbent booms or convenient, inert material to prevent access to drains. Use an emergency portable pump to transfer the spillage to a sound storage receptacle.

Spillage/ releases, which can’t be pumped, should be dealt with by using absorbents.

Where the spillage/release has entered a drain, the outfall of the drain must be identified and containment of the spillage/ release continued in accordance with this procedure

All spent absorbent materials are to be stored in a waste disposal area for recycling or disposal in accordance with procedure

All spillage’s as identified above will be investigated and reported in line with procedure of Accident and Incident Reporting.

6.0 Records :

Consent to operate

Layout of waste water & storm water.

Records of discharged water parameters.