Monthly Archives: April 2019

As from 7th April 2019, the name and date of birth of the individual that provides technical competence for a permitted waste site must be supplied with each quarterly or annual waste return.

This requirement was one of a number of amendments to the Environmental Permitting Regulations which were announced last year. The aim is to improve technical competence on sites by requiring operators to periodically supply the Environment Agency (or Natural Resource Wales in the case of Wales) with information that demonstrates that the operator complies with recognised competence standards.

These standards are the CIWM/WAMITAB Operator Competence Scheme (Version 9, September 2018) published by WAMITAB, or the Competence Management System: Requirements (Version 4, April 2015) published by Energy and Utility Skills.

In the case of quarterly returns, the Technically Competent Manager (TCM) must be named in the return due 1st July 2019 and thereafter. In the case of annual returns, the TCM must be named from 1st April 2020. If the operator is unable to demonstrate appropriate technical competence during the relevant period, they must also provide information to the regulator to that effect.

Charles Thomas, Consultancy Director, Wiser Environment says: “The change outlines an increased emphasis from the Environment Agency in ensuring operators improve the standard of management and attention to permit details at their sites. It will enable the EA to better monitor the number of sites for which each TCM is responsible”.

The EPR amendments also now require that all operators manage and operate waste sites in accordance with a written management system that identifies and minimises the risks of pollution arising from their waste operations. You can find out more about these requirements and other amendments to the EPR in our report EPR may have far reaching consequences.

If you need to demonstrate or improve competence of other staff members, then please find out how Wiser Training can assist with our WAMITAB assessment, qualification and training services. Alternatively, you can contact Wiser Training on 01480 462 232 or at training@wisergroup.co.uk.

Wiser Environment has opened a satellite office in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to provide environmental and management system consultancy services to European and Vietnamese businesses operating in the region, as well as training in environmental awareness and wastes management.

The move capitalises on the relocation of Senior Consultant, Joana Santos to Ho Chi Minh City in 2018. Joana is one of the longest standing members of the Wiser Environment team having worked for the company since 2005. Joana has extensive international experience across a broad range of industries and an exhaustive knowledge of international standards which has benefited many of Wiser Environment’s clients.

Vietnam one of ten fastest growing economies

The Department for Trade and Industry forecasts that Vietnam will be one of the ten fastest growing economies in the coming years. The last decade or so has seen huge urbanisation and extensive economic reform to liberalise sectors such as retail and energy and encourage foreign investment. Increasing numbers of UK businesses are seizing the trade and investment opportunities of having a presence in this South East Asian country.

Waste industry opportunities in Vietnam

Vietnam offers particular opportunity in the waste industry. Waste increased nearly 80% in the decade to 2015, as Vietnam underwent urbanisation. With much of that waste being landfilled, the Government of Vietnam has been reshaping its policies and regulation in recent years to enable and encourage the building of waste-to-energy plants. More recently, the country has seen a flood of paper and plastic wastes into the country as the UK has sought alternative markets following China’s bans.

Joana’s focus in Vietnam is on developing and implementing integrated management systems around international standards in environmental, energy health & safety and quality management; as well as establishing a ’bridge head’ between Vietnamese Government organisations and Wiser Environment’s clients.

Joana says: “Vietnam is a very vibrant and exciting place to live and do business. There are great opportunities for European investors, particularly in the area of waste management, and I’m delighted to have the chance to support the businesses that are taking these steps and contribute towards a sustainable development in Vietnam”.

Find out more

Find out more about how we can help your business with our environmental consultancy services in Vietnam. Alternatively, contact Joana Santos by email on joana@wisergroup.co.uk or by phone on (Vietnam) +84 92 152 36 14 or (UK) +44 1480 462 232.