APP_06 — Aspect Identification Log¶
Document Information
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Document Reference | APP_06 |
| Issue Number | 3 |
| Issue Date | 1 June 2026 |
| Next Review | 1 June 2027 |
| Controlled By | Sean Ashton (HSQE Consultant) |
| Approved By | Aaron Mason, Director |
Download the register
The page below is the canonical record. The Excel is the same data as a downloadable snapshot — use it for offline copies or local edits before re-issuing.
Related: APP_05 Risk & Opportunity Log · APP_10 Legal Register · APP_15 Lifecycle Analysis · APP_17 BCP
Purpose¶
This register identifies and evaluates the environmental aspects and impacts associated with A M Water Services Limited's operations, in accordance with ISO 14001:2015 (and the 2026 transition). It forms part of the company's Integrated Management System and supports our commitment to environmental protection and sustainability.
Methodology¶
Aspect Significance Calculation¶
Formula: Aspect Significance = (A Impact + B Legal + C Quantity) × D Frequency · Range: 3 (min) — 48 (max)
Significance Criteria¶
| Rating | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Impact | Very Low | Low | Average | Great |
| B. Legal Requirement | No Regulations | Guidelines & ACoPs | Standards | Laws & Regulations |
| C. Quantity | Small | Average | Large | Significant |
| D. Frequency | Rare | Occasional | Often | Always |
Impact Exposure Matrix¶
| Score | Exposure | Indicator | Management Control Action (MCA) | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-12 | Low | 🟢 | Minor levels of impact / risk. Mitigate to ALARP. | 1 year + |
| 13-24 | Medium | 🟡 | Serious levels. Modify processes; controls to reduce to ALARP; monitor. | Within 6 months |
| 25-36 | High | 🔴 | High levels. Careful planning + specialist consultation. Evaluate alternatives. | Within 3 months |
| 37-48 | Very High | ⚫ | Extreme levels. Must not be undertaken without immediate intervention. | Immediate |
Impact Treatment Options¶
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Accept | Controls deemed appropriate. Monitor; develop contingency plans where necessary. |
| Transfer | Shift responsibility via contract or insurance. Can be whole or shared. |
| Mitigate | Reduce likelihood through improved controls and procedures. |
| Avoid | Do not proceed with activity or choose alternative approach to achieve same outcome. |
Environmental Aspects Register — 14 aspects (2026 review)¶
| Ref | Category | Aspect description | Impact description | Interested party concerns | A | B | C | D | Score | Risk Level | Compliance obligation | Goals & objectives | Controls | Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Emissions [UPDATED 2026] |
Vehicle and plant emissions from grab lorries, excavators, company vehicles (incl. GHGs and air pollutants) | Air pollution; GHG contribution to climate change; local air quality degradation; supplier-of-supplier carbon scrutiny | Community health, regulatory compliance, water-co supplier scoring, environmental groups | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 32 | 🔴 High | Clean Air Act; Environmental Permitting Regs; Climate Change Act 2008 (Net Zero); SECR pass-through obligations from larger customers | Reduce Scope 1+2 emissions year-on-year; align trajectory with water-co 2030 operational-emissions targets | Routine maintenance; eco-driver training; route optimisation; phased fleet renewal; carbon-baseline statement (2025 baseline = 288.7 tCO₂e Scope 1+2 — 12/05/2026) | Align with primary water-company customer supply-chain net-zero programmes (Anglian / Severn Trent) |
| 2 | Waste [UPDATED 2026] |
Excavated materials, old pipes, construction waste from water-main installations and grab works | Landfill burden, potential contamination, resource depletion; cost via Plastic Packaging Tax pass-through | Environment Agency, water companies, local authorities, waste regulators, customers | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 44 | ⚫ Very High | Environmental Protection Act 1990; Waste (England & Wales) Regs 2011; Hazardous Waste Regs 2005; Simpler Recycling Reforms 2025 (from 31 Mar 2025) | 95% diversion from landfill; 100% segregation per Simpler Recycling rules | Waste segregation on site (food, paper/card, plastic/metal/glass, residual); licensed-carrier audits; Plastic Packaging Tax compliance on procurement | Zero waste to landfill |
| 3 | Spillages | Fuel and oil spillages from plant refuelling and hydraulic systems | Soil and water contamination; harm to wildlife; cleanup costs; potential reportable incident | Environment Agency, water companies, landowners, insurers | 3 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 18 | 🟡 Medium | Water Resources Act 1991; Environmental Damage (Prevention & Remediation) Regs 2015; Pollution Prevention Guidelines (PPG / GPP) | Zero reportable spillages | Spill kits on every van (HS_FM_06); operative briefings; incident reporting; refuelling SOPs | 100% spill prevention |
| 4 | Noise | Noise from excavators, breakers, generators and traffic management | Community disturbance; wildlife disruption; hearing damage to operatives | Local residents, businesses, environmental health officers, operatives | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 24 | 🟡 Medium | Control of Noise at Work Regs 2005; Environmental Protection Act 1990 Part III (statutory nuisance) | Noise complaints < 5 per year; zero hearing-loss incidents | Hearing protection (PPE register); silenced plant where practicable; restricted operating hours; noise assessment on extended works | Zero justified complaints |
| 5 | Dust | Dust generation from excavation, material handling and vehicle movements | Air quality impact; health risks (RCS); nuisance to neighbours | Residents, businesses, operatives, environmental health | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 21 | 🟡 Medium | Environmental Protection Act 1990; COSHH Regs 2002 (RCS WEL 0.1 mg/m³); CDM 2015 | Implement dust suppression on all sites | Wet-cutting of paviors; bowser access on site; FFP3 RPE for relevant tasks (see COSHH-15 RCS); operative awareness | No dust complaints |
| 6 | Water Use [UPDATED 2026] |
Water usage for pressure testing, chlorination, dust suppression and depot operations | Resource depletion; potential wastage of treated water; cost to clients | Water companies, environmental groups, regulators | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 21 | 🟡 Medium | Water Industry Act 1991; WIRS requirements; drought permits (when in force) | Minimise wastage; accurate metering; align with water-co 2030 efficiency ambitions | Test-water re-use where possible; metered standpipes; awareness training; drought-permit checks | < 5% water loss |
| 7 | Chemical Use | Chlorination chemicals (sodium hypochlorite, chlorine tablets) for water-main disinfection | Water contamination if overdosed; health risks to operatives; residual disposal | Water companies, DWI, operatives, end consumers | 3 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 27 | 🔴 High | Water Supply (Water Quality) Regs; COSHH Regs 2002; DWI requirements | 100% compliance with dosing procedures; zero water-quality failures | Dosing procedures (MS 3.1); operative training; calibrated equipment; SDS register; COSHH assessments (COSHH-09 / COSHH-10) | Zero water-quality failures |
| 8 | Habitat Disturbance [UPDATED 2026] |
Excavation and construction activities affecting flora, fauna and habitats | Habitat destruction; protected species disturbance; biodiversity loss; statutory BNG compliance failure | Environmental groups, Natural England, local communities, planning authorities | 3 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 18 | 🟡 Medium | Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981; Conservation of Habitats and Species Regs 2017; Environment Act 2021 — mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain > 5ha (in force Nov 2023); Schedule 3 SuDS commencement | Net biodiversity gain on qualifying sites; ecological surveys before works | Pre-works ecological assessment; protected-species awareness training; nesting-bird checks Mar-Aug; supervisor checklist | Net biodiversity gain |
| 9 | Energy Use [UPDATED 2026] |
Electricity and fuel consumption at depot and sites | Carbon emissions; resource depletion; operating costs | Environmental stakeholders, cost management, ESOS notifiers | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 28 | 🔴 High | Climate Change Act 2008; ESOS Regs 2014 (Phase 4 deadline Dec 2027); SECR (where applicable to customers) | Map energy data for ESOS Phase 4 readiness; 2025 consumption baseline established 12/05/2026 (HQ utilities 4,847 kWh = 0.97 tCO₂e — see CARB_BASELINE_2025); reduction target to be set after practical levers identified | Energy monitoring at depot; LED retrofit; equipment shutdown discipline; renewable-energy options under review | Year-on-year intensity reduction once baseline established; renewable adoption considered at next major equipment refresh |
| 10 | Material Storage | Storage of pipes, aggregates, fittings and limited chemicals at depot | Potential contamination; visual impact; security risks | Neighbours, environmental regulators, insurers | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 24 | 🟡 Medium | Planning regulations; Environmental Permitting Regs 2016; COSHH Regs 2002 (for chemicals) | Maintain tidy, secure storage | Bunded storage for any oils; segregated chemical store; security gating; depot housekeeping checks | Zero storage incidents |
| 11 | Traffic Impact | Vehicle movements and highway works causing congestion, dust and emissions | Traffic delays; increased emissions; economic impact; safety risk | Road users, businesses, emergency services, highways authorities | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 24 | 🟡 Medium | NRSWA 1991; Traffic Management Act 2004; HAUC permit conditions | Minimise lane closures; off-peak working; permit compliance | Traffic management plans (per site); permit applications via JAGS / Streetmanager; off-peak timing where feasible | Compliance with permits |
| 12 | Asbestos | Potential disturbance of asbestos-cement (AC) pipes during water-main works | Health risks to operatives and public; contamination of spoil | HSE, operatives, public, water companies, waste contractors | 4 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 18 | 🟡 Medium | Control of Asbestos Regs 2012; HSE Approved Code of Practice L143 | 100% safe management of ACMs; zero exposure incidents | Pre-works asbestos checks; UKAS-accredited sampling where suspected; HSE-licensed contractors for licensed work; asbestos-awareness training | Zero asbestos exposure |
| 13 | Climate Adaptation [NEW 2026] |
Operational exposure to physical climate risks: extreme weather, drought, flooding, freeze-thaw cycles affecting work delivery and operative welfare | Working-day losses; project delays; operative welfare exposure (heat, cold); asset damage on stored stock | Insurers, water-co clients, operatives, BCP stakeholders | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 16 | 🟡 Medium | Climate Change Act 2008; Adaptation Reporting Power; ISO 14001:2026 climate-change context provisions | BCP covers extreme-weather scenarios; toolbox talks on heat / cold stress; refreshed welfare provisions | BCP includes weather-event response (APP_17); welfare facilities reviewed; weather-window planning for critical works; cross-ref to APP_05 R-20 Climate | Zero climate-driven safety incidents |
| 14 | PFAS / Emerging Contaminants [NEW 2026] |
Per- and poly-fluorinated chemistry (PFAS) potentially present in some materials, equipment lubricants and supplier products | Drinking-water contamination concerns at sector level; supplier disclosure requirements emerging; UK REACH restriction proposal in development | Water companies, DWI, regulators, customers, supply chain | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 🟢 Low | UK REACH (HSE / Defra) — restriction proposal in development; international tightening of drinking-water PFAS limits | Engage SDS holders for PFAS disclosure; track UK REACH restriction draft | Supplier engagement programme initiated; SDS register annotated for PFAS where disclosed; awareness in technical specifications | PFAS-free where commercially viable |
Control Measures — actions by priority¶
Each control measure carries a named owner and a specific target date. Status reviewed at the standing weekly compliance call; reported into Management Review.
| Priority | Aspect Ref | Action required | Owner | Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Immediate (Very High) | Ref 2 — Waste | Maintain comprehensive waste segregation and recycling; verify Simpler Recycling compliance from 31 Mar 2025; partner with licensed-carrier facilities; Plastic Packaging Tax checks on procurement. | Sean Ashton | Ongoing — review quarterly |
| High (within 3 months) | Ref 1 — Emissions | Develop fleet-management strategy; vehicle-maintenance schedule; investigate low-emission alternatives; carbon-baseline statement complete (12/05/2026) — set year-on-year reduction targets. | Sean Ashton | 30/09/2026 |
| High (within 3 months) | Ref 7 — Chemical Use | Review chemical handling procedures; enhance COSHH training; implement dosing checks; verify SDS register currency. | Sean Ashton + Jason May | 30/09/2026 |
| High (within 3 months) | Ref 9 — Energy Use | Map energy data for ESOS Phase 4 readiness (deadline Dec 2027); 2025 baseline established (HQ utilities 4,847 kWh = 0.97 tCO₂e); identify practical reduction levers. | Sean Ashton | 30/09/2026 |
| Medium (within 6 months) | Ref 3 — Spillages | Review spill-kit provision; enhance spill-prevention training; regular equipment inspection. | Jason May | 31/12/2026 |
| Medium (within 6 months) | Ref 4 — Noise | Review noise-control procedures; enhanced PPE; schedule noisy operations appropriately. | Jason May | 31/12/2026 |
| Medium (within 6 months) | Ref 5 — Dust | Procure dust-suppression equipment; monitoring programme; complaint procedure. | Jason May | 31/12/2026 |
| Medium (within 6 months) | Ref 6 — Water Use | Install flow meters; water-conservation training; review testing procedures. | Jason May | 31/12/2026 |
| Medium (within 6 months) | Ref 8 — Habitat Disturbance | Establish ecological assessment protocol per BNG-relevant works; train staff in protected-species awareness. | Sean Ashton + Jason May | 31/12/2026 |
| Medium (within 6 months) | Ref 10 — Material Storage | Review storage procedures; bunding and containment measures; improve security. | Aaron Mason | 31/12/2026 |
| Medium (within 6 months) | Ref 11 — Traffic Impact | Enhance traffic management planning; coordinate with highways authorities; optimise routing. | Jason May | 31/12/2026 |
| Medium (within 6 months) | Ref 12 — Asbestos | Maintain asbestos-awareness training; review notification procedures; ensure licensed contractors. | Sean Ashton + Jason May | 31/12/2026 |
| Medium (within 6 months) | Ref 13 — Climate Adaptation [NEW 2026] |
Refresh BCP to cover extreme-weather scenarios (APP_17); toolbox talks on heat/cold stress; weather-window planning for critical works. | Sean Ashton | 31/12/2026 |
| Low (1 year +) | Ref 14 — PFAS [NEW 2026] |
Begin SDS-holder engagement for PFAS disclosure; track UK REACH restriction publication; review on draft restriction issue. | Sean Ashton | Trigger-based — review on UK REACH publication |
Monitoring and Review¶
Performance indicators¶
- Number of environmental incidents
- Waste diversion rates (target ≥ 95%)
- Energy consumption trends (kWh and £)
- Compliance audit results
- Stakeholder complaints received
- Achievement of objectives & targets in APP_11
- Carbon-baseline data quality
[NEW 2026]
Review requirements¶
- Annual review of all aspects and impacts (June, IMS-aligned)
- Immediate review following significant incidents
- Review on operational changes (new service line, new chemical, new site type)
- Review on legislative changes
[NEW 2026: track Simpler Recycling, BNG, SuDS, PFAS UK REACH] - Management review integration
- ISO 14001:2026 transition review
[NEW 2026 — within 3-year window from April 2026]
Responsibilities¶
| Role | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Directors (Aaron Mason, Leanne Mason) | Approve register and allocate resources for controls. |
| HSQE Consultant (Sean Ashton) | Maintain register, implement controls, monitor compliance, report performance. |
| Site Supervisors (Jason May) | Ensure site-specific controls are implemented. |
| All Employees | Report environmental concerns; follow control measures. |
Related Documents¶
- MAN_01 IMS Manual
- SOP 3.1 — Identification and Evaluation of Risk
- SOP 5.1 — Production, Issue & Briefing of RAMS
- SOP 9.1 — Environmental Management — Aspects and Impacts
- APP_05 Risk & Opportunity Log — cross-refs R-20 Climate, new R-06, R-10..R-14, R-18, R-21
- APP_10 Legal & Compliance Register — legislation cited above
- APP_11 HSQE Objectives & KPIs — waste / carbon / energy targets land here
- APP_15 Lifecycle Analysis
- APP_17 Disaster Recovery & BCP — cross-ref Ref 13 Climate Adaptation
- POL_HSQE_10 — Environmental Policy
Audit trail¶
| Issue | Date | Approved By | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 01/06/2024 | Aaron Mason, Director | Initial issue. |
| 2 | 01/06/2025 | Aaron Mason, Director | Annual review. |
| 3 | 01/06/2026 | Aaron Mason, Director | Environmental-aspects refreshed for 2025-26 sector context. 2 new aspects added: Ref 13 Climate Adaptation [NEW 2026] (operational exposure to physical climate risks; score 16 Medium); Ref 14 PFAS / Emerging Contaminants [NEW 2026] (UK REACH restriction tracking; score 6 Low). In-cycle simplifications carried through: Aspect 1 (Vehicle/plant emissions) goal reframed from "Reduce 10% annually" to "Measure and report; align with water-co supply-chain net-zero programmes" (04/05/2026); Aspect 9 (Energy Use) "5% annual reduction" replaced with baseline-then-target after 2025 baseline established 12/05/2026 at 288.7 tCO₂e Scope 1+2 (CARB_BASELINE_2025). Compliance citations enriched with Simpler Recycling Reforms 2025, Environment Act 2021 BNG > 5ha, Schedule 3 SuDS, SECR pass-through. Control Measures restructured as a 5-column table with named Owner and specific Target dates (alignment with APP_03 / APP_04 / APP_05 pattern). Monitoring & Review picks up carbon-baseline KPI, Simpler Recycling / BNG / SuDS / PFAS tracking, ISO 14001:2026 transition review. Broken bold-text "links" replaced with proper portal cross-references. Cross-ref to APP_05 updated to new R-XX numbering (R-20 Climate, R-06 / R-10..R-14 / R-18 / R-21 horizon-scan). |
This document forms part of A M Water Services Limited's Integrated Management System. Paper copies are uncontrolled when printed.
How this document is approved
This document is maintained under AMWS's continuous-compliance model. Substantive revisions are reviewed and signed off by the Directors at the standing weekly Director / HSQE compliance call (Sean Ashton, Onyx + Leanne Mason). Currency, cross-references and minor edits are checked at the monthly Onyx site visit. The annual Management Review (September) provides the strategic-level confirmation. Compliance is therefore continuous, not gated on a single annual meeting.