Horizontal guidance
Horizontal guidance is relevant to all sectors holding an environmental permit.
It contains guidance on, for example:
- noise
- odour
- energy efficiency
- protection of land and water
H1 Software tool and guidance
The H1 risk assessment software tool developed by the Environment Agency can be used to assess the impact of hazardous pollutants released within discharges to surface waters and to small infiltration systems from the operation of installations and waste sites, point source water discharge activities and from stand-alone water discharge activities.
The risk assessment overview guidance and technical guidance annexes supporting the H1 tool have been reviewed and replaced. The link below will take you to the relevant Environment Agency guidance which Natural Resources Wales is continuing to follow. You will find details for obtaining a copy of the H1 software tool and user guide and a link to guidance on surface water pollution risk assessment for your environmental permit.
There is additional guidance available for modelling the discharge once the surface water pollution risk assessment has been completed. Where reference is made in this guidance to the Environment Agency in terms of permit applications, resolving queries and undertaking modelling, please refer to Natural Resources Wales for discharges in Wales.
H2 Energy efficiency
The H2 Guidance has been replaced by relevant 'Best Available Techniques' guidance. The link will take you to the relevant Environment Agency guidance which we are continuing to follow.
Environment Agency H2 Energy efficiency
Noise and vibration management
Read the relevant Environment Agency noise and vibration management guidance which we are continuing to follow.
For most industrial noise impact assessments we expect you to follow the criteria and reporting requirements of BS 4142:2014+A1:2019 Method for rating and assessing industrial and commercial sound (BS 4142).
Read the Method implementation document (MID) for BS 4142 for extra guidance to ensure that you comply with all the requirements of BS 4142, where needed.
H4 Odour management
Please see Environment Agency H4 Odour management guidance.
H5 Site condition report
Please see our: