Cost depends on an audit which assesses the risk. UK lenders are concerned that proposed changes in the law to extend the scope of liability could make them responsible for environmental problems created by their borrowers and the cost of clean up could exceed the value of the secured collateral therefore they out a Due Diligence Audit. One of the key objectives is to assist the operation of a single European market removing differences in civil liability refines operating in member states which might distort completion. The Environment Agency are now going to assess the pollution risk from all major industrial processes. Called Operator and Pollution Risk Assessment and will apply to all IPC registered sites.
Risks are both site and process dependent and site specific information is important.
Major accidents must be reported to the UK health and Safety Executive and details of ameliorative actions and future preventative actions. Top tier requirements for more hazardous sites. These must submit a regularly written safety report and emergency plan. DoE has prepared guidance notes on the interpretation of a MAE which gives examples of major environmental accidents. Implemented in UK as Control of Major Accidents and Hazards Regulations.