Title Page

Pre-inspection preparation:

  • If the operational site is being operated & maintained by an external contractor (GE, SGRE, Enercon) , contact them in advance of the visit to obtain: evidence of environmental spill response training and evidence of waste management (if this is in their contract to manage). Examples include certificates of completion for training, material used to deliver training and waste management paperwork.

  • Onshore windfarm name and location
  • Date the environmental check was conducted on.

  • People completing or participating in the check:

  • Review the last time an environmental check was carried out and any open Sphera environmental records associated with the site. List all items to be revisited during this check, for example outstanding actions.

Planning conditions associated with the onshore windfarm:

  • Does the site have active habitat/landscape and/or ornithological monitoring?

  • Please tick all monitoring that applies:

  • Review the planning condition tracker & associated records to confirm if planning conditions are up to date and implemented accordingly.

  • Summarise the findings from the above check; including steps to keep in alignment with conditions. Ensure the planning condition tracker reflects the site's planning conditions accurately depending on the findings. If the site has no active planning, write N/A.

Housekeeping: Oil & chemical containers under 200 litres.

  • Do containers have sufficient strength and structural integrity so they don’t leak or burst under normal use? For example, rusty or dented containers are unlikely to be fit for use.

  • Are containers stored inside a building, under cover or protected from the elements by another method?

  • Are full or part full containers stored directly on top of one another? This does not apply to empty containers.

  • Would the store benefit from signage/additional signage? If yes please explain how this will be implemented/improved.

  • Tick all forms of secondary containment used. Secondary containment systems are not a requirement-but can be utilised where needed to improve housekeeping and assist in pollution risk.

  • Is any secondary containment in poor condition?

  • Would the small oil/chemical stores benefit from additional secondary containment systems? If so, describe suggestions.

  • Depending on the findings in this section, discuss improvement options with the Area Manager and summarise them here.

Housekeeping: Oil & chemical containers over 200 litres.

  • Do containers have sufficient strength and structural integrity so they don’t leak or burst under normal use? For example, rusty or dented containers are unlikely to be fit for use.

  • Are containers stored inside a building, under cover or protected from the elements by another method?

  • Are full or part full drums stored directly on top of one another? If so is there risk of splitting under pressure or over stacking?

  • Would the the store benefit from signage/additional signage? If yes please explain how this will be implemented/improved.

  • Tick all forms of secondary containment used.

  • Does the secondary containment 'volume' meet legal requirements? If no, please describe why and what is needed to ensure compliance.

  • Is any secondary containment in poor condition?

  • List and Photograph all containers above 200L on site.

  • Depending on the findings in this section, discuss improvement options with the Area Manager and summarise them here.

Housekeeping: mobile plant & handling of oil and chemicals at the onshore windfarm

  • Is there any equipment on site that can be used to assist the process of oil and chemical transfer? E.g. Funnel

  • Is mobile plant in good condition and stored on plant nappies/sponges both during use and whilst stored?

Spill kits and work instructions:

  • Are spill kits present and easily accessed at the service centre (easy to get to and not blocked by other items)?

  • Are the spill kits maintained to a good standard? (well stocked, organised, labelled)

  • Is the spill kit free of any rubbish?

  • Is there at least 180L worth of 'oil selective' spill kit material (e.g. two grab bags) present?

  • Is there at least 90L worth of 'chemical/all purpose' spill kit material present (one grab bag)?

  • Are the most current work instructions for environmental emergencies present (flytipping, spills & emissions) and displayed clearly

  • Has the pollution prevention & control toolbox talk been delivered to the site teams? For 3rd party O&M, speak to them to obtain this information.

Foul water management

  • Does the onshore windfarm have foul water management facilities?

  • Is the septic tank or cesspool's metal or concrete lid in good condition and easily identified? (e.g. not overgrown or covered with soil?)

  • Is there any smell emanating from the septic tank or area around it?

  • Soakaway: for septic tanks and bio-digesters is the area around the tank swampy, smelly or has prolific grass growth.

  • Discharge pipe: If practical, check the discharge pipe for its condition

  • Check with the FM/commercial team on the last time the foul water system was serviced. Depending on frequency decide if a service is required for maintenance reasons. If a service is needed, raise an iauditor action and liaise with the correct FM/commercial manager.

Waste:

  • Is hazardous waste segregated from non-hazardous waste?

  • Is there any evidence of waste NOT being handled and stored in a safe and secure manner (e.g. litter) to minimise risk of escape into the environment?

  • Are waste storage facilities in good condition, fit for purpose and suitable to prevent waste escaping into the environment?

  • Has any waste escaped into the environment that could lead to pollution? This also includes any fly tip incidents.

  • Do waste storage facilities only contain waste from windfarm activities? They must not have other items and/or water present.

  • Are all waste containers clearly labelled? if required

F-gas Management

  • is there an air conditioning unit at the service centre?

  • If the A/C meets F-gas leak testing requirements, has it been tested in line with regulations?

  • Does the operational site have SF6 located in switchgear?

  • If the SF6 volume hits regulatory limits for leak testing-has the equipment been leak tested in line with current F-gas regulation?

Onshore windfarm site surroundings: pollution checks

  • Describe any abnormal activities or findings that are an environmental risk to the windfarm. This could be presence of pollution nearby assets (tracks, crane pads control building) or discolouration of watercourses (that can be practically accessed), oil slicks /stains from farm activities. Depending on circumstances this may be Sphera recordable.

Onshore windfarm WTG visits: pollution checks

Environmental near hits & incidents from WTG and windfarm activities

  • Pollutant that has escaped containment (e.g. nacelle) but not entered the environment (soil/water).

  • Pollutant that has escaped into the environment to soil. Example: Stains/liquids present on the soil/ground.

  • Pollutant that has escaped into the environment to watercourse from windfarm activities.

  • Waste that has escaped into the environment (e.g. litter).

  • Deliberate fly tipping

  • Plant die back due/likely due to presence of pollution.

  • Evidence of fires (black patches on soil, items that have been burnt)

  • Dead wildlife, marine life, archaeological concerns present.

  • List WTG sampled as part of the visit. Ensure at least 10% of the total have been visited.

Windfarms only: WTG Climb

  • Will this environmental inspection include a WTG climb? If no, choose not applicable for remaining questions. If yes, complete questions as appropriate.

  • Is the nacelle platform/ floor/yaw deck free of any debris and or rubbish?

  • Is there any presence of oil/leaking from hydraulic systems or packs in an uncontrolled manner?

  • Is there any presence of oil/leaking from gearbox hoses or ancillaries in an uncontrolled manner?

  • Is there anything of note relating to the tower walls (oil stains, moulded areas, evidence of a spill).

  • Are grease/oil traps in good condition and not overflowing?

  • If a spill kit is present in the WTG--is it in good condition and well stocked?

Environmental Check Summary

  • List all Sphera record IDs generated from the check, here (SHEQ observation or incident). Ensure that all Spheras are reviewed with the Area Manager and relevant site team before you publish the Sphera record.

  • Summarise the environmental check and include any findings not identified in the checklist items.

  • This is an optional area to highlight any other information from the environmental check.

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