Environmentally hazardous activities can affect human health or the environment and may require notification or a permit. Here you can find information about notification requirements, supervision and self-monitoring for activities in Finspång Municipality.

According to the Swedish Environmental Code (Miljöbalken), the Building and Environment Committee (Bygg- och miljönämnden) is responsible for supervising environmentally hazardous activities in Finspång Municipality that are not under the supervision of the County Administrative Board (Länsstyrelsen).

The Environmental Assessment Ordinance (miljöprövningsförordningen) (2013:251) specifies which activities require a permit and which require notification. Activities that are subject to notification must be reported to the Building and Environment Committee (Bygg- och miljöenheten), which also carries out supervision. If you are unsure whether your planned activity requires notification, please contact the Environmental Unit for advice.

Notification requirements and supervision

There are currently around 35 notifiable activities in the municipality. In addition, there are approximately 300 activities that do not require notification, most of which are agricultural, and these are subject to regular supervision. Beyond the regular supervision of these activities, the municipality oversees a large number of other operations with varying supervision needs. Supervision of these is often carried out in response to complaints received by the Environmental Unit. If you have questions or would like more information, you are welcome to contact the Building and Environment Unit (Bygg- och miljöenheten).

Examples of environmentally hazardous activities include:

• Sorting or crushing of rock, natural gravel or other soil materials (Environmental Assessment Ordinance, Chapter 4, Section 6)
• Use of organic solvents (Environmental Assessment Ordinance, Chapter 19, Section 4)
• Combustion plants (Environmental Assessment Ordinance, Chapter 21, Section 11)

Self-monitoring under the Environmental Code

If your activity involves risks to the environment or human health, you are responsible for having a functioning self-monitoring system. The purpose of self-monitoring is to prevent negative impacts on human health or the environment.

Who is covered by the self-monitoring regulations?

The responsibility for self-monitoring applies to anyone who operates a business or carries out activities that may have a negative impact on human health or the environment. Under the Environmental Code (Miljöbalken), you are required to monitor your own operations and ensure that you have the knowledge needed to protect human health and the environment. The requirements for self-monitoring may vary depending on the level of risk associated with the activity.

Anyone operating a professional activity or carrying out actions that are subject to permit or notification under Chapters 9 or 11–14 of the Environmental Code is also covered by the Ordinance on Self-Monitoring by Operators, which includes more detailed requirements.

Why is self-monitoring required?

Self-monitoring is required to reduce the risk of negative impacts on human health and the environment. For example, a risk assessment must be carried out, and this will vary depending on the type of activity. A business that works with people may face different risks compared to an industrial operation or a farm.

Through your self-monitoring, you must be able to demonstrate that you are monitoring your operations and taking sufficient measures to prevent harm to human health or the environment. Well-functioning routines make it easier to detect problems early and reduce risks. Examples include routines for regularly checking ventilation, cleaning procedures or ensuring that a private wastewater system is functioning properly.

What should a self-monitoring system include?

A business covered by the self-monitoring regulations must include the following elements:

• A clear allocation of responsibilities for different areas related to environmental requirements, based on legislation, court rulings and decisions. For example, responsibility for energy issues and waste management.
• Documented routines to ensure continuous monitoring of equipment and processes to prevent harm to human health and the environment. This may include checks of ventilation, cleaning routines or regular inspections of machinery.
• Documentation of environmental and health risks associated with the activity. These risks must be regularly assessed, reviewed and recorded.
• Routines for reporting operational disturbances that may affect human health or the environment to the supervisory authority.
• A register of the chemical products (or biotechnical organisms) used in the activity that may pose risks to human health or the environment. The register must include information about product names, quantities, use, environmental and health hazards, and classification.