An inspection by the Voivodeship Inspectorate for Environmental Protection (WIOŚ) is intended to verify a company's compliance with applicable environmental regulations. It serves, among other things, to verify the possession of the necessary decisions, environmental permits, measurement reports, records, and reporting that the entity was required to maintain. In this article, we explain how to prepare for this inspection to avoid potential legal consequences and financial penalties.
What to do before a WIOŚ inspection?
Implementing these types of activities will primarily help meet most requirements arising from environmental protection regulations. It will also make the entire process faster and more efficient, minimizing the impact on the company's daily operations. Therefore, it's worth investing some time in preparation to avoid future problems.
Preparing for a WIOŚ inspection? Step-by-step instructions
- Prepare the necessary documentation. First, gather all decisions (including permits) relevant to your business (for example, water permits, permits for the release of gases and dust into the air, and environmental permits, if applicable). Be sure to also review your waste records at BDO and reports to the National Center for Emissions Balancing and Management (KOBiZE), as well as other records and reports.
- Ensure required inspections and measurements. During an inspection, it may be necessary to present measurement results generated by devices emitting gases and dust, discharging wastewater, or emitting noise generated during specific processes or equipment operation. The inspectorate will also likely require current inspections of installations and equipment.
- Check the condition of the building. This includes proper labeling of waste storage areas and their security. Inspections by the Provincial Inspectorate of Environmental Protection may also address the tightness of installations and waste storage and disposal procedures.
- Designate a person responsible for contacting the inspector. Be sure to ensure that you are available throughout the inspection and are able to provide the necessary information and documents.
Preparing for a WIOŚ inspection will be much easier if you choose to work with experienced advisors. They will not only identify the criteria your company must meet but also provide valuable support both before and during the inspection. Their knowledge will minimize the risk of potential errors and, consequently, the financial consequences.
The most common mistakes made during WIOŚ inspections
The lack of necessary documentation is one of the most common mistakes made by companies preparing for a WIOŚ inspection. Outdated permits, tests or measurements performed, incomplete reports – all this can lead to a negative assessment by inspectors.
Recording waste and incorrect labeling also proves problematic. Such mistakes do happen. In most cases, it's enough to carefully analyze the inspectorate's requirements and improve work organization within the company.
Of course, much also depends on the type of inspection by the Provincial Inspectorate of Environmental Protection. Although the Act of 6 March 2018 – Entrepreneurs' Law – regulates the rules for conducting such inspections, they primarily apply to planned inspections.
However, in certain cases, WIOŚ may implement unscheduled inspectionIt usually occurs at the request of public administration bodies. In addition, so-called intervention inspections can also occur, for example, when a company is suspected of violating environmental protection regulations.
Prepare your company for a WIOŚ inspection to avoid financial penalties
If the preparation procedures seem too complicated and you are not sure whether you will take care of every detail, use the help of specialists. Consulting companies will conduct a thorough analysis of your documentation and procedures and explain what you need to do to ensure everything goes smoothly.
This way, you will meet the inspectors' requirements and, consequently, avoid financial penalties and possible delays in the implementation of daily activities in the company.
x
