3 Environmental Inspection Cycle

When we look more closely at the environmental inspection cycle we notice that the process is more complicated and that it is useful to make a further distinction, resulting in the following seven steps:

1. Describing the context
2. Setting Priorities
3. Defining objectives and strategies
4. Planning and review

and

1. Execution framework
2. Execution and reporting
3. Performance monitoring

3.2 Describing the context (box 1a)

3.3 Setting priorities (box 1b)

Based upon the priorities, the inspecting authority sets targets and objectives. In order to establish whether these objectives and targets can be and will be met, the output and the outcome must be monitored. This is generally done by using performance indicators. Examples of performance indicators on outcome are:

• The amount of incidents or complaints occurring
• The level of compliance
• The actual achievement of reduction targets for certain pollutants or certain risks
• Improvement in the general ambient environment

3.5 Planning and review (box 1d)

3.6 Execution Framework (box 2)

In this step the inspections are actually carried out: the various inspection activities (aimed at compliance checking and compliance assistance) are prepared and executed. Traditional inspection activities are the (physical) routine (site) inspections, non-routine (site) inspections and investigations of incidents. Many of these activities can and should be executed according to standard protocols and working instructions (that have been developed in the previous step). The cooperation and information exchange with partner organisations is also part of this step.

The inspecting authority should act on the basis of systematic monitoring of the inspection and enforcement process and its result and effects.