In 2006, the Polish Chief Inspectorate for Environmental Protection (GIOS) had no clear procedures for prioritisation and execution of on-site inspections. The system for collecting, storing and analysing polluter-related data was manual and paper-based, and the stored information was spread between the inspectorate and its 16 regional offices. These methods were time-consuming and unsustainable for an institution responsible for supervising 53 000 companies and for carrying out approximately 16 000 inspections annually.
More efficient and expedient
With financial support from the Norway Grants and technical advice from the Norwegian Climate and Pollution Agency (Klif) the inspectorate is modernising its practices to become more efficient and more accurate. As a part of the project, GIOS has already developed a risk based inspection system which distinguishes between pollution-intensive industries and those which are less polluting when it comes to frequency and execution of inspections.
In addition, a database for analysing and communicating results has also been developed, and electronic measurement equipment for the rapid, on-site analysis of emission levels has been introduced in two regional offices, and will subsequently be rolled out in all regional offices. The project also includes the development of tools and procedures for disseminating results among the enterprises subject to inspection and to the general public.
Mutual benefit from cooperation
The role of Klif has included providing advice based on its own experiences of more than 30 years of environmental inspections. According to André Kammerud of Klif's Section for International Affairs, the project is one of the most successful in which he has taken part. "GIOS’ strong commitment and willingness to reform has led to successful results. The cooperation has also made Klif more aware of the pros and cons of our own system", he said, emphasising Klif's readiness to continue the cooperation with the Polish organisation.
Photo credit: GIOS