UTA Significance Determination
An aspect will be evaluated for its significance using the following criteria and scoring. It is understood that the overall score may not be representative of the complete picture. For example, an aspect may score very high on severity, but low on public perception and frequency, thereby appearing to be insignificant although the environmental damage would be unacceptable. Therefore, in order to be significant, an aspect must have a total score greater than 15 OR any one category scores a three. However, regardless of score, regulated issues are identified under legal and other requirements and are addressed accordingly.
- The criteria represent the various issues associated with an aspect and how they relate to actual or potential environmental impact. Aspects that are deemed significant will be addressed by the management system, including operational controls and objectives and targets.
- The major areas of scoring deal with the severity of impact; whether or not it is regulated, the public perspective on the aspect (positive, negative, or neutral); and how likely it is to occur.
a. Frequency of Aspect:
0 pts - None
1 pt - Slight
2 pts - Moderate
3 pts - Extreme/Continuous
b. Regulatory:
0 pts - No
3 pts - Yes
c. Public Perception:
0 pts - None
1 pt - Slight
2 pts - Moderate
3 pts - Extreme/Continuous
d. Health Effects:
0 pts - None
1 pt - Slight
2 pts - Moderate
3 pts - Extreme/Continuous
e. Severity of Environmental Damage:
0 pts - None
1 pt - Slight
2 pts - Moderate
3 pts - Extreme/Continuous
f. Effects of Emergency Occurrence:
0 pts - None
1 pt - Slight
2 pts - Moderate
3 pts - Extreme/Continuous