Stack Emitting to Atmosphere

The operator of an installation must apply for a permit. There is an application fee, which is to cover administration and guidance notes costs, this figure is set by Defra. The Regulations say what information must be included in the application. We must consider the application and decide whether to approve it or not based on may factors such as location, how close they are to receptors etc. The permit application process includes the need to consult relevant members of the public and other organisations.

When we issue a permit, we must include conditions. These conditions will say how pollution is to be prevented or minimised. Government guidance has been published for each type of installation on what are likely to be the right pollution standards. Under the law, the standards must strike a balance between protecting the environment and the cost of doing so.

If we refuse a permit, the business can appeal to the government. A business can also appeal if it has received a permit but does not agree with any of the conditions.

Once a permit is issued, the operator must comply with the permit conditions. The operator also has to pay an annual charge. This covers our costs of checking that the permit is complied with and is also set centrally by Defra.

Local authorities rate regulated installations as high, medium or low risk. This is based on two things. First, what the environmental impact would be if something went wrong. Second, how reliable and effective the operator of the installation is. The annual charge is lower for low- and medium-risk installations.

We have powers if a business does not comply with the Regulations and can serve various sorts of notice. We can also take more formal legal action. The Environmental Services department work with operators to solve problems, and only use tough measures as a last resort.

From 6th April 2008 Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations replaced the Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations, which contained a very similar system.

The Part B system is known as Local Authority Pollution Prevention and Control (LAPPC). The A2 system is Local Authority Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (LA-IPPC).

For many of the listed installations, the Regulations also implement EU Directives.
Guidance is currently being issued by the government to help both local authorities and industry move to the new system.

Date Updated: 25/04/08