IPPC

Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC)

Terragen Environmental Consultants work in conjunction with associate consultants to provide a complete IPPC service, from application site report, to improvement programme and Site Protection and Monitoring Programme.

What is IPPC?

Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) was introduced in the UK in 2000, replacing Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) in accordance with the European Directive (96/61) which advocates an integrated approach to controlling pollution from industrial sources.

The IPPC regime is overseen by the Environment Agency in England and Wales, the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) in Scotland and the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) in Northern Ireland. The regime was created to prevent or minimise, where practical the emissions to air, water and soil from industrial and agricultural installations, well as the impact from waste, with a view to achieving a high level of environmental protection.

The Regulatory Framework

Operators of installations that fall under IPPC have to apply for a permit from the Regulator (the Environment Agency or Local Authority) prior to operation. The applicant must consider all the environmental impacts associated with the installation when preparing the application. Through a single permitting process, operators must apply “Best Available Techniques” and meet other requirements, taking account of local factors. All IPPC installations are required to apply for a permit to operate, by industry sector, under transitional arrangements which began in the first quarter 2001 and will end at the fourth quarter 2007.

How IPPC affects businesses

IPPC is a legal requirement and is mandatory for up to 7,000 sites throughout the UK. Businesses failing to comply with IPPC legislation and operating without a permit will incur fines and run the risk of closure by the regulatory bodies. Applying for a permit to operate is time consuming as is the ongoing commitment to continuous process. The process can alco be costly in terms of both application fees, annual subsistence fees, site improvement fees and the commitment of resources.

For additional information on any of your IPPC requirements then please see the associated pages or contact Paul Brewer paul@tgen.co.uk for further advice.