IPPC

The new Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) regime is a regulatory system being progressively phased in to supercede Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) until the end if 2007. IPPC poses new challenges for industry and installations requiring a permit will be unable to operate without one.

The scope of IPPC is much wider than IPC encompassing more industry sectors and requiring the company to demonstrate it has systems in place for managing waste, energy, risk, noise. The issue of land contamination must also be addressed through the submission of a site report (desk-based and in certain circumstances intrusive) as part of the IPPC application.

Applications for IPPC permits also will need to demonstrate that they have applied Best Available Techniques (BAT) at the installation wherever possible to ensure the most effective protection of the environment. Guidance in relation to BAT is produced in the form of BREF notes by the European Commission's IPPC Bureau.

Sectors requiring an IPPC permit have been given a specific timeframe in which they must submit an application to their regulator (Environment Agency, SEPA or Local Authority).

EEF is keen to address the many issues that exist regarding IPPC and is actively engaged with DEFRA and the Environment Agency on these issues. EEF also has experts at several regional associations who can help you through your IPPC application process.

Sara Denton
Environmental Advisor
sdenton@eef.org.uk

DEFRA Website - IPPC
Environment Agency Website - IPPC
Link to BREF Notes
EEF reponse to IPPC consultation