Best
The most effective means of preventing, minimising or rendering harmless polluting emissions. There may be more than one set of techniques that are considered equally effective (i.e. best).
Available
The technique is procurable by the operator of the process (i.e. it is generally accessible, though not necessarily in general use). It can include a technique which has been developed (or proven) at the pilot scale, provided this allows implementation in the relevant industrial context with the necessary business confidence.
Techniques
Includes technology and operational factors.
In practice, the way of operating the process, including the keeping of all necessary records and having written procedures in place to deal with significant environmental impacts, is very similar to the requirements of a certified environmental management system (EMS) (see Chapter 10). Importantly, ‘techniques’ refers to operational as well as technological factors. It can include:
- staff qualifications
- working methods
- training
- supervision
- design
- construction and maintenance
- abatement and control technology
Environmental Permitting applies to a wide variety of activities which are listed in a schedule to the regulations (in the same way as the former IPPC regime).
The process or site operator must prove that the process is operated n accordance with ‘best available techniques’ (BAT). BAT replaces the IPC/APC concept of BATNEEC (Best Available Techniques Not Entailing Excessive Cost).
The 'NEEC' element, while lost from the name, is not lost from the concept. There is still the qualifier that BAT should be developed on a scale which allows implementation in the relevant industrial sector under economically and technically viable conditions (i.e. cost is still an issue). This is essentially at sector level, and particular processes may still face significant outlays.