The principal controls on air pollution from manufacturing operations are contained in the Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999. This implements the requirements of the EU Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Directive, which replaces (and builds on) the previous regimes of Integrated Pollution Control and Air Pollution Control (APC).
IPPC is implemented in the UK via the Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) Act 1999 and supporting Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations (England and Wales) 2000. The authorisations from IPC/APC sites under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 have been transferred into permits under the PPC Act.
Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999
The Act implements the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive (96/61/EC) by establishing an Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control system. IPPC is regulated by the Environment Agency or SEPA for Part A(1) processes, and by the England and Wales local Authorities or SEPA for the Part A(2) and B activities.
Pollution Prevention and Control (England and Wales) Regulations 2000 (SI 2000/1973) as amended by SI 2000/503, SI 2002/275, SI 2002/1702, SI 2002/2980, SI 2003/1699, 2003/3296, SI 2004/3276, SI 2004/434, SI 2005/1448 and SI 2007/0713
Schedule I contains listed activities and installations that fall under IPPC (Part B are permitted for releases to air only). Schedule II gives information on determining Best Available Techniques. Part B activities are regulated by the Local Authorities. The Regulations cover permit applications, how the regulators will determine the application, variation of conditions, appeals and registers. The Regulations contain a list of substances whose presence would warrant the setting of emission limit values.