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Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC)

What is IPPC?

IPPC stands for Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control.

The overall stated purpose of IPPC is to:

The Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control regulations employ an integrated approach to control the environmental impacts of certain industrial activities. It involves determining the appropriate controls for industry to protect the environment through a single permitting process. Industrial sources in both England and Wales will be regulated according to IPPC’s standards through a single permitting process.

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How can we get a permit?

In order to gain a Permit, IPPC must demonstrate to operators that they have methodically developed plans. IPPC insist that these are in line and apply to the "Best Available Techniques" (BAT) and comply with specific requirements, taking local factors into account.

Permits are required for all new installations and existing installations undergoing a substantial change (where there is a change in operation that may have a significant negative effect on human beings or the environment) from 31 October 1999. For existing installations IPC permits will continue to be in force until IPPC permits are phased in on a sectoral basis by October 2007.

Application requirements

The operator of an installation will need to prepare a forward plan to deliver the elements of IPPC, at a suitable cost and in a timely fashion. The preparation of an IPPC application can be considered as a number of discrete 'parcels of work' that can be stitched together to satisfy the requirements of the legislation and the regulators.

These 'parcels of work' involve a number of topics such as:

The steps you will need to take-

Application for permit: To establish your companies baseline data for emissions to air, land and water. This must also include, where appropriate, noise, odour and vibration reports. A Site Condition report must also be provided together with a report on energy and water usage. The completed application should be submitted to the Environment Agency and Local authority respectively.

Emissions Reduction Plan: An action plan must be submitted using the detailed data established in the application. This is in order to reduce emissions and minimise waste to continuous environmental improvement in line with the IPPC regulations.

Monitoring: An effective monitoring system must be established to ensure compliance with the Emissions Reduction Plan. This would include establishing a Group Environmental Forum and regular review audits to drive the campaign and ensure adherence to the IPPC regulations.

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What will Change?

The IPPC Directive was enacted into English law through the Pollution Prevention and Control (England and Wales) Regulations on 1st August 2000 and implements the EC Directive 96/61 on IPPC.

In essence, IPPC legislation increases the scope of coverage of existing Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) legislation, introducing a number of new industry sectors, and extends the topic base of items that require attention by the operator of an installation.

At present, systems for preventing and controlling emissions under Part 1 of the Environment Protection Act (EPA) are;

Integrated Pollution Control (IPC): This exists for the most potentially polluting industries and is enforced by the Environment Agency

Local Air Pollution Control (LAPC): Regulates the less polluting industries and is enforced by Local Authorities and concerns emissions to air only.

Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC): Is a new UK regime which will replace the existing legislation.
IPPC embodies an approach broadly similar to IPC but takes on a wider view of integrated permitting.

The LAPC regime will be replaced by Local Air Pollution Prevention and Control (LAPPC) which is similar to IPPC in procedures but will still regulate emissions to air only. IPPC and LAPPC will both fall under the same regulatory framework of PPC.

Operators of installations 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.

A copy of the application will be placed on a public register, held in the local office of the Environment Agency and the Local Authority, which the public is free to view.

Applications for permits have to undergo a public consultation; the operator is required to advertise the application in one or more local papers and in the London Gazette. Statutory Consultees and the public are required to submit their comments during the consultation process.

Once the consultation period is over the Regulator considers all the representations reviewed and will either grant the permit subject to conditions or reject the application. If an operator is dissatisfied with a decision made regarding an application, an appeal to the Secretary of State can be made.

If a permit is granted, the Regulator must ensure that the following general principles are met:

Once a permit has been granted, under IPPC operators have significant responsibility for monitoring emissions and supplying the Regulator with data required to check compliance with the permit. The Regulator has to undertake independent monitoring and inspections of the installation to check compliance with the set emission limits.

Specific conditions may apply to individual installations that the regulator considers appropriate to ensure a high level of protection to the environment as a whole. If the regulator believes that the operator is breaching the conditions of a permit, enforcement options are available where: enforcement, suspension or a revocation notice can be served.

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Changes from IPC to IPPC

IPPC takes a broader spectrum of environmental impacts into its regulations than IPC. At present, the system of IPC regulates emissions to land, water and air. In conjunction with the original IPC regulations the IPPC regime will also include; waste avoidance or minimization, accident avoidance, minimisation of noise, heat and vibrations and energy efficiency. Ultimately, IPPC’s new aims will a higher level of protection than the IPC standards.

IPPC applies to a wider range of industries than IPC. These industries include all installations that are currently regulated under IPC, some installations currently under LAPC, and some installations that are not currently under either regime such as: landfill sites, intensive agriculture, large pig and poultry units, and food and drink manufacturers.

Under IPPC regulated industries are referred to as 'installations' as oppose to 'processes' which is the term used for IPC. This change in terminology enables a more integrated approach to regulation; a whole installation must be permitted rather than just individual processes within the installation.
Once issued, permits for IPPC are to be reviewed periodically in addition to any updating which is made necessary by technological or other changes.

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How can PROjEN help with the IPPC regulations?

High qualities of output, impartiality and cost efficiencies are just a few of the many benefits that are gained from employing environmental consultants in the IPPC regulation activities.

When considering the 'parcels of work' it has to be recognised that a number are immediate overheads to the operator and inefficiencies in completing surveys and applications could be costly.
PROjEN is a well established project management company recognized as leaders in the delivery of industrial projects. The can exist as a stand alone/ turnkey basis or work alongside client companies.
PROjEN’s service offerings deliver a number of Business Improvement Products which have been carefully selected to provide clients with real added benefits. These products have evolved during the careful implementation of projects over the last 25 years. PROjEN’s high quality project work has also received formal recognition from the industry; they are holders of the European Construction Institute’s ‘Contractor of the Year 2003’ and ‘Project of the Year 2004’.

If your business needs to conform to the IPPC regulations, or you are in anyway unsure as to whether they affect your business, you should obtain specialist advice.

One of PROjEN’s management specialists will be able to explain in detail the implications of the IPPC regulations on your business and advise you on whether you need to take further action. If it looks likely that IPPC does affect you, one of our team will run through the various options with you to enable your company to comply with the legislation.

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Consult with a specialist consultant

PROjEN PLC are a well established project management company recognised as being leaders in the delivery of industrial projects on a stand alone/turnkey basis or working alongside client companies.

As part of our service offering, PROjEN deliver a number of Business Improvement Products and Services which have been carefully selected to add real benefits. These products/services have their foundation in the successful implementation of projects over the last three decades, a statement given credence through the recognition of the 2005 Bentley BE Award for Excellence of New Technology Adoption, ECI Contractor of the Year in 2003, ECI ACTIVE Project of the Year Awards in 2004, 2006 and 2008 as well as another ‘Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents’ (RoSPA) Gold Medal in 2009 – the eighth consecutive Gold Award the Company has received. PROjEN have also been awarded Vale Royal Business of the year 2006, the High Sheriff of Cheshire award for Enterprise in 2007 and received Carbon Trust Accreditation in 2007.

PROjEN can work independently or alongside the client project owners, providing expert advice from day one. We supply crucial resource when it is needed, control budgets and programmes and ultimately deliver the project as the client originally intended. Our core business is the successful delivery of projects from feasibility, capital justification, front-end engineering, detailed design, through to full turnkey project completion, providing the client with single point responsibility.

In an age of specialisation, PROjEN can also offer a full design responsibility across all disciplines (Process, Control & Instrumentation, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil & Structural) in addition to Construction Supervision, Health and Safety, Procurement and Commissioning. Our extensive experience across a wide range of industries encourages cross fertilisation of ideas and adoption of best practice techniques. Our up to date knowledge and translation of current legislation and DSEAR / EAD regulations which allows PROjEN to provide practical help and advice at costs sufficient to satisfy current regulations.

Contact PROjEN plc

Head Office: PROjEN PLC, PROjEN House, Wellfield Road, Preston Brook, Cheshire, WA7 3FR
Telephone: 01928 752500
Fax: 01928 752555
Email: enquiry@projen.co.uk

Contact a Consultant

For more information about Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) services please PROjEN on 01928 752500 or visit their website at www.projen.co.uk