Environmental Permitting Programme

Environmental Permitting Programme (England & Wales) 2007 

 

Summary                 

The EPP aims to streamline and simplify environmental permitting and compliance systems by replacing the Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) and Waste Management Licensing systems. The system was implemented in April 2008 across England and Wales.

All other regulatory permitting regimes such as discharge consenting, water abstraction, radioactive substance regulation, remain in force. However, the new permitting platform may be expanded over time to include some or all of these permits.

Under this new simplified system, there are three types of permit for which companies can apply if they have not already been allocated one as a result of holding a permit under the previous regimes. These permits are:

 

  • Standard permits - suitable for some waste activities and contain a standard set of conditions that you will need to comply with. This type of permit is simpler and cheaper to apply for and, because they are not consulted on individually, they are likely to be issued more quickly.

 

  • Bespoke - Where a standard permit is not suitable, for example if your operations could have a high impact on the environment or if your operations are novel or complex, you will have to apply for a bespoke permit. This means that the Environment Agency or local council will set specific conditions for your facility.

 

  • Consolidated - If it suits your business and you have more than one environmental permit, you can apply for a consolidated permit.

 

More information on the permitting procedures and guidelines is available from the Environment Agency or your local council.

 

Implications

It is thought this new system will reduce administrative costs to businesses, as they will only have to apply for and process the paperwork for one permit. This would save resources and in turn allow them to offer more competitive prices to customers or increase their profit margins.

 

Overlap

This legislation aims to streamline the existing Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations and Waste Management Licensing Regulations (Environmental Protection Act 1990).

 

Opportunities

Reducing the complication and red tape associated with applying for WMLs and PPC permits, may encourage more companies within the construction industry to submit applications.

 

Guidance

The programme details can be viewed in full at:

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2007/uksi_20073538_en_1

The following organisations provide guidance on the Environmental Permitting Programme (EPP):