Environmental Protection Team

Process Authorisation

Exemptions

Exemptions include processes carried out at museums to demonstrate a historical activity; at an educational establishment or as a domestic activity in a home. Prescribed processes releasing substances in "trivial" amounts are exempt except where the release results in an offensive smell.

The authorisation procedure, which is more or less the same for both Part A and Part B processes, is set out in The Environmental Protection (Applications, Appeals and Registers) Regulations 1991 (as amended). Copies of these Regulations may be available at your local library, if not they can be purchased from The Stationary Office.

Applying for an authorisation

The onus is on the process operator to apply for an authorisation. If it is established that the Process is a Part A process, all correspondence should be directed to the EA. If it is a Part B process, operators will have to apply to their local authority.

Completed applications must be returned, together with supporting information. This will include:

• full description of the process;
• list of prescribed substances which might cause harm if released to the environment and their quantity;
• techniques to be used for preventing or minimising their release;
• details of any other likely release and assessment of the environmental consequence;
• proposals for monitoring, sampling and measurement of emissions;
• the matters on which the applicant relies to establish that BATNEEC will be achieved.

A fee is also required to accompany the application in accordance with The Local Enforcing Authorities Air Pollution Fees and Charges Scheme. There is no facility for the Council to vary these fees and charges. The table below summarises the current charges.

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