Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC)
In addition to providing a reactive response to complaints of nuisances, the Environment Protection Team also works proactively with industry in the control of emissions to atmosphere.
Local Air Pollution Control (LAPC)
Part 1 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 allows Local Authorities to control emissions to the air from a range of different industrial activities, known as "Prescribed Processes". Operators of Prescribed Processes are required to hold an Authorisation in order to operate the process. The Authorisation contains enforceable conditions to control emissions to atmosphere and/or to prevent the process causing a nuisance to neighbours. Some Authorisations might contain conditions limiting the amount or concentration of emissions to atmosphere. Others might contain conditions on the type of materials that are permitted. It is an offence for an operator to contravene a condition of authorisation.
We keep details relating to Applications for Authorisations, Authorisations, Monitoring Data and any enforcement action taken about a Prescribed Process on a Public Register which we can make available for inspection to all members of the public.
The Environment Agency regulate the largest processes under this legislation, via the Integrated Pollution Control regime. Details of the Prescribed Processes regulated by the Environment Agency are also be found on the Public Register maintained by Environmental Health. Any enquiries concerning these processes however should be directed to the Environment Agency Devon Area office on 08708 506506.
Details of previously authorised premises are also held on the public registers. For the majority, this is because the process has ceased to operate - but this is not the case for all.
During the next few years the LAPC regime is being phased out - to be replaced by Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control under the Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations 2000.
Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC)
IPPC broadens the scope of those industrial emissions considered by the regulatory process. Permits issued under the new regime may include both noise and energy efficiency, and new types of process have been added to the list.
There are three broad classifications of process, each classification defining both the regulator and those matters to be regulated, as follows:
Part A1 processes: regulated by the Environment Agency under IPPC
Part A2 processes: regulated by Environmental Health under LA-IPPC
Part B processes: regulated by Environmental Health under LAPPC.
A1 and A2 processes will have Permits covering the full scope of environmental emissions including noise and energy efficiency; Part B processes will have permits covering emissions to air only.
Useful sources of information
Local Air Pollution Control (LAPC)
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/air quality/lapc/default.htm
http://www.aeat.co.uk/netcen/airqual/info/labrief.html
Integrated Pollution Prevention & Control (IPPC)
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/ppc/index.htm
Reviewed 20th December 2007
