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Pollution control - inspection and regulation

Some industrial techniques have potential to cause pollution. Since 1990 many of these processes have required an 'authorisation' from the Environment Agency to operate and they are also inspected annually. They are generally referred to as Part A processes. Some processes - Part B processes - have the potential to cause only air pollution and for these operations the local authority is responsible for their inspection and regulation.

Following the introduction of the Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999 the system of authorisation has changed to meet the requirements of the European Directive on Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control. The new Act covers a wider range of industrial processes using A1 and A2 classifications. Local authorities control A2 processes. Those processes not covered by the European Directive but regulated as 'part B' processes will continue to be controlled under Local Air Pollution Prevention Control by local authorities. A1 processes remain with the Environment Agency. Permits have now replaced authorisations.

The City of Durham Council is responsible for permitting and inspecting all Part A2 and B processes within the district. Part B processes are those that have the potential to cause only air pollution and include activities such as vehicle re-spraying, furniture manufacture and unloading of petrol.

Any person operating a process that requires a permit must submit an application, with a fee, to the local authority. The authority must then issue a permit in accordance with government guidance. In some circumstances applications can be refused. The operator of the prescribed process must comply with the conditions of the permit and they will be subject to inspection to ensure this is the case.

Guidance is issued by the government to help both local authorities and industry comply with the new system.

  • Guidance Notes
  • Standard Permit Conditions
  • Application Forms
    • how to apply
    • fees
    • registers

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