Industrial (Prescribed) Processes

Some industrial techniques have potential to cause pollution to air, water and ground.  Since 1990 many of these processes have required a ‘permit’ issued by the appropriate body in order to operate and they are inspected at least once a year.  This was firstly done by way of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and now under the provisions of the Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999.

‘Permitted’ Installations are those industrial technologies that have a potential to cause pollution. The Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999 requires that processes identified in the act, or by regulations made under the act, must have a Permit to operate.
 
There are currently three types of process classification. Part A1 processes are regulated by the Environment Agency while Part A2 and B processes are controlled by local authorities.
 
Bournemouth Borough Council is responsible for permitting and inspecting all Part A2 and B processes within the district.  These processes are those that have the potential to cause air pollution and include activities such as vehicle re-spraying, 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 together with operating conditions in accordance with government guidance. The operator of the permitted installation must comply with the conditions of the permit  and they will be subject to inspection to ensure this is the case.
 
Guidance is currently being issued by the government to help both local authorities and industry such as: -

• Guidance Notes
• Standard licence conditions
• Application forms
• How to apply
• Fees
• Registers

These guidance notes and additional information can be found at the Defra website.