Environmental Enforcement

Permitted Processes

Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) and Local Authority Pollution Prevention and Control (LAPPC)

The Pollution Prevention Control Act 1999 requires operators of industrial processes which have the potential to cause significant pollution to air to apply for a permit to operate their business. Sites which are likely to have a greater environmental impact are known as Part A(1) processes and permits for these sites are issued and controlled by The Environment Agency. These sites will be subject to more rigorous controls due to their increased potential to have a significant impact on the environment. Other processes which require a permit to operate will be classified as either a Part A(2) process or a Part B processes depending on their potential to harm the environment. Both A(2) and Part B processes are controlled by the Local Authority and an operator of such a process must apply for a permit from their Local Authority. Examples of operations which require permits are car re-sprayers, cement batching plants, petrol stations and other users of large quantities of solvents.

Once a permit has been granted, the permit will be issued with conditions which relate to the management of the site, emission limits and any other process controls which the operator must comply with. The operator is required to pay an application fee and an annual subsistence fee to the regulator for their permit. Conditions within the permit are based on information provided in Process Guidance Notes (PG Notes) which are issued by the Secretary of State and which are specific to each industrial sector.

Failure to comply with permit conditions and also the operation of a process without an appropriate permit is an offence which can result in heavy fines and an officer will regularly inspect those sites with permits to ensure that conditions are being complied with.

Information regarding permitted sites which operate within Maidstone Borough is held on a public register at The Council offices, 13 Tonbridge Road and a list of these sites can be accessed below. Full details of these processes can be viewed upon request by contacting the Environmental Health Departments Pollution Control team on 01622 602000.

For more information on Pollution Prevention and Control or to find out if your business requires a permit to operate, please contact the Pollution Control team on 01622 602000.