UK: IPPC

The Pollution Prevention and Control Act received Royal Assent on 27 July 1999 and implements the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive (96/61/EC). The fourth consultation paper on the implementation of IPPC was published by the DETR in August 1999, the main issues covered being a draft schedule listing the types of activity to be regulated under IPPC and a transition schedule listing the proposed dates by which existing installations carrying out such activities are to apply for an IPPC permit. (See Article by Paul Sheridan and Daniel Chappell in this Bulletin.)
(DETR, August 1999)

The Environment Agency has launched a separate consultation process targeted at stakeholders, customer groups and other individuals on its proposed options for an interim charging scheme for the new Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) Regulatory Regime. The Agency is proposing to use its powers under Section 41 of the Environment Act 1995 to recover the costs it incurs in regulating installations under the new regime. Two options are proposed, the first would recover costs based on the time expended by Agency staff on handling permits, charging an agreed hourly rate which would be in accordance with HM Treasury’s Fees Guide. The second option is based on the fact that many applicants for PPC permits will already be holders of Integrated Pollution Control Authorisations, Waste Management Licences or Discharge Consents, for which a charge is already raised. The structure of each of these existing schemes would then be used for an interim system. The proposed charging scheme would run from the first effective date of the new Regulations until 31 March 2001. (EA, August 1999)