There are three main changes for Environmental Permit applications compared to the old IPPC regime:

► You need a permit before you start to operate, as the transition period for existing installations has now closed.
► Your installation has to meet the Environmental Permit standards before your permit can be issued, in effect as a new site you have to be "right first time".
► The application forms have been simplified, but the same level of information is still required, the information has been moved from the forms into the supporting documents.

Otherwise, at the moment the process is very similar to the old IPPC regime.

Bespoke Permits are split into two types - Low Impact and Full, and this distinction is exactly the same as under IPPC. Low impact means that your operations and emissions are less likely to harm the environment.

Supporting Documents including process description, evidence from your management systems to confirm what you have put in the application form; the Application Site Report; the H1 emissions database; a Best Available Technique (BAT) assessment of the installation, ie are you following current best practice, and what improvements, if any, need to be made; and either the EP-OPRA spreadsheet to calculate how much you will pay to make the application and in annual fees; or if you are a Low Impact site, the justification why you meet the Low Impact criteria.

If you don't have the time to compile your own EP application, or if you need expert EP IPPC advice for your site report, contact Janet or Sandra on 01422 24 22 22 or email janet@ttenvironmental.co.uk.