As part of the new Environmental Permitting Regulations, a series of Standard Permits have been written which cover simple operations where standard conditions can be imposed on operators.

At the time of writing (early July 2008), there are 27 Standard Permits. They all cover waste operations which were previously covered by parts of the Waste Management Regulations.

A list of Standard Permits is available from the environment agency, click here.

The idea behind Standard Permits is that operators can apply for them without needing external help, and that it is up to the operators to make sure they comply with the conditions in the permits. It should also make the regulators job easier, because they should be looking for the same standards on each site.

At the moment, Standard Permits do not apply to the old IPPC activities (large scale combustion, food processing, chemicals manufacture etc).

It is possible that some less complex and low hazard processes may eventually have Standard Permits, and it depends on pressure from industry as well as ideas from the regulators.

For example, there is some discussion in the biodiesel industry about whether this can come under a Standard Permit.

The best way to keep an eye on future standard permits is to check the consultations on DEFRA's website here and the EA website here.

As part of the changes from Waste Management Licencing into the Environmental Permit regime, the Exemptions have been moved as well.

For a full list of waste exemptions, click here.

Contact Janet or Sandra on 01422 24 22 22 or email janet@ttenvironmental.co.uk.