Industrial Permits
Some industrial processes have potential to cause pollution to air, land and water and are required by the Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999 to have a 'permit' to operate. The permits are issued by the Environment Agency or the council.
The regulations to the Act list a number of activities that are classified as Part A1, Part A2 or Part B activities.
- Part B installations have potential to cause air pollution and include such activities as small foundries, respraying road vehicles, cement batching and unloading petrol.
- Part A2 installations have potential to cause pollution to air, land and water, such as large foundries, galvanisers and brick manufacturing processes.
- Part A1 installations are more complex and have potential for significant pollution to air, land and water, such as landfill operations, large waste treatment processes and very large foundries.
Local authorities have responsibilities for Part B and A2 permits. The Environment Agency is responsible for A1 installations.
Persons wanting to operate a process that requires a permit must submit an application, with a fee, to the local authority or the Environment Agency. The authority or the agency will attach conditions to a Permit to control the emissions of pollutants, with due consideration to government guidance, this may include requirements for pollution control equipment, routine monitoring, prescribing the height of chimneys and other measures. The operator of the prescribed process must comply with the conditions of the permit and will be subject to inspection to ensure this is the case.
Much of the information about permits must be put on a public register. The information includes details of applications, processes, pollution monitoring results and copies of any Notices served. The register is open to public scrutiny and anyone can ask to see it at the Civic Centre.
Within Walsall there are over 100 permitted processes. Details of the Permits, notices and applications can be found on the public register.
If you want more guidance on the procedures, visit the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) website. It also has all the statutory guidance on pollution standards. Defra can also be contacted on 08459 335577.
For more information about industrial permits, application forms or companies that have permits please contact us using the details below:
Contact us
Pollution Control
Engineering and Transportation Services
Walsall Council
2nd floor, Civic Centre
Darwall Street
Walsall
WS1 1DG
Telephone 01922 653348
Fax 01922 623234
Email pollutioncontrol@walsall.gov.uk
This page was last updated on 22 January 2010