Authorization’ means an authorization for a process, either on the premises or by means of mobile plant, granted under Section 6 of the Environmental Protection Act of 1990 by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Pollution (HMIP), which is the Enforcing Authority for Integrated Pollution Control.
In tune with the objectives of Integrated Pollution Control, authorization sets the limits and conditions on feed materials, operating parameters and release levels over a period considering the environmental impact.
In the application for authorization the operator must provide a strong justification of his process, particularly for new methods or modifications. All the alternative courses must be explored and the choice from these must be justified. He must list the inputs and outputs of the process that might pose environmental risk. He must identify the measures used to prevent, minimize or render harmless such substances. He must assess the environmental impact of any proposed release and detail the proposed monitoring of such release.
This self appraisal by the applicant operator provides the foundation of the assessment of the application by HMIP and is available to all on the public register for transparency. The conditions in the authorization are set to ensure consistency in standard from one authorization to another. It is for the concerned Inspector to accept the self appraised proposal in the application of the applicant operator on merits. The application is part and parcel of the authorization documents.
In connection with the authorization the Inspector of HMIP must consult with the Environment Agency (EA) regarding discharges to water from the process and include such condition in the authorization, which the said EA insists on. However, HMIP may include any condition, which is more stringent than EA stipulations such as, continuous monitoring instead of spot sampling.
HMIP is also responsible for control of any releases to land not subject to regulation of the Waste Regulatory Authority.
An authorization may also include an improvement program with additional equipment, controls, etc.
Regulation of releases and discharges are checked against authorization conditions in course of regular site inspections. In the event of detection of any violation the delinquent is prosecuted in courts.
