Industrial Pollution Control - What we do

Together with the Environment Agency, we are responsible for regulating commercial and industrial installations within the district that are subject to controls by The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2007. The types of industrial activities which may be subject to a Permit are very wide ranging. Examples include petrol stations, vehicle respraying, rubber manufacture, wood coating to name just a few. Full details are contained within Schedule 1 of The Environmental Permitting (England & Wales) Regulations 2007.

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2000/20001973.htm

Further guidance relating to the regulation of these processes can be found at:

http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/airquality/lapc/pgnotes/default.htm  

Companies wanting to carry out processes which may cause emissions to land, air or water must apply for a Permit from either the Environment Agency or West Wiltshire District Council.

The Environment Agency regulates industries with the greatest potential of causing pollution to land, air or water. These are known as Part A processes Local Authorities regulate industries with less potential to pollute the environment known as Part B processes.

‘A2’ processes look at the same criteria as Part A processes but are regulated by the Local Authority.

Permits issued contain conditions on emission limits and controls, monitoring of emissions and abatement plant performance and good house keeping.

The Local Authority undertakes inspections of all the processes using a risk based approach. The risk assessment is based upon the nature of the process, its location and the way in which it is managed. Each aspect is evaluated by scoring the process against a number of different components.

In addition to issuing Permits, the Local Authority acts as an advisor for the issue of Permits by the Environment Agency.