What does permitting and compliance mean?
To operate legally in the United Kingdom, many businesses require environmental permits and consents. Permits are issued with specific requirements that must be followed. These can relate to the type of activities occurring within the organisation or business, the methods used, the materials handled, and the environmental impact of the operations. Permits often have conditions attached, such as reporting requirements, monitoring obligations, or restrictions on certain activities. Compliance means meeting all these conditions.
Our environmental experts can help your business to identify which permits you require and help you to prepare and apply for the appropriate permit, discharge consent or exemption. Our experienced consultants will liaise with the Environment Agency or regulatory body on your behalf, helping to make the process as efficient as possible.
What is environmental permitting?
Environmental permitting in the UK refers to the legal requirement for businesses, industries, and certain activities to obtain permission from regulatory authorities, such as the Environment Agency (EA), Natural Resources Wales (NRW), the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), or the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), before carrying out operations that could impact the environment. This is governed under the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 and equivalent legislation in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
An environmental permit is required for activities that may:
- Release pollutants into air, water, or land
- Produce waste or handle hazardous materials
- Use large amounts of energy or water
- Operate in protected areas (e.g., near wildlife sites or watercourses)
Examples of businesses needing permits include factories, waste management sites, energy plants, and intensive farming operations.
Insights
Best Available Technique (BAT) and Regulation 61
30th March 2022
In this blog we explain what BAT means, how it ties in with your permit, and your legal obligations.
Best Available Technique Reference Documents: What are they and why are they important?
23rd January 2019
What are Best Available Techniques (BAT) and why do they matter? Discover how these industry standards help reduce emissions, improve sustainability, and keep operations compliant with regulations.
Best Available Technique: Have you received your Regulation 61 notice?
14th September 2023
Received a Regulation 61 notice? We explain what it means, why Best Available Techniques (BAT) matter, and how to stay compliant with the latest regulations.
Permit granted: What are the next steps?
2nd September 2020
You have been granted your permit application, so what now? We discuss your compliance obligations now that you have received a permit for your regulated facility.
Applying for an environmental permit: how long does it take
19th August 2020
Applying for an environmental permit can now take upwards of 6 months, even without complications. Early planning is crucial to stay compliant and keep your operations running smoothly.
What is environmental compliance and why is it so important?
14th October 2020
We discuss what environmental compliance actually means, why should your organisation be concerned with it and what does it entail?
Top five things to consider when you have an environmental permit
15th July 2015
Holding an environmental permit? Discover the top five key considerations to ensure compliance, avoid penalties, and manage your environmental responsibilities effectively.
Case studies
EMS supports RTS Textiles Ltd T/A Pincroft Dyeing & Printing through specialised Permit Training
Pincroft has had an environmental permit with Environment Agency (EA) for around 10 years, with their Health, Safety and Environment (SHE) Officer being responsible for the permit.
EMS supports Bright Blue Foods with tailored environmental Permit Training
EMS provided customised Permit Training to ensure that staff at Bright Blue Foods were familiar with their requirements to monitor emissions to air and water to comply with their permit.
EMS assist leading door manufacturer with environmental monitoring and legal compliance
Is reaching environmental compliance taking too long for your business? Read how we helped Premdor with our complete range of services.
Get in touch
Contact our expert, Rebecca Chapman, to find out how you can be supported with your permit.
