The Agency has modified Part B of the standard PPC application pack to make it more applicable to the landfill sector. As well as inviting feedback on the changes, it will also hold a series of supplementary workshops for operators this autumn.
Clearer
The redraft, which applies to the part of the PPC application pack which was most relevant to landfills, is aimed at providing a clearer structure to make the process more transparent and help site operators to make satisfactory permit applications.
The form is aimed at sites which are already licensed and have submitted a conditioning plan. After a site's conditioning plan is successful, the next stage is for the Agency to advise it when to apply for a PPC permit. Because landfills have rarely needed to apply for PPC permits before, it was felt that it was necessary to update the guidance.
Jill Rooksby, of the Agency's Landfill Directive project team, explained: “At the moment, the application form for PPC sites is very general. It's just not specific to landfill sites.” All sites will have to apply for a PPC permit between 2003 and 2006, with applications from hazardous sites being prioritised.
Hazardous
“The document applies to all landfill operators but it is primarily aimed at operators of hazardous sites at the moment because they are the people who will need to complete their applications first,” Ms Rooksby said.
The Agency said it would particularly welcome responses to questions such as whether there should be a single form for both permitting and repermitting sites and whether there should be a separate form for variation applications. It also invited opinions on whether there was a need for guidance on loading rates of sludges, the definitions of hazardous and non-hazardous waste to be used and the Agency's policy on dust, odour, noise and vermin.
The consultation document on Part B of the application form for the landfill sector can be seen at
www.environment-agency.gov.uk/yourenv/consultations/353894/?version=1〈=_e.
Major comments on the Part B application form should be made by October 25 2002, with a final deadline for comments on November 22 2002.
Comments should be sent to Jill Rooksby by e-mail at jill.rooksby@environment-agency.gov.uk or by post at Environment Agency, c/p CPAC @ Aust, Block 1 Government Buildings, Burghill Road, Westbury on Trym, Bristol BS10 6BF.
For more information on the workshops being held by the Environment Agency on PPC applications this autumn, see the letsrecycle.com events page.
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