Securing an environmental permit can be a detailed process, and it’s important to choose the right type for your activity. Our team of experts can guide you through the entire process, ensuring you select the correct permit and manage the application efficiently.
Contacts us today to learn more about how we can support you in navigating the environmental permit process.
Related Services
- Construction Environmental Management Planning
- Stakeholder Engagement & Consultation
- Wildlife Mitigation License
When Do You Need an Environmental Permit?
An environmental permit is essential for a variety of activities that impact the environment. These include:
- Manufacturing
- Power generation and combustion processes
- Waste storage, treatment, use, or disposal
- Discharges to surface or groundwater
- Use of radioactive substances
- Activities involving solvents
The purpose of an environmental permit is to ensure that your activities comply with legal requirements while protecting the environment. In most cases, you’ll need to secure planning permission before applying for a permit. While the same core environmental laws apply across the UK, the application process and regulators vary by region.
Types of Environmental Permits
Standard Permits
For common activities, you’ll typically need a standard permit. These cover:
- Waste storage, transfer, or biological treatment
- Metal recovery, recycling, or material recovery
- Water discharges and groundwater activities
- Mining, radioactive substances, or flood risk activities
- Onshore oil and gas exploration
Part B Permits
For smaller-scale activities like air emissions, you’ll need a “Part B” permit, often regulated by local authorities. These permits ensure that emissions meet specific standards, known as Emission Limit Values (ELVs), which vary depending on the technology used and the environmental context.
Bespoke Permits
More complex activities require bespoke permits. These are tailored to specific operations and often involve detailed environmental performance data. Large-scale operations might need an integrated environmental permit that covers multiple area