Change Environmental Permit
Paul Downing
Change Environmental Permit Conditions
If you want to vary or change environmental permit conditions. You will need to make an application to the Environment Agency. Conditions in a standard rules permit cannot be changed but you can change the boundary or change to another set of standard rules.
If you decide that your standard rules permit is no longer suitable, any changes you make will result in it becoming a bespoke environmental permit.
You can change a bespoke permit’s tonnage codes and storage volumes.
Change Environmental Permit Type
If you wish to vary the annual tonnage or waste codes on a standard rules permit. This will transfer you to a bespoke environmental permit. You will pay the higher subsistence fees for a bespoke permit and your operation will be considered higher risk. As a result your variation application to the Environment Agency will include several new risk assessments and surveys. As long as you prove to the EA that your changes do not have a significant impact on the environment, they should approve the changes.
A variation application to the EA will involve a similar process to that of an initial application. You will need to submit the correct forms and supporting surveys. The application will need to be duly made. The EA will probably issue schedule 5 requests for more information.
Permit Variation Timescales
A variation application to the EA therefore will take almost as long as an initial application given the current backlog. By all means, If you are applying for a variation, you might as well make the most of it and also apply for several additional waste codes as well. You could also apply to increase the annual throughput at the same time. Charges for permit variation applications are also typically 40-50% of the initial permit application fee. You need to allow several months for a variation application to be determined at this time. Currently a variation to a bespoke permit is taking on average 6-8 months.
We have helped many companies successfully apply for a permit variation. Call us today if you need more information.