Industrial Pollution

Pollution Prevention and Control

We are responsible for regulating industrial activities covered by the Pollution Prevention and Control (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2003.  These regulations prescribe that certain processes (Part C processes) that have the potential to cause air pollution require a permit from the district council to operate.  Schedule 1 of the Regulations lists all the industrial and agricultural activities that require a permit. 

The Regulations can be downloaded from the Office of Public Sector Information website at http//:www.opsi.gov.uk.  The Department of the Environment (DOE) has issued process guidance notes on all processes under District Council control. 

Copies of the notes can be accessed on the DOE NI website at http://www.doeni.gov.uk .

We must set permit conditions based on the use of the Best Available Techniques (BAT) to control emissions to air.  It is our role to monitor compliance with the regulations and with conditions of the permit and to take appropriate enforcement action where necessary.  Routine inspections are carried out and any complaints are investigated to check compliance.

New Installations -Applying for a Permit

Any person who intends to operate a process that requires a permit must submit an application form with the appropriate fee to the district council.   The district council can then issue a permit in accordance with statutory guidance. The operator of the process must comply with the conditions of the permit and they will be inspected to ensure this is the case. The authority can refuse to grant the licence if they believe that the person will not be able to comply with conditions it may impose.

Application Forms

You can use the following application form to apply for a permit to operate a Part C process.  It is always advisable to discuss your application with the Environmental Health Officer in advance.

Click here to download the Part C application form

Industrial Pollution Control Application form for Authorisation

Applications for permits (except in relation to small waste oil burners, mobile plant, petrol stations and dry cleaners) must be advertised locally and full details (except information that is commercially confidential or would prejudice national security) must be made available so that the public can comment before the activity is permitted to start operating.

A Fees and Charges Scheme has been published by the Department of the Environment and is subject to annual review.  The scheme specifies the application and annual subsistence fees which are applicable.  A copy of this scheme can be accessed at http://www.doeni.gov.uk or can be obtained from the district council.

Public Register

District Councils are required to maintain a Public Register of installations which have been issued with a Permit under the regulations. To view the register or to enquire about the permitting process, please do not hesitate to contact us.