Last Updated: Feb 4
Category: General News
The Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) Regulations apply to
businesses that cause pollution through the activities that they carry out or the materials that they use.
If your business poses a high risk to the environment you must have a PPC Part A permit from the Environment Agency. This will
control: Emissions to air, land and water; Energy efficiency; Waste
reduction; Raw material consumption; Noise, vibration and heat; and Accident prevention. A Part B permit is regulated by your
local authority and controls only emissions to air. To find out more
please see www.netregs.gov.uk/
It is important that your business takes measures to prevent pollution, not only to avoid prosecution, but also since spillages or emissions to air can put human health at risk, and devastate wildlife habitats. For example, a spillage of just 5 litres of
oil can cover an area of water the size of 2 football pitches.
The GBN’s environmental toolkit has many suggestions on how you can reduce the chances of your business causing a pollution
incident, such as:
• Barrels containing pollutants should be contained, secured
from spillage and kept on a hard standing area away from any
drainage areas. Spill kits should be kept nearby any storage area
• Storage tanks for oils and chemicals must have a bund
capable of holding at least 110% of the tanks maximum capacity.
Bunds should be kept clear of rainwater
• Install oil separators
• Do not have bonfires
• Prevent harmful substances such as carbon monoxide,
nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, lead, and cancer causing
chemicals like benzene escaping into the air.
For your free copy of the toolkit please contact the GBN.
