PPC : Review of the PPC Charging Scheme : Meeting - 20th November 2009

Discussion

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Present:  R Robertson (S.Govt), S Bygrave (UKPIA), , I Norton (SWA), P Loggie (NFUS), P Smith (NP), S Freeland (SESA), , I Stewart (CIA),  B Martin (Scot Eng), K Morrison (SP), R Mclaren (SSE), R Innes (CIA), d Morgan (CPI) J Burns (SEPA), I Halliday (SEPA), N Donnelly (SEPA), F Weir (SEPA), I Conroy (SEPA), P Leeks (SEPA)

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Apologies:  C Bayes (SEPA) P Monger (PRA), M Garden (SWA)

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J Burns: Welcome.

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Previous Minutes: Approved

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Matters Arising:All matters arising were successfully closed.

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OPA – John Burns  (SEPA)

An overview of the returns generated during 2008.

SEPA seek greater than 92% as an indication of satisfactory performance and while most sectors are able to achieve this level certain sectors are struggling to achieve this level of performance.

Over the previous 5 years of the OPA scheme the number of sites quadrupled which is why SEPA moved to replace the scheme with a new compliance scheme.

The REMAS project showed a mixed picture where in some countries a positive link existed in others a negative. SEPA has taken the view that whilst EMS are potentially beneficial overall there is not sufficient evidence linking a formalised EMS with better compliance.

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Compliance Scheme  – Fiona Weir (SEPA)

The compliance scheme started from January 2009 and is undergoing continuous development.  As part of this an internal review was carried out in June which identified that the scheme is bringing  improvements in  compliance assessment consistency and transparency, and feedback to operators. These improvements have led to positive responses from operators, particular areas of improvement commented upon were better communications and engagement. There are however a number of issues such as the IT system, and SEPA staff uncertainty over allocation of ELC v EMC and breach classification however these are being actively addressed with aim of resolution by start of next year.

Part B’s with no inspection this year will have assessment based on last years OPA score.

Compliance will be rolled out to CAR & WML next year. Compliance scheme guidance is currently in draft form however this will be added to the web for information. Compliance page is at:

www.sepa.org.uk/about_us/what_we_do/compliance_assesment.aspx

Stakeholders are requested to provide feedback on the compliance scheme to Norman Donnelly.

Inspection Frequency is set by the PHA and not by the compliance scheme. As the better regulation project is considering this area Alan Reid will be invited to the next Mtg to discuss Better Regulation.

Discussion over disputed compliance scores due to concern over published data where it was identified that as compliance is generated over a number of visits over an annual period it was hoped that any concerns would be addressed at the time they were raised preventing contested scores being published.

Request for PHA to be added to end of year return passed to compliance project board.

ALL

ND

IC

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Odour Guidance – Ian Conroy (SEPA).

SEPA have developed an in-house odour guidance to address the issues that arise when regulating this area and while the guidance is written for SEPA staff it is suitable for use by the public and site operators. The guidance is currently undergoing legal check prior to publication upon the SEPA website.

The guidance will be supported by a training course for all SEPA inspectors. Training may be made available to industry depending on interest please advise Norman Donnelly if you or your industry wish to be included in any such training

All

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Priority Hazardous Substances – Phil Leeks (SEPA)

The WFD requires the reduction or in some cases the cessation of use of some priority hazardous substances. Of 33 PHS identified and listed 10 are marked for removal from use.

The PHS scheme is interactive as has been identified by the 3 consultations concluded so far. Sites are required to carry out an internal screening program to identify the source and concentration of listed PHS and where substances are identified as exceeding identified thresholds SEPA will undertake monitoring.

Site charges relate to PHS and as such a letter commenting on the charging scheme should have gone out to all sites. P Leeks will confirm.

PL

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Emissions Trading Scheme III (ETS III) – John Burns

The third tranche of the EU emissions trading scheme is currently being broadened due to revised definition for combustion and electrical generation.

Auctioning of allowances will come into effect with 80% of allowances allocated free in 2013, thereafter the free allocation shall decrease each year by equal amounts resulting in 30% free in 2020.

Member Sates may exclude installations that have reported <25,000tonnes of CO2 where they carry out combustion activities, have a rated thermal input <35MW subject to measures that will achieve an equivalent contribution to emission reductions.

Hospitals are likely to be the main sites that may be excluded if they undertake equivalent measures.

For help and advice pls use :- emission.trading@sepa.org.uk

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AOB:

PL – Raised concerns over the potential for the IED to introduce new activities. IED still with the EU parliament – a “clean” version of the IED will be made available on the SEPA website.

IH

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DONM:– Fri 23^rd April 2010

RICCARTON Board Room in Edinburgh - 10:00 for 10:30.