Public participation in Part B activities

How you can get involved in the PPC permitting process

Operators who wish to operate an installation prescribed within Schedule 1 of the Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Regulations 2000 must apply to SEPA for a permit.

The PPC regime is designed to encourage public involvement in the regulatory process. The regulations make specific provision for the public to input to the permitting process. The public can become involved in permitting for Part B activities in two situations:

  • New applications
    Upon receipt of an application for a Part B permit SEPA will inform the applicant of the need to advertise the application in a local newspaper to the installation. Members of the public are then invited to examine the application held in the local Public Register and make comments within 28 days of the date of advertisement.

SEPA will not consult on the draft permit and decision document. These documents will be published on the local public register following determination in line with the provisions of Schedule 8 of the regulations.

  • Substantial changes
    Where an operator of an existing PPC permitted installations proposes to make a substantial change to their activity they must apply to SEPA before the change can take place.

Upon receipt of an application SEPA will inform the applicant of the need to advertise the application in a local newspaper to the installation. Members of the public are then invited to examine the application held in the local Public Register and make comments within 28 days of the date of advertisement.

SEPA will not consult on the draft permit and decision document. These documents will be published on the local public register following determination in line with the provisions of Schedule 8 of the regulations.