Pollution prevention and control

PPC Chapter Image

The fundamental philosophy behind the regulations is that environmental issues should be addressed in an integrated way in order to achieve the highest level of environmental protection from the largest industrial activities.

The Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Regulations 2012 (PPC 2012)came into force on 7 January 2013 to implement the requirements of the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED).

The revisions aim to remove ambiguities and inconsistencies, ensure clearer environmental benefits, promote cost-effectiveness and encourage technological innovation.

This section of our website explains more about the regulations, how to apply for a permit and, if you are an existing permit holder, how to ensure you continue to comply with regulations.

How are the PPC regulations applied?

The PPC regulations apply an integrated environmental approach to the regulation of certain industrial activities.

This means that emissions to air, water (including discharges to sewer) and land, plus a range of other environmental effects, must be considered together.

Operators of installations that fall under the PPC regulations must have a permit in order to operate.  We set permit conditions with the aim of achieving a high level of protection for the environment as a whole. The use of Best Available Techniques (BAT) to prevent and minimise emissions aims to balance the costs to the operator against the benefits to the environment as much as possible.

Permits are considered based on the nature of the activity and whether it is defined as a Part A activity or a Part B activity.

Operators of installations where the highest risk industrial activities are undertaken are required to have a permit under Part A of the regulations. The regulation of PPC Part B activities focuses on control of emissions to air.

Do the regulations apply to me?

Our guidance on the regulations will help you to identify which areas of the regulation apply to your activity when we can receive applications again:

The guide provides information on how the PPC regime operates in Scotland, including:

  • how to find out if you fall under the PPC Regulations;
  • how to make an application;
  • how to vary a permit under PPC;
  • how your applications will be treated;
  • what various terms within the regulations actually mean.

What guidance is available?

Our policies, guidance and application forms page contains a variety of guidance and resources on PPC2012.

In addition, our FAQs contain answers to many commonly-asked questions on PPC.

Contact us

If you require any further information or advice on any aspect of PPC2012, please contact us.