Pollution Control - Part B Authorisation

Wolverhampton City Council authorises prescribed industrial processes under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 in the city.

Authorised processes

Authorised or 'Prescribed' processes are those industrial technologies that have a potential to cause pollution.

The Environmental Protection Act 1990 requires that processes identified in the act, or by regulations made under the act, must have an Authorisation to operate.

There are currently two types of process classification: Part A and Part B.

Part B processes are those that have the potential to cause only air pollution and include activities such as vehicle re-spraying, furniture manufacture and unloading of petrol.

Guidance and advisory notes on Part B processes for operators and local authorities can be obtained from DEFRA.

Who regulates the processes

Part A processes are regulated by the Environment Agency while Part B processes are controlled by local authorities.

Wolverhampton City Council is responsible for authorising and inspecting all Part B processes within the city.

How to get an authorisation

Any person operating a process that requires an authorisation must apply to us.

We must then issue an authorisation in accordance with government guidance.

The operator of the prescribed process must comply with the conditions of the authorisation and they will be subject to inspection to ensure this is the case.

Authorised prescribed processes

Wolverhampton maintains a register of operators who are authorised for prescribed processes within the city.

Change in legislation

Following the introduction of the Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999 the system of authorisation is changing to meet the requirements of the European Directive on Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control.

The new Act covers a wider range of industrial processes using A1 and A2 classifications.

Local authorities will control A2 processes. Those processes not covered by the European Directive but regulated as 'part B' processes will continue to be controlled under Local Air Pollution Prevention Control by local authorities.

Guidance is currently being issued by the government to help both local authorities and industry move to the new system.