Operators of Commercial and Industrial Processes should be aware that they are legally responsible for the release of substances into the environment. 

Certain installations require a permit which is issued by Sunderland City Council, dependant upon the quantities of substances used and released to atmosphere. 

New and existing processes should consider whether or not they are required to obtain a permit under the Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999. Operating an installation without a permit is an offence and may result in prosecution.

Local Authority Air Pollution, Prevention and Control 

Local Authorities in England and Wales are responsible for enforcing local air pollution control.

Local Authorities generally deal with smaller scale and less hazardous installations than the Environment Agency.

Installations scheduled for local authority air pollution control are listed under 'Part B' in schedule 1 of the Pollution, Prevention and Control Regulations

The type of process regulated by local authorities is varied and includes coating processes, petrol stations, offensive trades, printing processes and timber manufacturers to name but a few.  

Regulation

Local authorities can issue enforcement, variation, prohibition and revocation notices to ensure that appropriate standards of control are met in line with new techniques and new awareness of environmental  risk.

All applications for permits (except small waste oil burners and mobile plant) must be advertised locally and full details must be made available for the public to comment before the process is permitted to commence.

A Public Register has been set up  by Sunderland City Council giving details of all Integrated Pollution, Prevention and Control processes (IPPC), regulated by Environment Agency and Local Authority Air Pollution Control (LAPPC).  The register can be viewed during office hours by contacting the Pollution Section, Environmental Services, Civic Centre, Sunderland .  Information is to be kept from the register only on grounds of national security or commercial confidentiality.

Local Authorities have powers of entry, inspection, sampling, investigation and seizure of articles or substances which are a cause of imminent danger or serious harm.

Sunderland City Council has a pollution control team of Environmental Health Officers and Technical Officers to regulate processes. If you feel that your new business may need a permit or would like further advice or guidance please contact the pollution control team on 0191 553 1698/ 1697/ 1699 or by email.

You may also find the following website of  interest Defra - Industrial Air Pollution Control by Local Authorities