Environmental Permitting Support

Our client, a specialist in the bulk liquid storage of chemicals, operates a site governed by two Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPR) Part B Permits. They approached Arthian to conduct an independent technical review of their environmental compliance, focusing on activities within the installation boundaries and their alignment with both the EPR and the Air Quality Standards (AQS) Regulations 2010.

The review was prompted by concerns around the storage of specific substances and the potential for emissions to impact human health and the environment. While the scope did not include the Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations, the client sought guidance on how COMAH might interact with EPR and AQS requirements in future planning.

The challenge lay in the complexity of the site’s operations, the diversity of chemicals stored, and the need to assess compliance not only with permitting conditions but also with ambient air quality standards. A thorough and technically robust approach was required to provide clarity, reassurance, and actionable recommendations.

Arthian’s Environmental Engineering team undertook a comprehensive review of the site’s regulatory position and operational practices. The scope of work included:

• Reviewing the two existing EPR Part B Permits.
• Assessing current activities and processes within the installation boundaries.
• Evaluating compliance against EPR conditions and the AQS Regulations 2010.
• Reviewing the storage and emission potential of specific chemicals on site.

Our team analysed the types and quantities of substances stored, assessed annual emission levels, and evaluated the use of Best Available Techniques (BAT) for minimising environmental impact. We cross-referenced site emissions with DEFRA’s background air quality data and legal limits under the AQS Regulations to determine the potential for harm.

The review concluded that the site was compliant with its EPR permits and that the activities undertaken were authorised under the relevant sections of the regulations. For the priority substances of concern, BAT was found to be effectively reducing emissions to negligible levels, posing no significant risk to human health or the environment.

Additionally, DEFRA’s background air quality data at a nearby sampling location showed emission levels significantly below legal thresholds, further validating the site’s compliance. Arthian provided a series of recommendations to help future-proof operations, ensuring continued compliance and environmental protection as regulations evolve.

This project demonstrated the value of proactive environmental compliance reviews, especially for complex industrial operations. By combining technical expertise with regulatory insight, Arthian helped the client gain confidence in their environmental performance and prepare for future regulatory developments.