The operation of a biogas plant can result in emissions that negatively impact the environment 🌿. Therefore, investors must obtain the appropriate environmental permits to conduct their activities in accordance with regulations 📜. The type of required permits depends on the technical parameters of the biogas installation ⚙️.
Obtaining these permits is independent of obtaining an environmental decision beforehand ✅.
1. Integrated Permits 📑
For biogas plants capable of processing at least 100 tons of waste per day or 10 tons of animal by-products, obtaining an integrated permit is necessary 🌱. This permit consolidates other emission permits into a single document 🗂️.
Purpose of the Decision 🎯
Obtaining an integrated permit allows, within a single decision, the replacement of the following permits:
for the introduction of gases or dust into the air 🌬️;
water-related for the introduction of sewage into water or soil 🌊 (including determining water intake conditions 💧);
for waste management ♻️ (including permits for recovery, neutralization, transport, and waste collection 🚛);
for noise emissions 🔊;
for electromagnetic field emissions 📡.
Key Aspects 📌
In the case of an integrated permit, the best solutions should be applied at each of the aforementioned stages to eliminate or reduce emissions 🌟. This aims to reduce administrative burdens for entrepreneurs and ensure more effective environmental protection by coordinating various aspects of the investment 🤝.
Elements of the Application for Issuing an Integrated Permit 🌍
Basic Information 📄
Entity: identification of the facility operator, address 🏢.
Main operator: scope of responsibility 👨🔧.
Plant address: facility location 🗺️.
Legal title to the installation: legal information 📜.
Type of installation: description of equipment, technology, emission sources 🏭.
Technical condition of the installation: assessment 🔍.
Type of activity: description 🏗️.
Operating variants: description of envisaged variants 🔄.
Technological scheme: block diagram, mass balance 📊.
Energy: information on energy use or generation ⚡.
Emissions: current and proposed emission levels and sources 🌫️.
Operating conditions of the installation: operational characteristics, start-up, and shutdown 🕒.
Operating periods: under conditions deviating from normal 🚦.
Environmental impacts: existing or predicted 🌱.
Emission measurement results: if required 📏.
Changes in emissions: post the issuance of the last permit 📉.
Preventive actions: proposed actions, timelines 🛠️.
Monitoring procedures: measurement and recording of emissions 📋.
Termination of operation: declared date and method 🛑.
Operating period: impact on environmental protection requirements ⏳.
Delivery deadline: if applicable 🕰️.
Validity period of the permit. 📆.
Additional Information: ℹ️
Facility: environmental impact, projected emissions 🌐.
Rationale for emissions: proposed emission levels 📏.
Preventive measures: description of variants 🛡️.
Registration map: delineation of the organic use area boundaries 🗺️.
Initial report: condition of soil and groundwater contamination 🧪.
Applicant's qualifications: confirming document 📜.
Summary of the application: in layman's terms 📝.
Fire protection plan: fire protection requirements 🔥.
Certificate of no criminal record: for environmental offenses 🚫.
Procedure for Obtaining an Integrated Permit 🏭
Step 1: Submission of Application 📝
Formal Assessment: The authority checks the completeness and compliance of the application with requirements. In case of deficiencies, the investor must address them.
Step 2: Emission Conditions 🌱
Establishment of Conditions: The authority determines emission conditions that must not exceed the specified emission limits.
Best Available Techniques (BAT): Emission conditions must incorporate the best available techniques as specified in the BAT conclusions (Commission Implementing Decision 2018/1147/EU).
Duration of the Procedure ⏳
Deadline: The permit should be issued within 6 months from the submission of the application.
Competent Authority for Issuing the Decision 🏢
The county governor (starosta powiatowy) is the competent authority for issuing the decision.
Validity Period of the Decision 📆
Indefinite Duration: The permit is issued for an indefinite period unless the investor applies for a fixed term.
Fee for Issuing the Permit 💰
Formula for the registration fee: O = B x WR / WP
O: amount of the registration fee
B: base rate of the registration fee for the specific type of installation
WR: maximum theoretical value of the parameter characterizing the scale of the activity
WP: threshold value of the parameter characterizing the scale of the activity
Appeal Process ⚖️
Deadline: An appeal can be lodged within 2 weeks of receiving the decision to the appropriate Local Government Appeals Board.
Next steps: It is possible to file a complaint with the Provincial Administrative Court, and subsequently with the Supreme Administrative Court.
Electronic Application Submission 💻
ePUAP: The application can be submitted electronically via ePUAP.
Recommendation: It is recommended to contact the relevant county office before submitting the application to confirm if they process electronically submitted applications.
In summary, the information above discusses the process of obtaining environmental permits for biogas plants, focusing on integrated permits. It outlines the key steps, application elements, and procedural rules. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of environmental protection in biogas plant operations. Information on the duration of the process, the possibility of appealing the decision, and the fees involved is also provided. 🌍🏭📜
This topic will be continued in future publications. 📚
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