Standard Rules Consultation No 28 - Proposals for a new standard rules permit for research and development at a Part A(1) Installation

Overview

The purpose of this consultation is to introduce new standard rules to allow operators of existing installations to carry out research and development (R&D) activities for the innovation, introduction, and improvement of products and processes associated with the permitted activities.  

The proposed standard rules, which would be applied for by variation to an installation permit, allow the operation of time limited R&D under existing permit conditions and subject to the rules. The rules are supported by a generic risk assessment to ensure that the risks to the environment and human health are reduced to an acceptable level for these activities. 

The details of each trial under the rules must be assessed by the operator to ensure there is no release of any substance to the environment in a quantity greater than that which screens out from requiring detailed assessment under the  H1 risk assessment tool . The details are notified to and agreed by the Environment Agency.

Why your views matter

The Environmental Permitting Regulations allow us to develop standard rules for certain activities. We base the rules on our understanding of the risks, and those risks being assessed and mitigated. 

We are asking for your views on whether the proposed standard rules ensure that the risks to the environment and human health are reduced to an acceptable level for these activities.

We are also asking for your views on whether the standard rules for R&D work for you and your industry whilst providing the necessary protection to the environment and human health.

What happens next

We’ll use your information to help shape the standard rules.

We will publish publish a summary of responses on our website in which we will publish the name of the organisation for those responses made on behalf of organisations. We will not publish names of individuals who respond. 

We will not respond individually to responses. 

In line with the Freedom of Information Act 2000, we may be required to publish your response to this consultation but will not include any personal information. If you have requested your response to be kept confidential, we may still be required to provide a summary of it. For more information see our Personal Information Charter.