Industrial Pollution Control

In Northern Ireland, a new system of air pollution control arising from industrial sources was introduced in 1998. Under the Industrial Pollution Control (NI) 1997, operators of certain types of industrial processes were required to be authorised. This legislation has been superseded by the Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations (NI) 2003, which requires these same industrial processes to be permit holders in order to operate.

The purpose of this system is to control, limit or prevent the emission of prescribed substances from these processes.

Local authorities are responsible for the following categories of process

Combustion processes
Iron and steel
Non-ferrous metal
Cement and lime manufacture
Other mineral processes
Ceramic products

Incineration
Coating and printing
Manufacture of dyestuffs, printing ink and coating materials
Timber processes
Rubber process
Treatment and processing of animal and vegetable matter.

For each specific type of process, a Process Guidance Note is available which lays out the standards required of the industrial process and which gives the time limits within which these standards are to be met.

Application forms and other information is available from the EH Department.

District Councils are required to keep a Public Register of information relating to authorised or permitted industries within their area. Members of the public can view these registers in the EH Department of Magherafelt District Council by appointment.