The Environment Agency (EA) has announced two important updates for operators of permitted intensive pig and poultry farms. These relate to Medium Combustion Plants (MCPs) and the publication of Compliance Assessment Reports (CAR forms).

Medium Combustion Plant information request

From early June 2026, the EA will contact operators to request information about any existing Medium Combustion Plants (MCPs) on their sites.

An MCP is a combustion plant with a thermal input between 1MW and 50MW that was installed before 20 December 2018. Examples may include:

• Biomass boilers
• Standby generators
• Other heating or power generation equipment

Operators will have 12 weeks to provide information through an online form, with guidance supplied by the EA.

The information will help the EA identify where permits may need to be updated to meet the requirements of the Medium Combustion Plant Directive (MCPD).

What should you do?

It may be worthwhile reviewing any boilers, generators or other combustion equipment on your site now so that the information is readily available when requested.

Need help?

NFU Energy can provide support with completing the EA questionnaire and compiling the required plant list on a chargeable basis.   

If you only have a couple of questions, we are more than happy to offer up to 15 minutes of advice free of charge to help you understand the requirements and determine what information may be needed.

It is important to ensure that all relevant combustion plants and site activities are correctly identified and included in the information submitted to the Environment Agency. If information is omitted, such as previously undeclared plant or unpermitted site activities, the Environment Agency may require further permit action, including a permit variation. NFU Energy can assist with permit variation applications and discussions with the Environment Agency, helping you through any complex issues.

CAR forms to be published online

From mid-June 2026, the EA will begin routinely publishing completed Compliance Assessment Reports (CAR forms) on its Public Registers Online service.

CAR forms are produced following site inspections and record inspection findings and compliance assessments.

What does this mean for operators?

The inspection process itself will not change.

• You will continue to receive a copy of the CAR form after an inspection.
• There will still be a 42-day period to review the report or appeal any findings.
• Personal information will be removed before publication.
• CAR forms completed before the new system goes live will not be published online.
• CAR forms from inspections carried out under the Pig and Poultry Assurance Scheme will also be published.

Why Is This Happening?

The EA says the change will improve transparency and make inspection information more easily available to the public.

Environmental permits are already publicly available, and CAR forms can currently be obtained through information requests. The new system simply makes these reports easier to access online.

Summary

Operators should look out for the EA's MCP information request in June and consider reviewing any relevant combustion equipment on site in advance.

The publication of CAR forms is not expected to change inspection procedures, but it will increase public access to inspection records. Maintaining good environmental management and accurate records will remain important.

If you have received an MCP information request or would like assistance reviewing your site equipment and permit requirements, please contact the NFU Energy team on 024 7669 6512 or email [email protected]. We can provide initial advice and discuss any further support you may require.