How it works
The Medium Combustion Plant Directive (MCPD) is EU and UK legislation used to monitor combustion plant operations and the local air quality by controlling the emission of sulphur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen (NO2), and dust pollutants. This is important for reducing the potential risks to human health and the environment.
The Environment Agency are currently taking at least 4-6 months to permit plants, so applicants that need a permit are recommended to submit now without delay.
Once you’ve got your permit you then need to ensure you comply with its terms. You’ll need to carry out any necessary testing within four months of its issue date to prove your emissions are within the limit specified in your permit, plus have an environmental management system in place to record ongoing testing, fuel deliveries, maintenance…everything of relevance to your permitted activities that happens on your site.
MCPD KEY DATES
New: Are you prepared?
All new MCP’s commissioned after 20/12/2018 require permitting to be applied for and a permit issued prior to operation. New boilers (yet to undergo first commissioning) also require a permit prior to commissioning starting, as this is also considered as operating.
Existing: Are you ready?
Medium Combustion Plants (MCP) are boilers and engines over 1 MWth input, operating on solid, gaseous or liquid fuels. Plants commissioned before the 20/12/2018 are not due for permitting under the Environment Agency (EA) until the following dates: 2024 for plants over 5 MWth input, and 2029 for plants between 1 and 5 MWth input*.
Under MCPD, all unpermitted combustions plants over 5 MWth input commissioned before 19th December 2018 must be permitted by 01 January 2024. They must then be Emission Compliant by 01 January 2025. As this deadline has now passed, any sites operating existing plants over 5MWth input without a permit are doing so unlawfully and must obtain a permit as soon as possible. You may not utilise RPS290, as only those who submitted before the pre-stated EA deadlines and meet its conditions may do so.
Sites that are replacing existing plants with new plants, or installing additional new plants, and hold an existing permit can apply to vary their permit now and add any other existing plants as part of the application.
How you benefit
- Complete peace of mind – we will make your application for the MCPD on your behalf, whether this is for a new installation, or an existing one that requires a variation. We will also advise you on the emissions monitoring requirements for the scheme, and ensure that you have all of the correct procedures in place for ongoing compliance.
- Assured compliance – our Environmental Management Systems are utilised on sites nationwide and follow the UK Government Guidance, with annual audits provided to keep your permitted activities operating smoothly.
What to do next
GETTING A PERMIT
The Environment Agency are currently taking 4-6 months to determine permits, so applicants needing a permit are recommended to submit as soon as they have planning permission approved and a plant order placed. The focus on emissions and environmental impact mean that the application process takes into account everything in your plant’s local area. If you’re lucky and you’re in a fairly isolated rural area with little of environmental concern, then your permit application could fall under the ‘Standard Rule’ category and be straightforward and low cost.
Factors that could push you into a bespoke permit include the proximity of residential areas or other “receptors” and the nature of your local landscape. For example, being located in or close to a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) or other type of conservation area. This will involve a habitat screen assessment to determine if things like air dispersion modelling are required to quantify your impact on the local environment. Bespoke permits are more complex, require more detail and involve higher application costs.
Call us on 024 7669 6512 to discuss your needs with regards to MCPD.
Full details of the MCPD scheme can be found on the GOV.UK website:
Medium combustion plant: when you need a permit - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
