Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) is a regulatory framework established under the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) [Directive 2010/75/EU], which aims to minimise pollution from various industrial sources across the European Union. It promotes a holistic approach to environmental protection by controlling emissions to air, water, and land through the application of Best Available Techniques (BAT).
The IPPC framework is based on core pillars, which work together to ensure that industrial activities are managed in an environmentally sound manner:
- An Integrated Approach
IPPC considers the whole environmental performance of an installation, not just individual emissions. This means addressing impacts on air, water, land, waste, energy use, raw materials, noise, and accident prevention in a coordinated way. - Use of Best Available Techniques (BAT)
Operators must apply the most effective and advanced methods available to achieve high levels of environmental protection. These techniques are described in EU-wide BAT Reference Documents (BREFs), ensuring harmonised standards while allowing for local adaptation. - Flexibility
While BAT forms the basis for permit conditions, ERA may consider specific local circumstances, technical characteristics, and economic factors, allowing for some flexibility in how standards are applied—without compromising environmental protection. - Inspections and Compliance Monitoring
ERA regularly inspects IPPC installations to verify compliance with permit conditions. Monitoring data and inspection findings are used to ensure that operations remain within legal limits and that corrective action is taken when necessary. - Public Participation and Transparency
Public engagement is central to the IPPC process. Applications for new or substantially changed permits are subject to public consultation. ERA ensures transparency by making relevant documents publicly accessible and by inviting comments from stakeholders and civil society.
Which Activities Require an IPPC Permit?
IPPC applies to a wide range of industrial activities (above certain thresholds or criteria) listed under Schedule 1 of Subsidiary Legislation 549.77 (Industrial Emissions (IPPC) Regulations), including:
- Energy production (e.g. power stations)
- Waste treatment and incineration
- Chemical manufacturing on an industrial scale by chemical or biological processing
- Surface treatment of metals or plastic
- Intensive rearing of poultry and pigs
- Slaughterhouses
- Food and beverage industries
Kindly note that the revised Industrial Emissions Directive (Directive 2024/1785) has been published and Malta is in the processes of transposing the Directive to National Legislation. More information on the revised Directive (IED2.0) is available here.
Please contact the Environmental Permitting Unit on https://era.org.mt/contact/ for further information.
