This page provides links to key pieces of relevant environmental legislation. Most of the links will direct you to the Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI) or Statute Law Database (SLD) websites.
It is important to remember that different parts of the UK have variations in environmental laws.
The future legislation section provides details of environmental legislation that is due to come into force as well as information on proposed developments in environmental law:
Please note that legislation relating to integrated pollution control (IPC) and local air pollution control (LAPC) is not listed below as it is being replaced by pollution prevention and control (PPC) legislation.
Legislation in a number of other areas has amended PPC legislation. This includes landfill, solvent emissions and waste incineration legislation.
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Exempts service stations with an annual throughput of less than 500m3 from requirements for an authorisation under PPC Part B activities and from controls on volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from storing and distributing petrol.
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Sets out a system to control pollution from any installation or mobile plant carrying out specified activities through permits, inspections and control of emissions.
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Amends 2000/323, covers change in operations, dates for permits, health and safety and exclusions from the register. Also makes changes to PPC requirements for combustion, metal production and processing, minerals, chemicals, and waste management.
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Amends 2000/323 to exclude small scale chemical production, requires a permit for slaughtering animals in slaughter houses, defines ensiling for fish-processing, and clarifies the solvent consumption threshold for trailers and vehicle coating activities.
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Amends 2000/323, including rules on inorganic chemicals, incineration and co-incineration of waste, treatment of animal and vegetable matter and food industries.
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Amends 2000/323 to revise definitions and the schedule of activities and installations.
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Amends 2000/323 to enable public participation in granting and varying permits and other environmental plans and programmes.
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Amends 2000/323 by adding motor vehicle refuelling activities to the list of activities that require a permit. States the date by which the permit is required.
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Amends 2000/323 to empower SEPA to include energy efficiency conditions in PPC permits where required.
Further information
The current legislation lists provide links to key environmental statutes and regulations.
For further information on relevant legislation contact your environmental regulator or local council.