Consultation on UK Best Available Techniques for preventing or minimising impacts on the environment from industry

Overview

This consultation invites feedback on the Best Available Techniques (BAT), interpretation guidance, BAT Associated Emission Limits (BAT-AELs) and Environmental Performance Levels (BAT-AEPLs) for four industry sectors:

• ferrous metals processing (forming)
• ferrous metals processing (galvanizing)
• textiles
• common waste gas management and treatment in the chemicals industry

These standards were developed through a collaborative process by Technical Working Groups (TWGs), which brought together expertise from all relevant sectors. The TWGs have reached consensus on these recommendations, and now we are seeking public input to ensure they reflect the needs and views of all stakeholders. 

Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, the power for defining BAT Conclusions (BATC) transferred to each government independently. The UK Government (acting for England), the Scottish Government, the Welsh Government and the Northern Ireland Executive have agreed to a UK-wide approach to develop BAT for UK industry. This consultation is being undertaken jointly by all four administrations. 

This consultation will be particularly relevant to manufacturers, plant operators and industry representative groups within the affected sectors. However, it is open to any individual or organisation with an interest in these industries. 

The draft BAT conclusion documents are now available for review via the following link: UK BAT - GOV.UK

What happens next

This consultation has now closed.

The responses to these consultation questions will be reviewed and analysed. 

A summary of responses to this consultation will be published on the government website. An annex to the consultation summary will list all organisations that responded but will not include personal names, addresses or other contact details.

When finalised, the BATC will be put into effect using statutory instruments and will act as standards for determining emission limits and granting operating permits to relevant industrial sites in the UK. 

There is a 4-year implementation period for existing industries to comply with the appropriate BAT. New businesses will be required to comply with the most recent BAT following the date of their implementation, which will be formally incorporated into the conditions of their permit.