If you have a complex enterprise that has an impact on the environment, there are a number of rules that you must comply with.
You must apply to us for a permit if:
- you want to start such a company
- you want to change something about the company that could result in it causing environmental damage.
If you already have a permit for a particular activity but plan to change that activity, you will also need a permit from us.
You must also draw up an annual environmental report on your business activities.
The municipality, the province and the national government are responsible for granting an environmental permit. As a rule of thumb, you can assume that it must be the province for the permit in the following situations:
- It relates to IED businesses. IED stands for Industrial Emissions Directive (formerly IPPC). These include, for example, chemical plants, power plants, waste processors, domestic waste incinerators or large metal producers.
- It relates to BRZO businesses. BRZO stands for Besluit risico’s zware ongevallen (Major Accidents (Risks) Decree) 2015. These are businesses where large quantities of dangerous substances are present.
The province may issue a declaration of no objection (vvgb). This may include conditions for protecting the natural environment. For example, measures you have to take to protect protected plant or animal species.
Do you want to know if you need a permit? Then use the vergunningcheck (permit check) on Omgevingsloket online (service counter for environmental and planning permits). What you need for the application depends on the type of business and its size. You should provide, inter alia:
- an acoustic report
- a soil survey report
- an odour report
- an energy report
- an air quality study
- a plan and/or a business plan in which you explain the business activities
Sometimes you do not need an environmental permit, and an environmental report is sufficient. Are there any impacts on protected natural sites, plants or animal species? You may then have to apply for a nature protection permit.
You might have to consult with the province in which your business is based. You apply for the environmental permit with the province via Omgevingsloket online. You can carry out the permit check in the loket. You will then immediately see whether you need a permit, need to make a report or neither.