THE THEORY AND PRACTICE OF IPPC: CASE STUDIES FROM THE UK AND HUNGARY AND THE IMPLICATIONS FOR FUTURE EU ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

Abstract

The concept of integrated pollution prevention and control (IPPC) is examined and the way in which some of its principles are being put into practice is reviewed. Integrated industrial licensing is considered, with an examination of the system developed for common application across the EU, and case studies of implementation in the UK and Hungary are presented. The UK system of integrated pollution control was developed before the EU's IPPC regime and some of the differences between the two are highlighted. Analysis of the Hungarian situation, which reflects a less advanced starting point than that of the UK, identifies issues arising from Hungary's need to implement the EU's IPPC regime to support its goal of accession to the Union. Conclusions regarding further EU activity relating to IPPC are drawn, including the desirability of common principles for the effective interpretation of integrated control requirements. More broadly, the increased use of procedural measures, greater access to justice and closer scrutiny of the national application of EU laws are identified as desirable elements of the EU's environmental policy as it evolves to meet the needs of enlargement. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. and ERP Environment.