Integrated Environmental Authorization: what it is and when it is necessary

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The Integrated Environmental Authorization (AIA) is a mandatory administrative measure for industrial activities with significant environmental impacts. Issued by the competent authorities, it ensures the adoption of effective measures to prevent and reduce pollution, following European and national regulations. The AIA integrates environmental considerations into public decisions and complements the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which analyzes the impact of a project before its implementation. The AIA, on the other hand, regulates the ongoing activity of the plant, ensuring that it operates in compliance with environmental standards and promoting sustainability.

The IEA is based on the Directive 2010/75/EU on industrial emissions, transposed into Italian law by Legislative Decree 152/2006. Its objective is to regulate production activities to minimize air, water, and soil pollution, promoting the use of Best Available Techniques (BAT). While EIA assesses the impact of a project, IEA regulates the impact of an industrial activity. Therefore, the two processes require close coordination. For existing facilities already subject to EIA, the IEA can complement the data collected, as it is an independent procedure. For new plants or substantial modifications, the synergy between EIA and IEA is essential because design choices affect the environmental impact of the activity and the necessary mitigation measures.

The IEA is mandatory for high environmental impact industrial plants, including refineries, thermal power plants, chemical and metallurgical industries, intensive farms and waste treatment plants. The authorization regulates emissions, waste management, resource consumption and accident prevention measures, ensuring compliance with legal thresholds. The process begins with the submission of a detailed application to the competent authority, which assesses the environmental impact of the activity and the compliance with BAT. The application must include technical information on the plant, activities carried out, raw materials used, emissions and control measures. Furthermore, it must contain a non-technical summary accessible to the public and can include confidential data to protect industrial secrets.

The IEA is issued by the competent authority, which can be the Ministry of the Environment or the Regions, depending on the type of plant. After the application is submitted, the authority initiates the review, publishes information about the plant, and opens public participation. A conference of services is held to evaluate the request, and if approved, the IEA is issued, replacing sectoral permits. Some information may remain confidential, but the authorization remains publicly accessible. The competent authority can impose stringent emission limits and control measures, based on BAT and environmental regulations. If necessary, it can adopt stricter criteria to ensure environmental quality and protect public health.

The AIA lasts for 10 years, extending to 16 years for EMAS registered sites and 12 years for those certified ISO 14001. This encourages companies to improve environmental management. The authorization can be reviewed in case of new regulations, BAT updates, safety risks, or evidence of pollution. The ISPRA and the ARPA verify compliance with the AIA conditions, with the possibility of extraordinary inspections. The competent authorities must inform the Ministry of the Environment about applications received, authorizations issued, and violations of prescriptions. In case of non-compliance, sanctions may be applied, up to the suspension of the activity.

In the event of changes to the plants, the operator must communicate them to the competent authority, which may update or request a new AIA. In case of a change of ownership, both operators must notify the transfer. The AIA ensures that companies operate sustainably, complying with regulations and avoiding penalties. Following the AIA's prescriptions allows companies to reduce their environmental impact with innovative technologies, improving corporate reputation and contributing to the ecological transition. Adopting a proactive approach to sustainability not only ensures legal compliance but also provides competitive advantages in an increasingly environmentally responsible market.

This article was created as part of the "Biodiversity services EU expansion" project (CUP: E43D22000480009) under the Regione Lombardia call "PR FESR 2021-2027 – LINEA INTERNAZIONALIZZAZIONE 21-27", aimed at supporting the internationalization of Italian companies. 3Bee is the naturetech company that develops innovative technologies for monitoring, protecting, and regenerating biodiversity, assisting businesses in defining customized climate strategies based on the analysis of their impacts and dependencies on nature. With an established portfolio in Italy, Germany, and France and significant partnerships, 3Bee continues its expansion into international markets to create a concrete impact through technology.