The EP regime seeks to replace, streamline and integrate the current IPPC and Waste Management Licensing regimes to create a single 'Environmental Permit' for Part A(1), Part A(2) or Part B activities, building on the principles of IPPC and reducing the amount of 'red tape' allowing more flexibility, without compromising environmental standards.

This first phase of the Environmental Permitting Programme (EPP1) comes into effect from 06 April 2008. Any outstanding WML and PPC applications and appeals determined after 06 April 2008 will automatically become Environmental Permits if granted. Operators of new facilities will need to obtain a permit or waste exemption before they can legally operate.

The second phase of the Programme (EPP2) will integrate further environmental permitting regimes, to include discharge consenting, groundwater authorisations, water abstractions, radioactive substances regulation and waste carriers/brokers licensing. This will be the subject of Defra consultations in due course.l

The regulations were amended on 7 July 2009 by The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2009, SI 2009 No. 1799.