IPPC Site Protection and Monitoring Programme

Your installation’s permit conditions may require that a design document of the Site Protection and Monitoring Programme (SPMP) be submitted to the regulator, detailing further reference data, a monitoring programme and any intrusive investigations required. This is usually required within two months of the permit being issued.

This is an important aspect for the operation of the installation, as the regulator will take enforcement action if the conditions of the Permit are not complied with.

Overall objectives of an SPMP

The main purposes of an SPMP are:

Protect the environment
1. to demonstrate that the pollution prevention measures at the site are adequate and effective throughout the life of the installation.

Protect your business
2. to demonstrate that the land at the installation is in a satisfactory state for the purposes of surrendering a permit.

Minimise processing time

Gaining Ground uses the Environment Agency’s recommended templates to design your SPMP. This ensures that the report contains the level and scope of information required, and that the information is clear and readily accessible by the regulatory authority.

The Stage 2 Site Protection and Monitoring Programme (SPMP) package includes:

• Site walkover and review of the Application Site Report (ASR) and Conceptual Site Model (CSM).
• Review any existing site investigation reports and data for the area of the installation.
• Discussions with Site/ Environmental Managers and liaison with Regulatory Authorities.
• Design an investigation to collect Reference Data (if required)
• Review the existing environmental and infrastructure monitoring programmes.
• Review existing information and data management and report programme.
• Provide recommendations for the improvement of the programmes to ensure compliance with permit conditions.
• Produce the design SPMP document to be submitted to the Agency using the relevant report template.

The design SPMP is usually completed within 4 weeks of commission depending upon the size and complexity of the installation. Costs for an initial design SPMP start from £1200.00 excluding VAT.

Call us on 0114 230 6048 to discuss how we can help you with your monitoring programme, or email us at to find out more.