Installations classées pour la protection de l'environnement (ICPE)

Any person (moral or individual) who wishes to operate an installation (be it industrial or not) must enquire on their situation regarding the regulation of classified installations. If at least one of the installation they own or operate is subjected to declaration, they must submit a declaration file. Where the project requires a building permit, the declaration file and the building request must be submitted simultaneously. The declaration procedure is quite simple and the case is generally examined within the period of a month. As soon as the file has been completed, the préfet (French representative of administrative authorities) delivers the receipt and provides the declarant with a copy of the general requirements which are applicable to the installation. These requirements define the conditions of installation and operation with which the installation must comply. The delivery of the receipt allows for the beginning of the operation within a three-year delay after which the document is no longer valid. A copy of the declaration receipt and the requirements is sent to the maire (French mayor) which has it then posted in the Town Hall for a period of one month.