Classified installations ? Authorization request

Authorization to operate a facility classified for environmental protection (ICPE) is an administrative authorization issued to a petitioner who has applied to the prefect of the département in which the activity is planned.

An application for an ICPE authorization may be accepted, but may also be refused with reasons. The response given by the authorities within an average period of 12 to 15 months – corresponds to the procedure for examining the – file, and is always associated with regulatory requirements and technical specifications to be met.

This is why the petitioner must accompany his letter of application with a substantial, well-argued file demonstrating the acceptability of the risk, so that the authorities can issue a tailor-made authorization, i.e. one that is adapted to the specific nature of the project, to local environmental and health conditions, to the best available techniques that are economically acceptable, and to national regulatory requirements.

This procedure is explained by the fact that the public authorities take into account the pollution, nuisance and risks that may be produced by the operation and affect not only populations, but also property and the environment in general.