The Permitting Company provide Environmental Permit Surrender Application services to existing operators of waste management facilities who are looking to surrender their permit.
Whether your site has ceased operations or your activities no longer require regulation, surrendering an environmental permit is a critical process, it’s not as simple as just handing it back or ceasing to trade.
A properly managed surrender ensures you meet the legal obligations and avoid future liabilities. The surrender must confirm that your site no longer poses a risk to the environment.
At the Permitting Company we can manage the entire process, from assessing the suitability and determining whether the application fallings under the criteria for a low-risk surrender or high risk, preparing technical documentation and liaising with the Environment Agency.
What are the Different Types of Surrender Applications?
Low Risk Surrender
Low risk surrender applications do not require on site invasive testing but need to be pre-agreed with your local Environment Agency Officer in the first instance.
The Environment Agency will use the historical data of the site in relation to the waste operation to determine if they believe through its operation there has been a risk of pollution.
High Risk Surrender
A high risk surrender application does involve invasive testing and a more extensive assessment to prove that that the site will not leave a legacy of pollution.
High risk surrenders are often complicated and require pollution testing protocols to be deployed.
This is to demonstrate that the site and surrounding area is free from pollutants.
If evidence shows that pollutants are present, then remediation would be required.
Partial Surrender
A partial surrender is where part of the permitted area is being released from regulation, therefore reducing the permit boundary.
You still must assess that risk of a legacy of pollution.
How much does a permit surrender cost?
The Environment Agency fees will be calculated based on the type of surrender application your making and permit type that is to be surrendered. For example, If you are surrendering a standard rules permit and it qualifies for a low risk surrender, then the fee would be 20% of the surrender application fee as seen in the table of charges published by the Environment Agency. If the application was a deemed a full surrender, then the full fee would apply as per the table of charges.
What documents are required to complete a surrender application?
Throughout the lifetime of the site being operational, documentation relating to the activity should be retained which will help with the surrender application. This will range from:
Internal Reports
CAR Reports
Site Diary
Maintenance logs
Evidence showing the site clear of all waste
Site Condition Report
EA Application Forms
Schedule 5 Notifications
Why does it matter?
Surrendering your permit gives closure both financially and legally. Leaving a site without formally surrendering the permit can leave you open to:
Ongoing Permit Charges
Compliance Obligations
Potential Enforcement Actions
How we can help?
Incorrect or incomplete surrender applications are a common cause of delay and or refusal. We ensure all technical requirements are met, minimising the risk of refusal and unnecessary additional investigations and costs. The Permitting Company can provide the following service:
Initial suitability review
Development of a Site Condition Report
Design and management of any sampling/monitoring that may be required
Preparation of the Surrender Application Pack
Liaison with the Environment Agency through the process
Our team has supported permit surrenders projects across the UK. Contact us today for a non-obligation discussion.
Why work with us?
At The Permitting Company we are more that just consultants – we’re your partners in achieving compliant successful waste operations. Here is why our clients chose us:
Regulator insight
With years of experience navigating complex environmental regulations, we ensure your application meets all permitting requirements efficiently and without unnecessary delays.
Specialist in the sector
As specialists in environmental permitting compliance, we bring the knowledge, experience and precision needed to help your project suceed from concept to completion.
Fast turnaround
We understand the importance of timescales. Our efficient processes and strong relationships with regulators help us deliver permitting solutions quickly without compromising quality.
Stay ahead of your future subsistence fees with a speedy surrender application
Let The Permitting Company complete your surrender to avoid future Environment Agency fees which will be invoiced for regardless if your site is operational or dormant. Fast, accurate, and designed to get your permit surrendered to save you from future liabilities
Please get in touch for a no obligation discussion
The Permitting Company are one of the most competitively priced permitting consultancies in United Kingdom. Because every site and application is unique, there are no standard prices when it comes to applications for Environmental Permits.