The second step is “Permitting Framework”. In this step we make sure all necessary conditions are met so the permitting officers can do their work in an efficient and effective way.
The following conditions should be in place:
- Adequate education and training
- Good guidance
- Agreements on coordination and internal and external advice Clear procedures
- Protocols for communication, information management and information exchange
- Clear instructions
- Checklists
- Technical literature
- IT systems for:
- Planning
- Monitoring procedures
- Preparation of permits
- Registration of applications, decisions (permits) and appeals
- Means of transport and communication
- Personal safety equipment
Ensuring good quality of the work can be done by:
- Making sure national legislation is not hindering the developments in Best Available Techniques;
- The development of national studies on BAT;
- Organising seminars for the permitting division;
- Enhancing the expertise of staff by participation in experts working groups;
- By combining the opinion of other advisory bodies into a joint opinion;
- Working with an authorised person;
- Cooperation with other governmental authorities;
- Improving the skills of the officers by specialisation in a specific part of industry;
- Peer reviewing of the permits, e.g. by a senior member;
- By training permitting officers and inspectors;
- Cooperation between colleagues, e.g. setting up a team with lawyers and different specialists and inspector that have input during the permitting procedure; Following clear procedures while issuing or refusing permits;
- Use of templates and standard text blocks for permit conditions that are maintained and up to date for use;
- Good communication and information exchange between departments and staff by certification of the permitting procedure;
- Pre-consultation between the competent authority and the operator.