EPA appoints interim approved assessor

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has appointed Certification Europe as an interim approved assessor pending the establishment of the national panel of approved assessors later in the year.

Operators are obliged to continue to hold up-to-date certification during the interim period. It is an offence to operate an installation without up-to-date certification and local authorities will be encouraged to take appropriate enforcement action against uncertified operators.

Certificates with a shorter duration than three years, at least backdated to the expiry date of the previous certificate, can be issued to operators who have allowed their certificates to lapse.

The EPA will prepare updated guidance for operators to assist in the implementation of the new regulations.