sewage works permit

Prerequisites

Waste water systems are to be set up, operated and maintained in such a way that the requirements for waste water disposal are met. Wastewater treatment plants that require a permit must be built, operated and maintained according to the state of the art.

Documents required

The required documents depend on the wastewater that is to be discharged into the wastewater treatment plant. The requirements according to §§ 2 to 6 IZÜV (industrial sewage treatment plant approval and monitoring ordinance) must be taken into account when preparing the documents. In addition, a water law permit or indirect discharger permit must be applied for or a change to this.

Please note

The approval requirement according to Section 60, Paragraph 3 of the WHG applies to independently operated industrial wastewater treatment plants that are not ancillary facilities within the meaning of Section 1, Paragraph 2, No. 2 of the 4th BImSchV. Furthermore, the waste water must come from one or more plants according to the Industrial Emissions Directive (IE-RL) and not fall under the Municipal Waste Water Directive (91/271/EEC).

Deadlines

The application must be submitted at an early stage, as a waste water treatment plant in question may only be operated with a permit.

Procedure

• preliminary vote
• Submission of the documents according to § 3 paragraph 1 and 2 IZÜV
• Check for completeness
• If necessary, consultation and additional demands
• Examination of the need for a permit
• notice

Processing time

The processing time depends on the quality and scope of the applications and documents submitted.

Fees

An administrative fee is payable for approval. The administration fee is based on the national regulations on administration fees.


In Hamburg, the fee according to the environmental fee schedule is up to €289,000, depending on the production costs of the system, but at least €500 (Annex 1, Section 4.10 UmwGebO).

Legal remedies

Objections to the decision can be filed within one month of notification.

Legal basis

Section 60 paragraph 3 of the Water Resources Act (WHG)

The construction, operation and significant modification of certain wastewater treatment plants require approval in Germany. The definition of which wastewater treatment plants this applies to can be found in Article 60, Paragraph 3 of the WHG. See also notes/particularities. According to Section 60 (4) WHG, a notification may be sufficient instead of a permit if there is a change in the location, nature or operation of a facility that can have an impact on the environment.