ICPEs are Classified Installations for the Protection of the Environment. These are companies, industrial sites or agricultural operations of a certain size, which undertake this process to build their project in the most responsible way possible.

For larger projects, this involves a serious and realistic study of all the nuisances that could potentially arise in connection with the project, and the construction of a plan to minimize these risks and repair them if necessary.

These risks may be linked to the planned activity or to the location of the project (for example in a particularly fragile or specific area).

ICPEs are classified into different categories depending on their size and the risk they represent: from the Declaration regime to Prefectural Authorization, including Registration in between.

Methanization sites in France are ICPE and therefore comply with rules regarding installation, construction, operation and cessation of activity. The potential dangers associated with methanizers are gas emissions, odors and explosion risks.

To obtain the installation permit and the ICPE title, the managers of methane digesters construct a detailed file which presents all the characteristics of their project:

• Administrative: site maps, networks, forms, installation description, etc.
• Impact studies and measures taken to mitigate them on various subjects: the environment (and surrounding natural environments), the installation itself and potential accidents, atmospheric emissions, health and social risks (involvement of surrounding populations), etc.
• Waste management plan
• Water management plan
• Other specific topics depending on the site

In general, those responsible for methanization projects call on specialized consultants or environmental engineers to prepare this file which requires complex expertise (for example Studeis, Impact Environnement, the Chambers of Agriculture, GES, ARDIE concept, etc.).

The implementation of this file is also essential during major modifications to an existing installation, such as an increase in size or capacity.

The file, once established, will serve as a basis for the competent authorities to evaluate the project and grant or not the authorizations necessary for its realization.

ICPEs are then required to comply with strict environmental standards that may vary depending on the region and local authorities. Local authorities are responsible for enforcing ICPE regulations and ensuring that the companies concerned comply with the necessary standards and safety measures.

In summary, the ICPE file is a crucial tool to ensure that any new large-scale installation is managed responsibly, minimizing risks to the environment, public health and safety. And thus maximizing the overall positive impact of this type of installation – in the case of methanizers, good waste management, revaluation into green energy, improvement of the French energy mix, etc.

For more information on the subject, do not hesitate to contact us: contact@methappro.fr