IRI Reports

The Basque Environmental Inspection Unit conducts about 140 complete inspections per year for 275 IED installations based on risk assessments using the IRAM tool. Inspection reports are publicly available online. The unit also utilizes external organizations for inspecting 3000 non-IED installations. The report highlights good practices like public access to information, collaboration with universities, and the use of external technical assistance for incident response. It suggests improvements such as simplified reporting, smaller sanctions, and the use of drones for inspections

This report details a 2023 IMPEL Review Initiative (IRI) assessing Ireland's National Transfrontier Shipment of Waste Office (NTFSO), operated by Dublin City Council. The IRI, a voluntary scheme for evaluating environmental authorities, examined the NTFSO's administrative processes, IT systems, inspection and enforcement practices, and collaborations with partners. The review highlighted numerous good practices, particularly concerning the new IT system and inter-agency cooperation, while also identifying opportunities for improvement in areas like risk assessment and data sharing. The report's findings aim to help the NTFSO enhance its waste management compliance and enforcement. The authors thank participating staff and acknowledge that the report's content does not necessarily reflect the views of all involved administrations.

This report details a 2023 Iceland IMPEL review of the Environment Agency of Iceland (EAI). The review, part of a voluntary scheme for environmental authorities, assessed the EAI's performance across the regulatory cycle, focusing on strategic alignment, permitting, inspections, and fish farming. The report highlights numerous good practices but also identifies opportunities for improvement, particularly in data management, risk assessment methodologies, and the coordination of training and enforcement. Recommendations include developing a national training program, improving data-driven decision-making, and enhancing cooperation with other agencies. The IMPEL network's role in providing expertise and support is emphasized.

This report details a voluntary environmental authority review conducted in Estonia by the IMPEL network. The review, focusing on permitting and inspections related to industrial emissions, waste, and water, assessed Estonian practices against European best practices. Key findings highlighted Estonia's effective use of technology and proactive planning, but also identified opportunities for improvement in areas like communication, enforcement, and resource management. The report offers recommendations for enhancing efficiency, compliance, and collaboration within the Estonian environmental agencies. The review team lauded the professionalism and dedication of Estonian environmental staff.

This report details an IMPEL (European Union Network for the Implementation and Enforcement of Environmental Law) review of Slovakia's Environmental Inspectorate (SEI) and its Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) Department. The review assessed the SEI's performance, identifying both good practices (such as public engagement and information transparency) and areas needing improvement. Key recommendations focused on improving efficiency, such as streamlining the organizational structure, clarifying roles, and adopting a more outcome-oriented approach. The report also analyzes the SEI's permitting and inspection procedures, suggesting changes to enhance effectiveness and reduce high non-compliance rates. Finally, a site visit to a cement company is described to illustrate the findings.

The report identifies good practices and development opportunities for the IRA in several areas, including internal engagement and coordination, business planning, quality management, information and data systems, the inspection process, compliance and enforcement, training and development, communication with operators, resource utilization, incident response, and communication with the public

The report describes the regulatory framework of environmental protection in Slovenia, including the roles of the Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning (MOP), the Environmental Agency of the Republic of Slovenia (ARSO), the Slovenian Water Agency (DRSV), and IRSOP

It highlights the challenges of poaching and illegal hunting in Italy, especially the killing of migratory birds in the Messina Street area, and the importance of collaboration between Corpo Forestale and NGOs. The document also discusses the complexity of Italian environmental law, the use of DNA analysis, the importance of intelligence sharing between countries, and the need for better coordination and resource planning. The IRI resulted in several recommendations for improvement, including updating and streamlining legislation, increasing penalties for offenses, improving collaboration with prosecutors, implementing a system for standardizing ring sizes for birds, and establishing a national coordination mechanism for enforcement agencies. The report emphasizes the good practices of Corpo Forestale, such as the use of a national police databank, the ability to check hunters' homes without a warrant, and the use of specialized units and operations. The report also notes the value of the EcoMafia book and the close collaboration between Corpo Forestale and NGOs

The "Session 4_FR 2016 22.1 (IRI Turkey2).pdf" report details an IMPEL review in Turkey in 2016, focusing on environmental regulation, including permitting, inspections, and Seveso. It notes Turkey's impressive framework, use of online permits, and on-site inspection reports. The review team suggested improving public communication

The report focuses on environmental inspections in Styria. It praises thorough preparation, identifies development opportunities, and acknowledges all ingredients for RMCEI and IED compliance. Key areas for improvement include enhancing the role of the Province in inspections, streamlining procedures, and developing guidance and training for inspectors

The report details an IMPEL review of the Czech Environmental Inspectorate (CEI). The CEI is a dedicated organization with committed staff. It has a good website and strong coordination with other agencies. The report suggests improvements in several areas, such as developing clear environmental goals and expanding enforcement tools

This report details an IMPEL review of the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning (MESP) in Kosovo. The MESP is a young and ambitious organization that has made strides in environmental policy and legislation. The review identifies opportunities for improvement in implementation, permitting, and inspections. The report emphasizes the need for a system of General Binding Rules, better cooperation with industry, and more effective enforcement strategies

his report details an informal review of the Malta Environment & Planning Authority (MEPA). The review focused on permitting, inspection, and enforcement activities. It identified good practices such as rigorous regulatory strategies and effective permitting systems, a

This report summarizes an informal review of the Centre for Economic Development (DCMR). The review focused on permitting and inspection, particularly regarding IED/IPPC and Seveso industries. The report noted DCMR's sophisticated systems and public engagement, as well as opportunities for improvement in areas like permit reviews

This report details an informal review of environmental authorities in Finland, focusing on the Ministry for the Environment, the Centre for Economic Development (ELY), and the Regional State Administrative Agency (AVI). The review covered permitting and inspection, particularly regarding the IPPC/IED Directive. It highlights the collaborative nature of the Finnish system and its transparency, as well as areas for development

This report summarizes an informal review of the Environment Agency of Iceland (EAI), focusing on permitting and inspection. It identifies good practices such as an independent appellate committee and the use of a flexible database for inspections, as well as opportunities for development such as cost recovery for permitting and site-specific risk assessments

This report details a review of the Lombardy Environmental Protection Agency (ARPA), focusing on inspection and enforcement of the IPPC and SEVESO Directives. It highlights good practices such as integrated IPPC inspections and well-organized planning, and opportunities for improvement such as better use of available data

This report summarizes an informal review of the State Environmental Service (SES) of Latvia, focusing on permitting and inspection. The review highlighted good practices, including collaborative work with other agencies and a well-developed SEVESO commission, and opportunities for development such as workload planning and resource allocation

This report details a review of the Croatian Ministry of Environmental Protection, Physical Planning and Construction (MEPPPC). The review focused on the inspection and enforcement of the IPPC and SEVESO Directives. It identified strengths, such as a strong mission statement, a systematic training system and a 24-hour emergency response, as well as areas for development

The IMPEL review of the Portuguese Environmental and Spatial Planning General Inspectorate (IGAOT) identified several examples of good practices, such as the centralized complaint system, information systems, and problem-solving objectives. The review also suggested opportunities for development, such as multi-annual objectives and more efficient inspection reporting

The IMPEL Review Initiative (IRI) report summarizes seven trial reviews of environmental inspectorates, concluding the scheme is valuable. It recommends continuing the scheme, retaining its features and purposes. The report also notes the need for a pool of team leaders and a revised questionnaire

This report summarizes an informal review of the Chief Inspectorate of Environmental Protection (CIEP) and the Voivodship Inspectorates of Environmental Protection (VIEP) in Poland. The review focused on inspection activities related to the IPPC and Seveso Directives. It identified good practices like clear appeals structures and a wide range of inspection types as well as opportunities for improvement such as consistency among permitting authorities

The IMPEL review of the Norwegian Pollution Control Authority (SFT) concluded that the objectives of EC environmental law were being delivered to a high standard. The review identified good practices such as consolidated regulations, a public hearing system, and administrative fines. Opportunities for development include reporting on enforcement actions and reviewing consistency between the SFT and County Governors

The IMPEL review of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) concluded that the objectives of EC environmental law were being delivered to a high standard. The review highlighted SEPA's risk-based methodologies, especially the OPRA system, as good practices. Opportunities for development include making costs in the charging scheme more explicit and streamlining the process for taking a report recommending prosecution

he IMPEL review of the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) found that EC environmental law objectives are being met at a high standard. The review noted good practices such as the Self-Monitoring System and the comprehensive Environmental Code. Opportunities for development include quantifying objectives and improving public access to information.

he review of the DRIRE Nord Pas-de-Calais in France noted its clear lines of responsibility and comprehensive environmental law. Advice included enhancing local priorities in work planning and considering rotating inspectors

he review of the Inspection Service in Galicia, Spain, highlighted its integrated approach and cooperation with the laboratory service. Advice included clarifying responsibilities under Seveso II and improving liaison with permitting authorities

The review of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Ireland highlighted its certified Quality Management System and IT support. Advice included publishing an enforcement plan and seeking powers for permit revocation

The review of the Province of Overijssel noted its clear separation of permitting and enforcement, and a 24/7 environmental surveillance service. Recommendations included reviewing inspection targets and considering permit fees

he review of the GAA Mannheim highlighted its specialized support and internal communication. Advice included developing inspection planning and considering EC BREFs. The GAA is responsible for a range of environmental and safety regulations