BREF checklists

The implementation of BAT as described in the BREFs is supported by the use of BREF-checklists. These checklists are made up by the BAT-centre and serve as a guideline for discussion between the operator and the permit writer. The checklists list all BAT-techniques that are described in the BAT-chapter of the BREF, together with the associated emission levels. The goal is to check whether individual plants already apply the mentioned techniques and/or whether their emissions comply with the BAT associated levels. The filled-out list is a starting point to decide whether further actions are needed. This may result in a revision of the permit.
Checklists are a valuable instrument to check compliance with the BREF on an installation basis. They are used in Belgium in the permitting of IPPC installations. Other countries have followed this example. As an example the checklist for Cold Rolling Mills, as taken from the BREF Ferrous Metals Processing, can be found here .
The checklist is not used as an official document. It serves as an instrument to facilitate the discussions between the operator and the local permit writer, concerning the application of techniques. After discussion of the filled-out list, a decision needs to be taken, whether any further action is required. For this a standard decision scheme has been made up. The lists for all BREF sectors (in Dutch) can be consulted and printed on the website of the BAT-centre.